Downtown Elko is about to go through a transformation bigger than any it has seen since the railroad tracks were moved out in the early 1980s.
September 26-29 will bring the Elko Mural Expo
The Elko Arts and Cultural Advisory Board along with state non-profit organization Art Spot Reno have teamed to bring a large mural exposition and art festival to downtown Elko.
Art Spot Reno sponsored the Reno Mural Expo in 2017 which transformed more than 20,000 square feet of wall space into vibrant art in downtown and midtown Reno. The Reno Expo was such a success Art Spot Reno decided to take the mural expo concept on the road. Eric Brooks and Geralda Miller with Art Spot contacted the Elko Arts and Culture Advisory Board in 2018 about bringing a mural exposition to Elko. They will be giving Elko a similar treatment, vivifying dozens of downtown walls with a wide range of artistic styles and subjects, some tapping into the areas rich, proud cultural history.
Live mural painting, with 10 local artists, 25 regional artists, and two international artists will spend four days painting, on more than 30 walls of local businesses and public spaces. The muralists will be the stars of the Expo but they will be accompanied by art lectures, film screenings, live music, workshops, mural tours, an Elko DBA sponsored special wine walk, and urban art exhibits in local downtown galleries.
Internationally known muralist, Erik Burke painted a kickoff mural on the east wall of Ogi Deli last October. The mural is a celebration of Basque culture with a Basque girl, accordion player, and “carved” Aspen trees by the Elko communities Basque elders. Burke will return to Elko for more painting during the Expo.
Major sponsors for the Expo thus far include the Elko DBA, the City of Elko, and Stockmen’s Hotel Casino.