ELKO – The Elko Mural Expo swept locals and visitors off their feet in 2019.  Now a new mural event is about to happen thanks to the Elko Art Foundation, numerous sponsors, building owners and artists.  The first ever Elko Art Festival will take place Sept. 9 – 12 near downtown Elko.

“We are super excited to be painting more blank walls downtown,” said Elko Art Foundation member Catherine Wines. “People loved them so much when we did them before we thought we just have to keep going.”

There will be an artist reception from 5 – 7 p.m. at Duncan LittleCreek Gallery Bar Sept. 8.

Artists will paint murals Sept. 9 – 12 between Sixth and Eighth streets and Court and Railroad streets.

On Saturday Sept. 11 the community can experience the full “whammy” with numerous activities going on. 

Community mural painting will happen from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Dumpster painting for the children will also take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Northeastern Nevada Museum is having their Second Saturday event from 10 a.m. to noon. There will be family art bingo from noon to 4 p.m. An artist village will be set up on Idaho Street from noon to 6 p.m.  People can purchase handmade items and watch artisans demonstrate their skills.  The Downtown Business Association Wine Walk goes from 4 – 7 p.m. Rides and Rods Car Show is planning a drive through sometime during the day.  Mural tours are in the plans, but times are not set yet.  Check out the artist village for more information.  

On Sunday Sept. 12 muralists will be finishing their masterpieces.  The artist village will again be open from noon to 4 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend.  There is no charge for the event, but a donation box will be available at the artist village.  Elko Art Foundation is a non-profit organization.  Plans are to make the event an annual occurrence.