Stephen J. Kesler
Out of the Blue, 2022 Fiberglass and steel
This full-size sculpture of a humpback whale breaching out from the roundabout is designed to complement and augment the unique and welcoming identity of the 9th and 9th area. Kesler-who was introduced to the neighborhood as a teenager and spent nearly two decades in this community working on art, music, and eventually starting a family-describes 9th and 9th as “unexpected and out of the blue. A community where people from all backgrounds, beliefs and ideas migrate and feel a sense of belonging. A community that bursts through expectations; that commands respect for nature, and varied ideas and identities…” Out of the Blue is a symbol of community, resilience, and harmony.
This project is made possible through the Salt Lake City Public Art Program, a service of the Salt Lake City Arts Council, and with support from the Salt Lake Art Design Board, Salt Lake City’s Engineering and Transportation departments, the East Liberty Park Community Organization, and the 9th and 9th community.
Located at the intersection of 900 South and 1100 East in Salt Lake City, Utah
Out of the Blue reflects the dynamism of the 9th and 9th community by hosting a rotating mural that changes every several years. This allows the artwork to be transformed and be re-interpreted over time.
Current mural:
Mike Murdock
Point of Reference, 2022
This mural is an abstract interpretation of the sunrises and sunsets the artist experienced from this intersection over a period of 11 years.
