Artists to Unveil Largest Mural in Arizona

After two years, the “Sound of Flight” mural on the east side of the Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff is complete. The artists are throwing a grand Dedication Celebration on Saturday November 7th, from 2-5pm.

Come on down to the East Orpheum wall at 15 W. Aspen Ave. for an afternoon of food, refreshments and entertainment. Flagstaff’s own Sambatuque will open the event and performances from Flagstaff Aerialists and the young and talented musicians of “Tow’rs” will take place right in front of the mural. Prescott’s own, Jonathan Best, will be showing off the outlandish keyboard and looping technique that has inspired some to call him a musical genius. Just like the mural itself, be sure to expect a few surprises during the free afternoon of festivities.

Sky Black and Mural Mice artists R.E. Wall and Margaret Dewar began the painting effort for the “Sound of Flight” mural in 2014, and believe the 4500 square foot mural to be the largest in the state. Shortly after Black conceived the idea for the mural in 2013, he asked the Mural Mice, a veteran team with murals throughout Arizona to join the effort. Together the artists united with the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project to raise funds. The “Sound of Flight” mural was created with community support from ninety local business sponsors and over 500 individual donations. The project was also made possible through grants from the BBB tax ,which are awarded by the Flagstaff Arts Council and the Beautification and Public Art Commission.

“It’s a symphony of color,” said local artist, Shonto Begay who has been a friend and supporter of the project. The mural is influenced by classical art with Sky Black’s characteristic surrealist tendency. The striking image of a hundred birds flying out of an ornately decorated grand piano depicts the climax of a song. The birds make their way across the wall past the twenty-five foot figures of Michelangelo’s “David” and a woman in red. They then migrate over the head of a howling wolf and Rodin’s statue, the “Thinker”, and into the sun as it sets on the Grand Canyon.

For the artists, this final event more than marks the completion of their efforts, it’s a chance to thank everyone who has contributed to, supported and appreciated the project as it took form during the past two years. “The project could not have been possible without the generosity of the Flagstaff community,” said Black. The artists invite one and all to this free and final Dedication Celebration for the “Sound of Flight” mural.