A Mural for the People: How the White Salmon Wine Walk Is Bringing Art—and Community—to Life
During this year’s White Salmon Wildflower Festival, something beautiful is blooming right in the heart of town—not just in the hillsides and gardens, but on the very walls of our community. Thanks to funds raised by the White Salmon Wine Walk, a brand-new public mural will be painted on the front of Marcel, one of downtown’s most creative storefronts. But this isn’t just a mural—it’s a reflection of connection, creativity, and community involvement.
The mural is the work of local artist Molly Holmlund, whose creative roots run deep. “My artistic journey began in childhood,” she shares. “I was fortunate to grow up with parents who met in art school, so I always had access to art supplies and encouragement to create.” Molly studied fine art at the University of Cincinnati and is known for her thoughtful, nature-inspired designs.
Her concept for the mural draws directly from her connection to the natural world. “I’m fascinated by shapes, light, and color,” she says. “Nature inspires me, especially during walks in the woods, where I observe a variety of shapes illuminated by ever-changing light.” For this piece, she’s incorporating simple shapes inspired by fallen petals, leaves, and seedlings—a quiet but powerful nod to the wildflower season we’re celebrating.
But perhaps the most exciting part? This mural is for everyone. In a true community-driven spirit, Molly is outlining the mural to be painted in a paint-by-number format, inviting locals and visitors alike to join in. “A mural is so big it needs to be shared,” she says. “It becomes part of the community. This will be a fun, hands-on way for people to experience the process of creating public art.”
The mural will come to life on the facade of Marcel, a shop curated and owned by designer and artist Amy Nowatzki. Amy has long believed that murals are more than decoration—they’re storytelling. “Murals tell the story of a place,” she says. “They invite everyone to pause, reflect, and wonder.”
For Amy, who grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan and found beauty in every season, this mural is deeply personal. “The front of my building feels like a blank canvas that’s calling out—‘Paint me!’” she says. “The theme is connection, balance, and community. There’s a rhythm and energy in the landscape here that mirrors the spirit of our town. I want this mural to reflect that.”
And it will. With support from the White Salmon Wine Walk, which has raised over $26,000 for downtown beautification since its inception, the mural joins a list of community-funded projects, including sidewalk gardens, murals, sculptures, benches, garbage cans, and holiday lights. It’s proof that when a small town comes together, big things can happen—beautiful things.
The mural will also feature a painted metal sculpture of chairs on the top of the building—a symbol of gathering and welcome. As Amy puts it: “Our community is filled with love and support. I hope the mural sparks joy and helps people feel more connected to their surroundings. More than anything, I want folks to feel welcome—to come into a shared space and feel a part of something bigger.”
Want to help paint the mural? Follow @explorewhitesalmon and @marcel.good.goods on Instagram for painting dates and times.
Because here in White Salmon, when we paint a wall, we’re building something more than art—we’re building community.
