WHERE THE WILD THINGS BLOOM

Where the Wild Things Bloom is a celebration of the rich biodiversity of the Columbia River Gorge and the intricate relationships that sustain life within it. Inspired by the region’s native wildflowers, wildlife, waterways, and ecosystems, the mural invites viewers to explore a landscape woven together by diversity, movement, and connection.

From pollinators and birds to fish, mammals, fungi, and native plants, each element of the mural represents a vital thread in the web of life. Together, they tell a story of coexistence and interdependence, reminding us that healthy ecosystems thrive when many species live in balance with one another.

Created during the White Salmon Wildflower Festival, the mural reflects the beauty, resilience, and abundance of the Gorge while honoring the natural world that surrounds and sustains our community. It is both a celebration of place and an invitation to look more closely at the remarkable life that flourishes all around us.

We invite you to explore the artist bios below to learn more about the creative vision behind the mural and the artists who transformed this wall into a vibrant public artwork.

Thank you for taking the time to experience Where the Wild Things Bloom. May it inspire curiosity, appreciation, and a deeper connection to the landscapes and living communities that make the Columbia River Gorge so extraordinary.

Angela LoJacono Bio

Angela LoJacono is a Columbia Gorge-based painter known for her vibrant wildlife artwork and lifelong fascination with the natural world. Often called the “Painter of Critters,” her work celebrates the details, textures, colors, and stories that make animals so endlessly fascinating. Through bold paintings and educational videos on social media, including her Critter-sodes series on Instagram, Ang shares the cool, weird, and wonderful facts about wildlife that inspire her creativity.

Whether she’s painting a tiny moth, a giant jellyfish, or her first public mural, her goal is the same: to encourage curiosity, help people slow down and notice the incredible creatures around them, and foster a deeper connection to the natural world. This mural marks Ang’s first public art project and reflects her love of wildlife, community, and creative connection.
@_angelalojaconoart
www.angelalojacono.com

Mary Garcia Bio

Mary Garcia is a Columbia River Gorge-based Artist and Biology teacher whose work lives at the intersection of curiosity, creativity, and the natural world. Inspired by the forests, rivers, and shifting seasons of the Columbia River Gorge, she explores the patterns, shapes and stories hidden in everyday encounters with nature. Whether she’s foraging for fungi, rafting, playing roller derby or mountain biking a forest trail, the landscape continually finds its way into her art.

Working across marbling, block printing, gouache painting, video, and other experimental media, Garcia embraces play as a form of discovery. With a background in both Science & Art; her multidisciplinary practice reflects both the wonder of a scientist and the imagination of an artist with a vibrant aesthetic. Her work has been exhibited throughout the Columbia River Gorge and beyond and continues to evolve alongside her adventures into the wilder.

@marythewilder

 

Color Outside the Lines

Working with Anna Barlow and Color Outside the Lines was one of the highlights of bringing our community mural to life in White Salmon. From our very first conversations, Anna’s communication, professionalism, and genuine passion for public art were evident.

Anna expertly managed every aspect of our large-scale mural project, keeping artists, partners, and stakeholders informed while ensuring every detail stayed on track. Her deep understanding of the mural process was invaluable, and her experience helped us navigate the many moving pieces that come with a project of this scale.

What impressed me most was Anna’s unwavering dedication—not only to the success of our mural but to the mission of Color Outside the Lines. Her generosity, commitment, and belief in the power of public art made what could have been an overwhelming project feel achievable. Without her leadership and tireless efforts, this mural simply would not have come together in the timeframe it did.

Anna is an incredible advocate for artists and communities alike. I am deeply grateful for her partnership and would enthusiastically recommend Color Outside the Lines to any community looking to create meaningful, lasting public art.

— Julie Burgmeier

Learn More:  Color Outside the Lines