The Downtown Pullman Association Design Committee and the Pullman Arts Foundation have partnered to bring life to the back side of the Thomas Hammer Coffee/Lily Bee’s building on Main Street in downtown Pullman. This building has a significant impact on the Downtown River Walk as it is large, highly visible, and across the river from the trail. Work is underway to create a mural, titled the “Riverside Mural,” which will capture a sense of place, highlight the natural environment, and add a splash of fun and color along the river and trail.

The DPA/PAF Mural Committee has selected artist and landscape architect, Tori Shao from a group of 16 applicants. She has created three concepts that continue the beauty of the river edge and Palouse landscape up the side of the building while creating a sense of discovery for children to find the “hidden wildlife.”

DPA/PFA have applied for and received two grants; one from the Chamber of Commerce Community Investment Fund and one from the Pullman Civic Trust. In addition, the building owner and individual donations have contributed to making the project halfway to the fundraising goal of $30,000. This is a difficult site that requires insured, professional scaffolding, and safety measures to protect the river, the painters, the team of artists, and the non-profit volunteer organizations leading this project.

The goal is to raise the next $15,000 by August 15th and be finished painting the mural in September. Any funds over this amount will go to support future public art projects on the Palouse. Your tax-deductible donation to this community enhancement project by mailing a check to the Downtown Pullman Association, 126 S. Grand Ave. Pullman WA 99163, with a note specifying “The Riverside Mural.” There is also a Go-Fund-Me link https://www.gofundme.com/pullman-riverside-mural DPA Treasurer, Tom Handy, is the grants manager for the project.