BY SIERRA CHRISTIE
The Star-News
The McCall Ski Heritage Foundation is seeking public comments on three final designs and a tagline for a mural to be painted on Lake Street in McCall this summer.
The mural is planned for the south facing wall of 302 E. Lake St. in McCall. The building is currently occupied by Sadie Noah Real Estate, Little Ski Hill and the McCall Ski Heritage Foundation.
The foundation’s goal is for the mural art to focus on the history and culture of skiing in the area and to encourage youth to be outdoors.
“McCall’s ski culture has long inspired McCall youth with confidence, social growth, and appreciation for nature. The culture of skiing in McCall is founded on creating outdoor activities for everyone to experience,” said Lyle Nelson, foundation board member.
The three designs by artist Odessa Kaufman of Chalk & Cloud Murals include a skier jumping above McCall and the Payette River, a skier flying down the “A-jump” at Brundage Mountain Resort and a backcountry skier above McCall.
A survey on the three design options is available at https:/mccallskiheritagefoundation.org/.
The survey will remain open through June 2.
The mural is funded by the foundation, which budgeted $7,500 to cover costs and future maintenance. The foundation expects the mural will be completed by August and it is expected to last for five years.
The foundation collaborated with the City of McCall Public Art Advisory Committee for the project.
The final design will be approved in June by a four-member mural committee from the ski heritage foundation.
The foundation selected Odessa Kaufman’s business Chalk & Cloud to create the mural.
Kaufman lived in McCall for 10 years and has created murals in the Treasure Valley and Oregon.
“I spent a decade hiking, kayaking, morel hunting, and playing in these mountains,” she said. “It feels very natural and humbling to give back with a piece of art for the community.”
Kaufman designed the three options for the mural with the goal to engage the viewer and enhance the environment, Kaufman said.
“This is particularly important in a place like McCall, where people are deeply connected to their town; we want to create a piece of art that everyone can embrace, whether they are local or just passing through,” she said.
