Making the Mural: Arizona’s Longest Mural by One Artist - Softcover

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Established in 2022, the Granite Creek Trail Mural Project has as its mission to create outdoor art for public benefit, starting with this mural. At over 400 feet long, it is the longest single contiguous mural by an individual artist in the state of Arizona! Dana Cohn is that artist. The muralist on this Project, he received his Master of Fine Arts at Yale University and has exhibited nationally and internationally.
The story began in May of 2022, when on a hike along the Granite Creek Trail led by Michael Byrd of Prescott Creeks, a group of us arrived just north of the underpass at Gurley Street. There we saw this massive bare concrete wall behind Chase Bank. It was, to say the least, not attractive; and Michael mentioned it might be nice if there was something on the wall. As an artist of over 50 years, I immediately thought of a mural! I am not however, a muralist – a
specialty in the world of art.
I probably seemed like some crazy person to Michael when I mentioned painting a mural along that long concrete wall, but he was very nice about it. Later he learned: Yes, I was
serious, and Prescott Creeks was first to get on board. The very next weekend, I attended a lecture by Dana Cohn, art instructor at Yavapai College, who commented he had done a few murals here. Little did I know I was talking to the artist who has created or worked on over seven murals in the Prescott/ Prescott Valley area, including “PRESCOTT” behind St Michael’s and the Prescott Library mural. I asked Dana after the lecture: “Do you want to paint another mural?” “Sure,” he said. And off we went.
I contacted the city to find out who owned the wall and was told the city did—and Tyler Goodman was very encouraging. We later learned the wall was owned by Chase Bank and Rox Media who, fortunately, were supremely reasonable about the Project. Sharlot Hall and the Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council were also immediately encouraging.
And it has been a whirlwind ever since. We formed a 501c3 Arizona non-profit and began talking to everyone we met. Along the way Rob Strain suggested adding wildlife; so, we did. From there we have received the support of hundreds of residents and businesses.
The finished mural depicts several forest scenes and well-known local landmarks, as well as many of the over 150 species of local birds and other wildlife in those habitats. To ensure accuracy of the species, we worked with ornithologists, photographers, and wildlife and habitat experts who offered to donate photographs and their time to consult on the Project. Sarah Vincent of the Highland Center suggested integrating QR codes, adding an educational component to the beauty the mural displays. The art and this educational element are
available free to all users of the Trail.
We hope this work will spark an Art Walk all along Granite Creek Trail. There is simply no other outdoor art project with the scope and breadth of this one; and it is intended to make Prescott a destination for muralists, bird and nature enthusiasts, students, and art lovers from all over.

Barbara Nelson, Founder

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