Artist Jiyoun Lee-Lodge has been selected to repaint the iconic "Out of the Blue" whale sculpture in Salt Lake City's 9th and 9th neighborhood with a new mural titled "Open Your Eyes," a project scheduled to begin in late August 2026. The new design, inspired by the Great Salt Lake and Utah skies, follows the tradition of the sculpture's rotating murals, which were first established when artist Stephen Kesler created the original piece in 2022.
A Dynamic New Design
The new mural, which will wrap around the giant sculpture in a continuous 360-degree design, is intended to reward pedestrians with a changing perspective as they walk around the roundabout. The design features gradients of pink and blue, flowing wave patterns, and playful dots of color. According to the Salt Lake City Arts Council, the concept is meant to mirror the dynamic and layered nature of the city itself. As a subtle nod to the mural's title, Lee-Lodge will paint one of the whale's eyes open and the other closed.
Competitive Selection Process
The selection of Lee-Lodge was the result of a competitive public Request for Qualifications process that drew 35 applications from artists based in Salt Lake County. Following the initial call, four finalists presented their design concepts to the Salt Lake Art Design Board and neighborhood stakeholders. The board and stakeholders reached a unanimous decision to select Lee-Lodge's concept for the project.
Community Input Shapes Art
The decision-making process for the new artwork included direct community engagement through an online campaign titled "What's Next for the Whale?" hosted on shapeSLC, the city's public participation platform. More than 1,700 residents provided input regarding what they value about the sculpture and the surrounding neighborhood. This community feedback was used to help shape the specific requirements for the artists' proposals.
About the Artist
Lee-Lodge, a Korean-born artist based in Salt Lake City, brings an extensive background in public and installation art to the project. Her professional practice explores themes of identity, belonging, and mental health. Since 2018, her "Waterman" series has examined the concepts of resilience and fragility during periods of transition, such as relocation and the global pandemic. Her previous professional experience includes work in New York for over a decade and commissions such as "The Arrival" at PS 144 Addition in Queens and "The Crossing" at the 600 South TRAX Station.
A History of Rotating Murals
The "Out of the Blue" sculpture was originally installed in 2022 by artist Stephen Kesler. The Public Art Program established a plan to refresh the sculpture every three to five years to ensure the artwork remains current with the neighborhood. The inaugural mural for the sculpture, titled "Point of Reference," was created by artist Michael Murdock in 2022. Murdock, who lived and worked in the 9th and 9th neighborhood for over a decade, designed the original abstract piece to reflect the sunrises and sunsets of the intersection.
Upcoming Unveiling and Celebration
The announcement of the new mural was made during 801 Day on August 1, 2026, which is the fourth annual celebration of Salt Lake City hosted by City Cast Salt Lake. Lee-Lodge is expected to begin painting the mural on-site in late August, with work continuing through September 2026. The community will hold a celebration called "Whale Fest" on Saturday, Oct. 3, to mark the official unveiling of the new design.
Evolving Landmark
The rotating nature of the sculpture allows for constant reinterpretation of the landmark. By commissioning new artists every few years, the city ensures the artwork evolves alongside the community. The Salt Lake City Arts Council noted that the upcoming transformation is the next chapter in the sculpture's ongoing evolution.
