Caro Nilsson
North Temple Murals: Wings to Fly, Wings to Swim, Wings to Return to the Sky, Again,
2026
Paint
The Mural's Inspiration
Wings to Fly, Wings to Swim, Wings to Return to the Sky, Again explores the idea of home and the many ways it is understood and experienced. Centered on themes of resilience, interconnectedness, and love, the mural draws inspiration from cormorants, migratory birds that move between water and sky and travel thousands of miles along routes that connect both Utah and Mexico. The artwork reflects the ways people carry the places they come from with them, shaping and enriching the communities in which they live. For Caro Nilsson, participation in the North Temple Mural Program provided a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a neighborhood shaped by care, connection, and community. Working with La Diana Market offered a firsthand glimpse into a gathering place rooted in family and belonging. The finished mural stands as a reflection of the relationships she formed and her time spent along the Jordan River corridor, honoring both the people and the place that inspired its creation.
The North Temple Mural Program
During the summer and fall of 2026, North Temple was transformed into a vibrant outdoor gallery through the creation of six new murals. Each mural resulted from a unique partnership between a local business and a local artist selected from the Public Art Program’s Pre-Qualified Artist Pool. Business owners generously provided their walls as canvases, while artists created site-specific works inspired by the neighborhood’s people, history, culture, and distinct identity.
Program Funding and Impact
Funded by the Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency (CRA) and administered by the Salt Lake City Arts Council, this initiative brought new color, energy, and creativity to the corridor while celebrating the rich cultural identity already thriving within the community. By supporting small businesses and elevating local artists, the project strengthened neighborhood connections and fostered a deeper sense of place. Together, the six murals form a dynamic collection of public artworks that contribute to a more vibrant streetscape while honoring the stories, people, and perspectives that shape North Temple
Artist's Connection to Utah
For Caro Nilsson (@caroznilsson), this neighborhood was her introduction to Utah. She recalls commuting along the Jordan River Trail between Poplar Grove and Cottonwood Park, watching trout jump in spring and following bufflehead footprints in winter snow. “This place was my introduction to Utah, a place my life transformed,” she says. “It is an honor to be able to paint here!”
Photo credit: Salt Lake City Media
Location
La Diana Market
56 South 900 West
District 2
Artwork featured in header: Sun, Moon, & All Things In-Between by Michael Moonbird and Victoria Lyons
