Pet mural makes a comeback in downtown Idaho Falls
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IDAHO FALLS — The pet mural in downtown Idaho Falls makes a comeback with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation.
The mural on Park Avenue by artist Marina Zavalova features the communities pets. Each rescue animals mural has a painted heart, recognizing the importance of adoption in the Idaho Falls community. Upon taking inspiration from the “Dogs of Del Rey” mural in Virginia, the piece makes room for each pet to have a custom painting with a colorful square backdrop.
Kerry Hammon, the Executive Director of the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation, says, “This project is a wonderful example of how public art can bring people together while celebrating the unique stories that make our community special.”
This project was funded by local donations and small businesses, as well as the Snake River Animal Shelter, and the IFDDC. With the start of this project in June, it gave Idaho Falls pet owners the opportunity to have their animal on display in the historic downtown.
The executive director of the Snake River Animal Shelter, Michelle Ziel-Dingman adds, “This collaboration is an incredible way to invest in our historic downtown, honor the pets that have added so much to our lives and highlight the rescued critters throughout our community. We are honored that such an incredible artist will be providing the artwork in this unique opportunity to support our community’s no-kill, nonprofit animal rescue.”
With help from a $250 donation, the mural artist was compensated for her work while the rest of the funds were used to ensure maintenance and donated to the Snake River Animal Shelter.
The Idaho Falls art piece adds new character to the historic downtown scene and gives a sense of identity to the local pet owners and the non-profits involved in the making of this project. It displays the sense of community in the Idaho Falls area and the willingness of businesses to contribute locally.