Known as one of the most authentic Western towns in the nation, the city of Elko definitely has a rustic and old school vibe. However, it’s not all rough edges ’round these parts. This town in Cowboy Country never skips an opportunity to show off its artistic side. Elko is most well-known for holding its annual Cowboys and Poetry event, but the town itself recently underwent a spectacular transformation. There are currently over 50 stunning murals that can be found across the town of Elko and you’ll want to be sure to see them all.
Have you been to Elko, Nevada recently? If so, you probably noticed that the town is looking a lot more colorful these days. That's because they recently invited dozens of artists from all over the world to decorate the town with beautiful murals, and the result is truly amazing.
All in all, there are currently 51 murals that can be found within a 1-mile radius in Elko's historic downtown area. The murals are truly a sight to see and serve as a reminder of just how unique this town really is.
The murals started coming to life last fall during the first-ever Elko Mural Expo. Over the course of just three days, 43 artists from all over the state (and beyond) set to work on their personal creations. Many of the artists were from Nevada, but some traveled all the way from Portland, Long Beach, and even Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Spain.
What we really love about this massive display of public art is that finding them makes for a great way to spend a few hours. And of course, it's free! Simply start walking around downtown Elko and you're bound to spot some spectacular pieces of art.
What really blows us away is just how diverse the murals are. Some of them are incredibly realistic and some of them are delightfully abstract. The artists used a variety of mediums, including everything from acrylic paints and spraypaint to actual photographs glued with wheat paste.
Best of all, each mural represents something unique to Nevada. You're bound to spot iconic Nevada landscapes, animals, and other things that express what living in the Silver State is all about.
It looks like the inaugural Elko Mural Expo was a stunning success. You can definitely expect this to become an annual Elko tradition, so be sure to visit this historic town and see the murals soon. We think it would make for an excellent day trip!
