Enjoy a stroll through historic downtown and be met by larger than life statues, arches, and murals created by internationally renowned and local artists. From historic figures, to parking meter gardens, to large than life wildlife, the artistic creations are sure to inspire and add to your enjoyment of our vibrant community.

ArtsFest Montana 2019 saw the addition of four new large scale murals by internationally acclaimed artist Cameron Moberg in collaboration with local artists. The pieces make for a wonderful self-lead walking tour to give the viewer time to appreciate each piece and truly take in the size and magnitude of each piece.

Want to hear more about Murals in Great Falls, more specifically which one was voted #1? Listen to Episode 7 of We’re No Dam Experts:

1. Kid Russell and Monte
301 Central Ave.
by Buckeye Blake

This sculpture shows Russell with Monte, the beloved Pinto Russell acquired in 1881. This downtown landmark was commissioned and licensed by D.A. Davidson & Co. through the sale of bronze replicas.

2. Alma Smith Jacobs Mural
302 2^nd Avenue N
by Jim DeStaffany and Andrew Fowler

This installation was the second of three black-and-white murals honoring historic leaders of Great Falls. Alma was a lifelong Montanan who led the creation of the state-of-the-art Great Falls Library in the late 1960s. She worked to develop the Montana rural library service program, and served in leading roles with the Montana Library Association, the Pacific Northwest Library Association, and the American Library Association.

3. Alma Smith Jacobs Memorial Plaza Arch
302 2^nd Avenue N
by Zak H Zakovi

To honor Alma, the City of Great Falls dedicated the plaza in front of the library to her. The centerpiece of the plaza is the sandstone arch created by Montana born Zak H Zakovi. The arch took three years to construct using stones from Harlowton, Montana.

4. Parking Meter Garden
17 4^th Street N
by various local artists

Eight decorated parking meter heads were installed by a Boy Scout as his Eagle project, supported by the Business Improvement District to further beautification of downtown. Each meter showcases a local artist, including an 11-year old emerging artist.

5. Dragonfly Wings Mural
9 5th Street S
by Cameron Moberg

In 2018, NeighborWorks Great Falls worked with internationally-known artist Cameron Moberg and the building’s owner to create a series of murals. Built in 1890 as the Hotel Grand, the building once served as the Cascade County Courthouse and was later remodeled in 1907 as the Grand Hotel. This downtown icon is now home to Montana’s largest specialty dry goods store, Dragonfly Dry Goods. Local artist Sheree Nelson contributed to the heart mural.

6. Meadowlark Mural
608 1^st Avenue S
by Cameron Moberg

Part of the 2018 NeighborWorks Great Falls effort, Montana’s state bird perches on the side of the building occupied by Hi-Line Climbing Center, Great Falls’ first indoor climbing gym.

7. Urban Art Project
315 1st Avenue S & 4th Street N
by various Local Artists

The Urban Art Project began in 2005 and annually presents three exhibitions of site-specific art installations. These pieces fill the eleven windows of Great Falls’ South Parking Garage adding to our art scene.

8. C.M. Russell
423 1st Avenue N
by Jim DeStaffany and Andrew Fowler

The first of the three black-and-white murals honoring historic leaders of Great Falls depicts one of the greatest artists of the American West. Charles M. Russell created more than 2,000 paintings of cowboys, Indians, women, wildlife, and landscapes set in the Western United States and Canada, in addition to many bronze sculptures. Known as ‘the cowboy artist’, Russell was also a renowned storyteller and author.

9. Paris Gibson
114 3rd Street S
By Jim DeStaffany and Andrew Fowler

The third black-and-white mural portrays Paris Gibson, a true historic leader. In 1882, entrepreneur Paris Gibson envisioned a booming metropolis at the site of the Great Falls of the Missouri. Gibson convinced railroad magnate James J. Hill to help him found the town. This mural resides on the 1914 Baum-Trinastich Building, now home to the Church, Harris, Johnson and Williams, P.C. Law Firm. The building once housed a confectionery and a cigar and tobacco business—a ghost sign promoting White Owl Cigars remains today.

A. Rainbow Trout
15 5th Street S.
by Cameron Moberg, Sheree Nelson,
and Local Artists

This collaborative piece features a large rainbow trout jumping out of the river waters.  It was created as a part of ArtsFest Montana 2019.

B. Toucan
17 7th Street S.
by Cameron Moberg

Installed as part of ArtsFest 2019 and adding to the tropical feel of the world famous tiki bar and mermaids swimming inside, this toucan rests on the property which is home to the O’Haire Motor Inn and the iconic Sip ‘n Dip Lounge. The lounge, having been in operation since 1962 has been featured in numerous well known print publications and documentaries. Celebrities such as Darryl Hannah and Arron Tippin have stopped in to see what GQ magazine called “The #1 bar worth flying for” and one of the top 10 bars in the world.

C. Bison
8 5th Street S.
by Cameron Moberg

Lurking just around the corner of the alley from Enbär Craft Cocktail Lounge and the Block you will find this large mural of a North American Bison.  This mural was installed in 2019 by Cameron Moberg as a part of ArtsFest Montana 2019.

D. Fall Leaves
509 1st Ave. N.
by Jenna Morello

Part of Artsfest Montana 2019 this colorful arrangement of fall leaves features  a wall of leafs on the side of the building with a  few blowing away.  The building has history in it’s own right, and is on the National Historic Registry. Edward and Celia Harberson constructed this building for their bakery in 1946 – the plan and design are typical of the period and reflect the post–World War II boom as the work force returned and small businesses.  The business is now home to Speaking Socially Media, LLC.