Tempe Artist Painting 230-Foot Mural At Community Center

TEMPE, AZ — A Tempe artist is in the middle of painting a 230-foot mural inspired by his hometown at a local community center, the city said.

CLYDE, an urban designer, was chosen by a panel of arts professionals, city staff, and a member of the Tempe Arts and Culture Commission to work on the mural at the Westside Multigenerational Center, according to the Tempe Public Art Program.

The city's public art team told Patch that the artist was chosen because his design gave nods to iconic locations and features in town, like the iconic fox and the old flour mill found on Mill Avenue. CLYDE grew up in Tempe and is drawing on his experiences for the art piece, called "The Girl Who Painted Tempe."

"Clyde also made a point of discussing his vision as it related to storytelling and narrative as well as having a strong visual presence," the team said.

An accompanying coloring book will be available for residents to purchase later this year. It will also include all designs submitted for the mural project. A set of framed prints depicting the illustrations that inspired the mural will become part of the Tempe Portable Works collection and will be on display in public buildings once the project has been completed, according to the city.

The project is funded by Tempe’s Public Art Program and will cost $36,500 in total. It is expected to be finished in late spring.

More of CLYDE's pieces can be seen throughout the Roosevelt Row Arts District in downtown Phoenix and at the NOVEL Midtown Phoenix apartment complex.