Artist Mauricio Sandoval poses with his Sunset Tree mural in downtown Carson City, Nev. on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016. The mural will officially be unveiled to the community during a ceremony 11:30 a.m. Friday.
Mauricio Sandoval hopes when people see his mural on a wall on Telegraph Street, it makes them feel good.
“The main thing about my art is to make people feel happy — or what I call good medicine,” Sandoval said. “It’s more of a home feeling.”
The mural will officially be unveiled to the community during a ceremony 11:30 a.m. Friday, when Mayor Bob Crowell will cut the ribbon.
Mark Salinas, Carson City’s arts and culture coordinator, said it’s a trend he would like to see continue.
“This mural shows the dynamic potential of how local artists, businesses and landlords could work together with the city to build a vibrant cultural landscape,” Salinas said. “I look forward to developing relationships within these organizations to showcase talent and opportunity.”
Growing up mostly on the Stewart Indian Colony, Sandoval began drawing at a young age. Later, he added painting to his repertoire and is now focusing on airbrushing.
While he started out doing a lot of Native artwork, he said, he has evolved to include other inspirations as well.
“I’m mostly focused on nature art,” he explained. “I would like to get into more of the local cultures of the area, including more of the history of Nevada.”
Much of his work has been done for family and friends, but word of mouth has traveled. When John Rutledge saw Sandoval’s work, he knew it should be showcased on a larger scale.
Rutledge commissioned Sandoval to paint a mural on the outside wall of one of the buildings he owns, which houses the Champagne Beauty Bar.
“The downtown needs more life and vibrancy,” Rutledge said. “It needs a better energy. In keeping with the downtown corridor remodel, we are creating a more vibrant atmosphere down here.”
The mural features a bare tree silhouetted against a desert sunset.
“It’s a Washoe Valley feel,” Sandoval said.
“It’s like you are standing in front of the tree overlooking the valley.”
Rutledge said the painting also evokes a familiar feeling for him.
“It seems to capture the windiness of our area,” he said. “It’s bright and colorful. I’m happy with it.”
Sandoval, who lives in Carson City with his wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Veronica, is hoping to create more murals in the area.