In an effort to beautify Lead, promote civic pride, support local artists, and attract tourists, the city of Lead created the Urban Art Project in 2014. To date, 19 murals cover formerly blank walls and spaces throughout town. The project is sponsored by the Historic Deadwood-Lead Arts Council and relies on grants and charitable donations for funding.
Since its inception, the project has grown to include additional murals over the years—and that trend is expected to continue. “I’m excited to see a lot of individuals hire artists to come and do artwork on their properties,” says Sierra Ward, Executive Director of the Lead Chamber of Commerce. “Every year we get a couple more additions. I think Lead naturally attracts artsy individuals, and I love that we’re sort of an arts and science town and keep moving in that direction.”
If you’re planning on doing the walking tour, bring comfortable shoes; the project has expanded to include sites at both ends of town…and with Lead’s notoriously hilly streets, be prepared for a workout. Or, hop in your car and drive to some of the more outlying areas. Either way, the murals are vibrant and whimsical, depicting a variety of scenes ranging from the town’s mining past to the present-day DUNE project at the Sanford Underground Research Laboratory.
Mural #1: “Fairie Cottage”
Artist: Sarah Larson
Mural #2: Artist Vans
Artists: Sarah Larson, David Livingston, Luke Gaddy
Mural #3: “Lead Me There”
Artist: David Livingston
Mural #4: Miners & Merchants Trading Post
Artist: David Livingston
Mural #5: “Outer Space Perspective”
Artist: Kimberly Smith
Mural #6: “A Kind Day on the Mickelson Trail”
Artist: David Livingston
Mural #7: “Two Homes, One Love, from Arizona to the Black Hills”
Artist: David Livingston
Mural #8: Coca-Cola Sign Restoration
Artist: Les Roselles
Mural #9: “Newton’s Neutrino Nexus” (DUNE Mural)
Artist: Christopher Scott
Mural #10: “Black Hills Landscape”
Artists: Jean Wellborn & Andrea Everett
Mural #11: Boys & Girls Club Activities Mural
Artists: Jean Wellborn, Cary Thrall, Boys & Girls Club Students
Mural #12: Community Garden Wall
Artist: Billy DeWolf
Mural #13: “Activities Banner”
Artists: Oliver Burgoyne & Arts Club Students
Mural #14: “Migrating to the Black Hills”
Artist: David Livingston
Mural #15: “23rd Psalm”
Artists: Marie & Fred Johnson
Mural #16: “Breath of Heaven”
Artist: Christopher Scott
Mural #17: “Benny’s Birds”
Artist: Benny Roberts
Mural #18: “Famous Faces”
Artist: Cary Thrall
Mural #19: “Landscape, One of Three”
Artists: Cary Thrall and Team
Pamphlets with a map of the walking route are available at the Lead Chamber of Commerce and various other businesses in town.