Paint the Town

A community-driven public art initiative

Art has a way of doing something nothing else quite can. It is accessible to everyone, experienced without the barriers of cost or class. Public art builds community pride and civic engagement, turning a town into a destination and creating new reasons to gather, explore, and participate.

Paint the Town is an invitation to Laurel residents, artists, schools, businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, and local government to create something that belongs to all of us. The most important return will be measured not only in dollars, but in participation, connection, pride, and the number of people who discover there is a place for them in Laurel.

The real return on this investment: a prouder, more connected, more alive Laurel.

The Anchor

1st Street Underpass

Every Laurel resident passes through the 1st Street underpass on the way to work, school, or home. It is one of the most visible shared spaces in town, which is exactly why it is where Paint the Town begins.

Two muralists, one based in Montana and one in Arizona, will bring contrasting styles together into a single design created specifically for Laurel. The Montana Department of Transportation has confirmed the project may proceed through its design review process.

Anchor Mural Fund Fundraising Launching Soon

$0 raised toward our $100,000 goal for the underpass mural

A dedicated Paint the Town giving portal, through our nonprofit financial partner, is coming soon. Until then, every gift to CARED's general fund helps make this project possible.

Support This Project →

How we got to $100,000

This is our working estimate. Some costs we hope will be donated or covered by partners, which could lower what we need to raise.

  • Design deposit: $10,000

    Holds our slot and covers design planning from Rilie and Wes, so the designs can go to the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT) for our permit.

  • Artist lodging and travel

    A portion of the goal covers lodging and travel for both artists.

    Seeking donations or discounted lodging

  • Scissor lift rental

    Needed to reach the wall safely.

    Seeking a donated lift

  • Underpass cleaning or pressure washing

    The wall has to be clean before it can be painted.

    Asking MDOT to cover

  • Pigeon netting or caging

    Keeps pigeons from roosting in the underpass and protects the finished mural. This may carry a cost.

    Asking MDOT to cover

There is more to the budget than this list. We will share details as the project develops.

Meet the Artists

The muralists behind the anchor project

Rilie Tané standing in front of one of her murals

Rilie Tané Zumbrennen

Pyrography & mural artist · Billings, Montana

Rilie Tané Zumbrennen is a pyrography and mural artist based in Billings, Montana. Growing up amid the vast landscapes of Montana, she has always been deeply connected to nature, and the wildness of the environment continually inspires her work.

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Her murals and wood burnings can be seen across the United States, New Zealand, and Canada. Her work often features realistic depictions of animals, landscapes, and historical stories that speak to the spirit of the West. Through her art, she hopes to share the sense of awe and wonder she feels in the outdoors and inspire others to reflect on the beauty and importance of the natural world.

Wes Abarca smiling in front of his stained-glass-style owl mural

Wes Abarca

Muralist · Payson, Arizona

Wes Abarca is a muralist based out of Payson, Arizona, with over 30 years of experience using spray paint and aerosol mediums to transform walls. Drawing inspiration from old-time stained glass and classical mosaics, his murals come together through vivid color and shapely details, with a focus on the concept subject.

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Known for creating eye-catching public artworks that become instant landmarks, Wes's murals often turn overlooked buildings into beloved community icons. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to reflect its surrounding landscape and native wildlife, grounding the work in a strong sense of place and identity.

Beyond their visual impact, his murals have helped promote local businesses, boost town tourism, and breathe new life into public spaces. His work sparks conversation and contributes to the cultural revitalization of neighborhoods, celebrating nature, fostering community engagement, and enriching the environments where people live, work, and connect.

The Vision

Laurel Comes Alive

The underpass is where Paint the Town begins, but it is not where it ends. The goal is for projects across Laurel to come together during the same spring season, so for a few weeks the entire community is in motion, creating something shared.

What we could create

  • School murals and student-led projects
  • Murals on participating business walls
  • Painted rocks and small installations
  • Senior parking-space artwork
  • A cross-generational collaborative piece
  • Utility box wraps, picnic tables, and other canvases

Who can participate

  • Laurel residents and local artists
  • Laurel schools and student art programs
  • Senior and supported-living communities
  • Local businesses and property owners
  • Nonprofits and civic organizations
  • City and county government

Get Involved

There is a place for you in this project

Businesses & Property Owners

Offer a wall or canvas

Have a wall, fence, or space that could become part of Paint the Town? Already have an artist or design in mind, or would like to be paired with one. Either way, we want to hear from you.

A modest participation fee to help cover organization and marketing is still being finalized. No cost is set yet.

Registration Opening Soon

Artists

Submit a design

Paint the Town is an open call for murals and beyond, including utility box wraps, picnic tables, and other creative canvases across Laurel.

Submission guidelines and the application process are still being developed.

Applications Opening Soon

Sponsors & Donors

Become a sponsor

Sponsorship helps fund the anchor mural and every canvas across town. Sponsors and participants will receive a Paint the Town recognition package, including items like window signage and stickers, with more details coming soon.

Sponsorship tiers are still being researched and developed.

Sponsorship Info Coming Soon

The Road Ahead

Our target timeline

Dates are a target, not a promise. They may shift as partnerships, funding, and permits come together.

Fall 2026

Build the Foundation

  • Establish the charitable financial partnership
  • Form the One Laurel steering committee
  • Confirm participating organizations and prospective canvases
  • Begin community, school, and business outreach

Fall 2026 to Winter 2027

Bring the Project Together

  • Develop the underpass mural design
  • Apply for grants
  • Build sponsorship and fundraising campaigns
  • Plan the Paint the Town art gala

Early 2027

Prepare for Launch

  • Obtain final MDT design approval and permit
  • Finalize the project budget and funding commitments
  • Complete artist, property, and partnership agreements
  • Confirm insurance, materials, and logistics

Spring 2028

Laurel Comes Alive

  • Complete the underpass mural
  • Launch projects throughout Laurel
  • Celebrate the completed projects together
  • Introduce the community photo archive

Support This Project

Fund Paint the Town and CARED's other work

Donate to Laurel C.A.R.E.D.

Give directly to support CARED's legal fund, community organizing, and projects like Paint the Town.

CARED Cash '26 Raffle

$37,500 in cash prizes. Tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100. Proceeds help fund CARED's work, including Paint the Town.

Engage. Connect. Inspire.

One Laurel. Creating together.