Ellensburg Mural Festival Transforms Downtown Ellensburg with Public Art

Over the last weekend in June, Phoenix Alley became more than just a business corridor. Phoenix Alley transformed into a public art gallery.

Phoenix Alley underwent a massive makeover as five muralists brought the walls to life through art. Close to a thousand visitors witnessed this transformation over the two days, while also enjoying live music, local food and beverage, and family-focused painting projects. 

The Ellensburg Mural Festival is a product of the EDA’s Mural Society, a collective of volunteers and artists seeking to beautify downtown and deter vandalism through public art. The 2025 fundraiser dinner, Blank Canvas Party, raised $20,000 to launch the Mural Festival, and plans are in the works to continue the festival throughout downtown’s alleys. 

ABOUT THE MURALS

Josephine Rice

Rising from the Ashes

From the artist: “It’s the Phoenix theme, from the ashes: greys, blues, purples, into fire and bright at the top. It was really fun, and what a wonderful event.”

Desmond Hansen

Tribute to Ida Nason

From the artist: “I wanted to pay tribute to [Ida Nason], she was also an artist. She did basketweaving and beadwork, and she is a pretty big staple around here.”

Jason Clifton

Mega Star

From the artist: “This mural is a portrait of Star Anna, another local musician who’s been here for years. Who inspired a lot of people and made it outside of Ellensburg the same way the Screaming Trees did back in the 90’s. This is a commemoration for our art community, art making art, and keeping that cycle going”

Jason was joined by artists Geo and Fazer, who created the "Head" and "Fazer" murals next to "Mega Star"

Justin Gibbens and Will Bow

Patches

From the artist: “I’m here and painting with my good pal Will Bow, and we are representing PUNCH Projects – that’s our art collective out in Thorp. Much of work tends to be nature based with fun imagery. Considering the scope and the themes that were presented as possibilities for this festival, we thought – we have to do a bird, it has to be something regional… owls are great. We love the barn quilts, it’s really awesome to get that geometry and the patterning, and we thought it’d be a great backdrop. We’re making that connection between the barn owl and the barn quilt. This bird is stitching herself into the quilt.”

Kyle Krauskopf

Modern Quixote

From the artist: "My mural is inspired by the story of Don Quixote, who believes he’s a prestigious knight and he gallavants across the countryside righting wrongs. When I moved to Ellensburg and the windfarm was in the  distance, I thought to myself: Yep, Kyle is always chasing windmills. Hopefully viewers can see themselves as Quixote’s companion Sancho Panza, or as Quixote himself."

CHEERS TO THE ONES WHO BROUGHT IT TO LIFE

The Ellensburg Mural Festival was made possible by the incredible people who believe in the power of public art to strengthen our community.

A heartfelt thank you to our talented mural artists: Jason Clifton (with artists Geo and Fazer), Desmond Hansen, Justin Gibbens (with Will Bow, both via PUNCH Projects), and Josephine Rice. Thank you for sharing your creativity, vision, and time to create artwork that will inspire our community for years to come.

We are also grateful to the dedicated members of the Ellensburg Mural Society: Renee and Trevor Fyall, Stephanie Castillo, Madison Ford, Natalie Bensen, Jason Clifton, Katrina Whitney, Emily Jacobs, and Bernadette Jungblut. Your passion and countless hours of planning helped bring this vision to life.

Thank you to our event partners: Black Grenade Entertainment, The Mule Cocktail Bar, Manastash Media, Bodhi Yoga Academy, and Garage Studio Fitness. Your contributions helped create an engaging and welcoming festival experience for everyone who attended.

We sincerely appreciate our generous sponsors: Ellensburg Morning  Rotary, Central Washington University, the Law Office of Tony Swartz, the Carlson Family, and our many community donors. Your investment in public art continues to make projects like this possible.

Thank you to our tourism partners, MyEllensburg and Central Washington Outdoor, for helping share the story of the festival and inviting visitors to experience downtown Ellensburg.

Finally, thank you to every volunteer, Ellensburg Downtown Association staff member, and community member who gave their time, energy, and encouragement throughout the weekend. Whether you painted, planned, promoted, or simply came out to support the festival, you helped make the inaugural Ellensburg Mural Festival a success.

Together, you have left a lasting mark on downtown Ellensburg. Your support will continue to inspire, connect, and welcome our community for years to come.

DONATE TO SUPPORT DOWNTOWN MURALS