Since 2018 The SoHum Mural Project (SHMP) has been working to beautify the community by finding funding and facilitating public art in Southern Humboldt. Last year SHMP applied for a grant to create a mural facing the town square in Garberville. With the help of the Feet First Dancers as an arts-based fiscal sponsor, SHMP received funding from the California Arts Council Impact Project Grant program. 

The focus for the grant was to support a collaborative, multi-generational group of artists and culture bearers to educate the public in a way that helps build community. The concept for the design was brought to the artists by SHMP grant writer Sarah Brooks. The idea for a map of the Eel River and neighboring watersheds was meant to emphasize how we are all connected and to encourage environmental stewardship. In addition the priority was to work with local Native partners towards the goal of helping to elevate awareness of, and appreciation for the Wailaki people of Southern Humboldt; including those who may not live here currently but have ancestors who were the original stewards of this land. 

Our Collaborative Team:

Cultural Advisors

Perry Lincoln of Native Health in Native Hands, as cultural advisor, incorporated Wailaki language and imagery into the design. Lincoln added the title for the mural Xa-Cho, (pronounced HA-cho) which is the original name for the Eel River. He also shared the name Kinest’e as the first name Wailaki people called themselves, meaning simply “the humans”. Lincoln worked in consultation with the other artists to guide the design process. His grandaughter, Je:nis T’sing, helped to paint the traditional pattern bordering the left side of the mural. The name for the traditional border pattern K’un-na-dun-nalh-k’uk, (translated as “on the top twisting up twice”) is inscribed on the bottom of the wall. SHMP also received input for the design from Eel River Wailaki members, with special thanks to Rhonda Hardy for her guidance. Find them at Friends of the Eel River Wailaki’s on Facebook and nativehealthinnativehands.org

Mural Design 

As an artist Scott McDougall has a diverse and vast portfolio. He grew up in Humboldt County and has family in Southern Humboldt. In 1968, at the age of 14, he was commissioned to design and screen print a poster for the Redwood Art Association’s spring fashion show in Eureka. He has been working as an artist ever since. In 2017 he designed an Eel River watershed map for the movie A River’s Last Chance, a documentary by Shane Anderson about the Eel River. This led to him being asked to be part of the SHMP map mural collaborative. McDougall put far more time and care into the design of this mural than the grant funding was able to adequately provide compensation for, but he was more than generous with his time and talent to help make this project happen. Find out more about his work at scottmcdougall.net

Mural Artist

A prolific and talented mural artist in Southern Humboldt, Laci Dane has worked with the SoHum Mural Project on multiple occasions and expertly implemented this project. She created a moth mural for SHMP not far from this watershed map and has been a participating artist in the Eureka Street Art Festival for several years. The obstacles involved in the location of this wall proved to be challenging but Dane worked diligently and made sure everything went smoothly.

@lacidane.art on Instagram 

Our Mission

The SoHum Mural Project is a woman-led organization of artists and art enthusiasts collectively creating ideas and opportunities for public art. We believe in the power of public art to inspire and uplift communities, especially in times of struggle. The SoHum Mural Project seeks to elevate the visibility of the vibrant arts community in Southern Humboldt. We are working in collaboration with a variety of community organizations, nonprofits, and small businesses to help our community thrive. In addition, The SoHum Mural Project believes in paying artists a fair wage and is committed to fundraising and grant writing in order to support community artists. Founding member Niki Rose Genolio has kept the fires burning for public art in SoHum throughout the pandemic and is the main torch bearer for The SoHum Mural Project. 

Look for The So Hum Mural Project on Facebook.

Donations for The SoHum Mural Project can be made via the Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce in Garberville. 

Many thanks to The Feet First Dancers and the California Arts Council. 

Our State Senator Mike McGuire, Representative Jared Huffman, and Governor Gavin Newsom have all supported this important funding for the arts and artists in California.

Thanks also for additional financial support and in-kind donations from: 

Vocality Community Credit Union 

Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce 

Southern Humboldt Business and Visitors Bureau

Garberville Town Square 

Just Rent It

According to a Yes magazine article from 2021:

“Researchers agree: Studies show that public art has a host of benefits for communities. Its community-building powers can combat feelings of anxiety and social isolation. When locals participate in creating public art, these effects are amplified. A 2018 London-based survey found that 84% of respondents believed participating in public art projects benefited their well-being.

Public art also provides economic benefits, including new jobs and increased tourism. Murals, in particular, are great for artistic placemaking and city marketing.”