Mural Brightens Up Wolf Point’s Building
Beautification Project
Building owner Matt Lange had a vision of providing a fresh look to the Wolf Point Job Service location after graffiti was put on the east side of the building again this summer.
“I wanted to put something that wouldn’t be defaced with vandalism,” Lange explained. “And I wanted something that the community would appreciate and value.”
Lange was able to meet Glasgow artist Cat McIntyre through Buck Turcotte. Lange and McIntyre agreed on a great mural idea for the wall.
“I wanted to bring some good news to the community where there’s been a lot of bad news lately,” Lange said.
The goal was to have a mural that featured local and cultural history. McIntyre said the building used to house JC Penney’s and there once was a five and dime store across the street.
The three individuals in the mural include a man on the left that is a tribute to Lange’s friend Bob Elsen. “He gave me a lot of support when I needed it,” Lange explained.
The subjects in the mural are wearing traditional attire, but they are using modern devices such as a cellphone and ear buds. One is giving a heart symbol.
“It’s like we took them out of their time and into our time,” McIntyre said.
The artist began working on the project on Aug. 19. She was at the site six days a week for first weeks. Then, she rotated working on the mural and another project in Glasgow. She finished the mural in Wolf Point last week.
McIntyre came with a good amount of experience, including completing murals in Glasgow, Malta, Wolf Point and Saskatchewan.
“At this point, I want to say it’s my 16th mural in the last four years,” she said of the Wolf Point project.
Lange said he has received many positive comments while the mural in Wolf Point was being completed.
“So much conversation has been generated by it,” he added.
McIntyre has received great support from community members including people dropping off iced teas and frybread.
“The thing I really enjoyed with this experience was that I got to know the Wolf Point community like I’ve never had before,” she said. “The community’s enthusiasm has been amazing. It’s been such a positive experience.”
