The entryway to downtown Malad has a new look, courtesy of a grant from Margaret Williams, supplemented by additional funds from an anonymous donor. The mural, which is located on the Eastern wall of the Daisy Hollow building at the intersection of Main and Bannock, was recently completed by noted Western artist Kelly Donovan, of Corinne, Utah. 

The mural, a roughly 20 by 60 foot tableau presenting the pioneering history of the Malad valley from the 1800s to the 20th century, was completed at the end of June in time for the Independence Day festivities. It was intended on the part of the city and the donors to add a distinct look to the downtown area. It was also meant to replace a wall that the Malad High School class of 2020 had signed their names on, as a way to make up for the school year they lost due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cheryl Madsen, a local volunteer, initiated the process, and was soon directed toward Kelly Donovan, whose daughter had informed him about the need for a building artist while buying flowers at Daisy Hollow. Donovan presented a sketch to the council, and after a series of meetings, the final design was approved. Initial ideas included depictions of landmarks throughout the valley, as well as a modern car and person in modern dress. Ultimately, the decision was made to change the car to an early tractor, and limit the people depicted to a mountain man—to celebrate the early settling of the area--and a pair of pioneers--to celebrate the later migration into the valley. Lucille Harrison is seen ringing the bell to open the Presbyterian church, which is considered the oldest one in Idaho.

Donovan was happy to be part of the project, as he has strong views on the role of art in public spaces. “I see it as—you’ve got two choices: live with graffiti and things falling apart, or get someone to do something nice in its place and build things up,” Donovan said. He is responsible for similar murals across the region, including several in Blackfoot, Idaho, and a number in Northern Utah.

The mural required roughly 4 gallons of high-grade latex paint, in addition to the initial painting of the wall blue. “It’s probably the roughest wall I’ve ever painted, in terms of age. That of course makes it historic, but also presents some issues.” Donovan was not able to find a scissor lift anywhere in the region, despite an extensive search, and was therefore obligated to paint the entire thing with the use of a scaffold. “I was able to work from about 7 to 1—then it got way too hot up there, and my paint would dry to fast to work with. So I’d come back later in the day when things cooled down a little and work some more.” The project ultimately took around forty hours, not counting the initial drafting elements.

Donovan’s process is to begin with a dark and light mix of the main colors he plans to use, then mix the other colors from those as needed. “I start with the primaries, and then mix in shades as I need—to a sense of distance, or different light qualities.” Donovan’s murals typically feature old west and pioneer motifs—it’s the subject that most strongly draws his interest. “I’ve lived in the west my whole life, and I see that in some ways it’s a lifestyle that’s diminishing. But not for me. Ever since I was two years old I’ve been drawing cowboys. Early on, I was definitely influenced by things like Gunsmoke and Bonanza, and the later on Lonesome Dove. But mostly it’s just been living this life, in this area. I’ve always loved the west, and horses, and all the rest.”

The reaction from those who have seen the mural has been very positive. “It’s a nice thing to see when you come into town,” Mayor Joan Hawkins says. “It’s a good first look at Malad.”  

“I’ve had nothing but positive feedback from people,” Donovan said. “People from in town and elsewhere have really seemed to like it.”