New Mural Celebrates Lincoln City’s Kite Festival

Colorful murals have adorned Lincoln City, enhancing its artistic landscape and providing a platform for local creators. In collaboration with Travel Oregon, Explore Lincoln City will unveil a new mural titled «The Magic Festival.» This event is scheduled for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at McKay’s Market on Friday, September 6, at 12 p.m.

The mural, which will be the tenth installation on the Oregon Mural Trail, features a still image from the whimsical campaign «Oregon, Only Slightly Exaggerated,» produced by the renowned creative agency Wieden + Kennedy in 2021. It marks an important addition to Lincoln City’s Art Trail.

The mural location is conveniently situated a half mile from the D River State Recreation Site, where the popular Kite Festivals occur twice annually, during the summer and fall. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will coincide with Lincoln City’s Fall Kite Festival, taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 7-8.

Painted by Oregon artists Jeremy Nichols and Blaine Fontana, this mural will adorn the wall of McKay’s Market, which is adjacent to Lincoln City City Hall and faces Highway 101. Both artists have previous experience contributing to other murals across the Oregon Mural Trail.

Kim Cooper Findling, Director of Explore Lincoln City, expressed excitement about bringing a piece of Oregon’s imaginative tourism campaign to the community. She emphasized the celebration of Lincoln City’s beloved Kite Festivals and the importance of public art in showcasing the region’s beauty to both visitors and residents.

The mural draws its inspiration from an animated video campaign titled «Oregon, Still Only Slightly Exaggerated,» which departs from traditional tourism imagery in favor of vibrant, colorful animation. The campaign features an original score by Emmy-winning composer Jim Dooley, performed by the Oregon Symphony.

The upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature professional kite flyers and will be attended by staff from Travel Oregon, local elected officials, and other dignitaries. A free shuttle service will be provided for attendees wishing to participate in the ceremonial unveiling.