The Okanogan Highlands Alliance board and staff are delighted to celebrate OHA's 20th anniversary, and share appreciation for the natural environment, by commissioning Andy Eccleshall to paint mountains, forest wetlands, flora and fauna of the area. The murals were painted on the Community Cultural Center exterior walls in downtown Tonasket.

Buckhorn Mountain featured in fall and winter mural on the east wall of the Community Cultural Center of Tonasket (September 2011). 

By early September 2011, the first phase of the project was completed with a mural on the east wall of the CCC, depicting Buckhorn Mountain. Painting of the larger south wall was completed in October. Local artists will add more murals over time, until much of the building has been transformed.

Aurora Jones has coordinated the prep work that has begun to turn this industrial setting into public art, bringing natural imagery onto the inanimate cinderblocks. The cleaning and the priming of the building was all done by volunteers. The muralist, Andy Eccleshall, has painted professionally for 26 years, and examples of his work are located across the United States.

“OHA should be congratulated for bringing these images to downtown Tonasket,” states Mr. Eccleshall. “I hope this mural will help inspire appreciation of the magnificent natural beauty of the Okanogan Highlands.”

OHA would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped with the wall preparation. Interested artists will be selected to develop proposals for panels along the north wall of the building.  OHA’s hope is that appreciation for natural history will continue to resonate throughout the community to inspire and enrich the town.

If you would like to help, please contact Aurora at 509-486-4580 or sparkfly8@gmail.com.

Wetlands, mountains and other familiar sights in the Okanogan Highlands, featured on the south wall of the Community Cultural Center of Tonasket (October 2011). 

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