Mural Magic: Exploring the Vibrant Street Art of Pocatello

It wasn’t long ago when murals kicked up controversial dust in Pocatello. In 2016, Stan Gates’ gorgeous horse mural made waves in downtown Pocatello. So much so upset locals were pushing for it to be covered up. Thank goodness folks came to their senses, and this never came to fruition. Frankly, it is one of the loveliest fine art murals in downtown. Good, bad, or neon Gates’ mural made way for Pocatello’s influx of modern street art. 

As mentioned in my last article, Pocatello had the Underpass Gallery for years available for budding and seasoned artists to try painting. However, it didn’t often see new art unless you count vandalism into the equation. As a result, it is now a free wall for anyone to paint on. 

The real push for local urban art came when Michael Haas, owner of Cottonwood Junction and Old Town Mercantile, proposed the introduction of an artist alley. His inspiration was Boise’s Freak Alley. Haas coordinated a themed street art project in the passage behind Cottonwood Junction with additional grant assistance from Pocatello Arts Council. The Old Town Alley (OTA) project brought many fine artists, graphic designers, newbs, and seasoned painters to the wall. It was a powerful learning tool and the best community connection event for artists. Many of the relationships that started with this group have continued. I received several project opportunities from the friendships and connections I made on this project.  

Eventually, with the success of OTA, many artists branched off on their own to create other mural pieces in town and beyond. Josh Pohlman of Sixes Creative even coordinated Mural Fest, bringing in popular artists from out of state to paint here. As a result, today, this offers Pocatello a richly colorful and artistic landscape in our historic downtown and community.

Are you traveling to Pocatello and looking to find some urban art? Listed below are five must-see Murals in Pocatello.

Running Horses Mural by Chris Doucette on the Historic Firehouse Downtown Pocatello

This groundbreaking mural is on the west side of the Historic Firehouse. It offers texture, color, and context – a nod to our rural roots. 

“Freedom, horses running. It’s a statement of freedom. It’s bigger than life. It’s what living in the West is all about,” says Stan Gates, Owner of the Historic Fire Station. As a result, it feels like a large-scale fine art painting. 

Back to Future Mural by Sixes Creative

This fun mural is truly a blast from the past! If you’re a fan of the movie “Back to the Future,” you will appreciate this piece. There is also a wink to the city’s history with the railroad. This piece is on the rear east wall of Elwin Cottage along Union Pacific Avenue. 

Old Town Alley Gallery 

The catalyst for renewed interest in street art in Pocatello, OTA, is a must-see downtown. The gallery offers a glimpse of many artists’ work with subjects spanning quirky cartoon characters, celebrating our nostalgic neon signs, and sharing our ISU Pride with the ISU Bengal.  

Chief Mural by Brandy Alexander

Alexander’s ‘Chief’ mural is genuinely impactful. It pays homage to Pocatello’s history and the native culture here. It resides at the end of Old Town Alley on the south side of Deckadence Board Shoppe.

Phoenix Mural by Mark Daniels 

On the south side, a beautiful mural hides behind Phoenix Management. It is a transformation piece involving a woman and a phoenix, with cool and warm colors. 

These aren’t the only murals in Pocatello, however. So I have crafted a Pocatello Mural Guide Map to help you discover the best places to spy street art. The list will be continuously updated to include the latest murals as they are made.

Did you find this guide helpful? Leave a comment and let me know your favorite artwork. 

Pocatello Mural Guide Map