SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Creative District is inviting residents and visitors alike to participate in a unique community art project — the Tile Mural Project. Designed to engage the local community in a creative pursuit while beautifying the town, this initiative encourages participants to paint tiles that will be displayed as a large mural on the James Building. 

The project, which aims to showcase the vibrant spirit of Soap Lake, welcomes artists of all ages and skill levels.  

“Our goal is to create a one-of-a-kind community mural,” said Ruthanne Tobiason, a representative of the Soap Lake Creative District. “You don’t need any prior experience — just your creativity. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to leave their mark on the city while connecting with their neighbors.” 

The Tile Mural Project is set to take place Dec. 13 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Soap Lake Community & Senior Center. Doors will open promptly at 3 p.m., with participants needing approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete each tile.  

“We’ve tried to make it easy for everyone to join. You can arrive anytime between 3 and 5 p.m.,” Tobiason said. “Even if you’re a busy person, we still want you to come and create something special.” 

Currently, the project has seen modest participation, with 19 tiles already painted and an encouraging ten more participants already signed up for the upcoming session. Tobiason expressed optimism about reaching the goal of at least 50 tiles. 

“If we can get to 50, that will really make a statement in our community,” she said. “We’re halfway to our goal, and we’re hopeful that more people will join us for the next session.” 

Participants are encouraged to channel their creativity and bring their ideas to life on the tiles.  

“You can bring along a strong idea or a picture that you want to replicate,” Tobiason said. “Many people choose to sketch their design in pencil first and then paint it in, while others go completely freehand. The beauty of this project is that it reflects the individuality and personality of each participant.” 

The project is being taught by Lori Smythe, a local ceramic and pottery artist with over 24 years of experience. Tobiason highlights Smythe’s qualifications. 

“Lori has taught ceramics to countless children and adults throughout the region, and her expertise will guide participants in this artistic journey,” she said. “She is well-loved in our community, and her instruction will ensure that people feel comfortable making their own creative choices.” 

Participants are encouraged to pre-register for the event, especially those who signed up for the initial session but either could not attend or did not finish their tiles. For those interested in joining, registration is available through the Creative District’s webpage or by emailing [email protected]. 

In addition to fostering creativity, the Tile Mural Project aims to strengthen community bonds.  

“Art has a unique way of bringing people together,” Tobiason said. “By allowing residents to participate in this project, we’re not just creating art; we’re building connections and enhancing the sense of community in Soap Lake.” 

The finished mural is intended to be a permanent fixture adorning the James Building, hopefully serving as a source of pride for residents and a visual representation of Soap Lake’s cultural spirit. Tobiason envisions the mural becoming a beloved landmark.  

“We want this mural to be something that people can take pride in and something that represents the collective creativity of our community,” she said. 

The Soap Lake Creative District is hopeful that the upcoming session Dec. 13 will attract more participants and ultimately achieve its goal of showcasing 50 unique tiles. Tobiason is enthusiastic about the potential impact of the project.  

“This is an opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself. We encourage everyone to come down, unleash their creativity, and contribute to the lasting legacy of art in Soap Lake,” Tobiason said.  

    One artist painted the tree found behind the Soap Lake Library at the last tile mural project class.