Local artist paints mural dedicated to Eureka

Located next to the post office on Main Street is a heartfelt mural painted by standout local Abby Sweet. After months of hard work, the mural debuted just before the Fourth of July. An art teacher for students from preschool age through 12th grade, Sweet dedicates time inside and out of school to share the love of art, holding monthly art classes for individuals within the community, no matter the age. 

Kristan Umina with Eureka County Main Street first approached Sweet about painting a mural that represented Eureka. Sweet then got busy crafting the mural. After seeking input from locals, she concluded that the best representation of Eureka was to visualize the beauty of the surrounding Nevada desert. The mural thus includes a beautiful sunset sky, the infamous Diamond Peak and an abundance of local foliage, rampant with wildflowers and striking wildlife. 

“I wanted to include what made Eureka so special in its isolation,” shared Sweet.

When discussing the inner intricacies of her mural, Sweet challenges onlookers by stating, “As you look more closely, you will find around 30 hidden images including arrowheads, the ECHS Vandal Mascot and a bluebird, to name a few.”’

She began working on the mural earlier this year in January, and finished the bulk of it in late June.

Sweet holds Paint Nights on a regular basis, providing the community an opportunity to explore their creative-artistic side. The monthly classes have a festive theme each month and are open to eager art learners. 

Sweet began hosting the monthly Paint Nights consistently in 2022, teaching anywhere from 15 to 30 people new techniques and art styles. 

The next Paint Night is on Oct. 9, with the theme being Halloween-inspired: BOO! The class will be held at the Lani & Repetto Dance Hall, beginning at 7 p.m. Each seat is $40, with spot availability being extremely limited. Artists can expect to create a Halloween-themed 11×14 canvas. For more information on the local mural or paint night classes, reach out to Sweet at (775) 443-5597.