New mural in the works in downtown Thermopolis

Artists Autumn Hnilicka and Aiyana Perez of Sage Brushes from Lander are painting a large mural on the old downtown fire hall. The mural features the letters of Thermopolis with images highlighting the historical timelines of the area. Some of the images include the dinosaurs, petroglyphs of the Native Americans, homesteaders, sheep farmers, and the hot springs. Also, the design includes famous locals such as Tim McCoy, Butch Cassidy, Sundance Kid and others. The letters follow a chronological order and display a variety of geographical interests, such as Roundtop, Monument Hill and the Bighorn River. 

Hnilicka and Perez have always been artists from high school where their art teacher pushed them to pursue their career. They went to college together at Central Wyoming College from 2018 to 2021. They went their separate ways but then later reconnected. Together they found a space for rent and opened a studio where they pooled their resources and made connections and art. 

They then started up Sage Brushes, which is an artist collective. They each have their own businesses and they bring in artists, bring in people who aren't artists. Hnilicka said, "We have done events that celebrate that there is a younger culture in some of these more traditional towns, different ideas and like, Hey, who do you know? How can I get this out there? It's a fun environment with a lot of art."

Main Street Thermopolis contacted Central Wyoming College, since Thermopolis is in their service area, for suggestions of artists and was put in contact with Sage Brushes. Main Street Thermopolis worked with the Town of Thermopolis and applied for a grant from Wyoming Main Street to make this mural possible.