More than 60 artists designed their own individual fish, displayed on a 4,000 square-foot mural on retaining wall along NE 117th Street

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

The idea popped into her mind years ago, but it wasn’t until this year when Vicki Holman really started to make it happen.

On Saturday, all of Clark County celebrated what she helped create.

A ceremony was held for the grand unveiling of a mural that featured the work of more than 60 artists, who created a masterpiece on 4,000 square-feet of a retaining wall next to Klineline Pond and Salmon Creek along NE 117th Street.

“This whole thing has touched my heart,” said Vicki Holman, who came up with the idea. 

She was sick of seeing all the graffiti on the wall. She knew there was a potential for beauty.

“Instead of complaining, do something about it,” she told herself.

She also paraphrased a quote from Roberto Clemente: “If you’re not making the world a better place, you’re wasting your life.”

She wanted a fish theme, with gray tones. She wanted it to be a group effort — a community project.

Homan found a partner with the county.

Then she found a brilliant artist to show how it could be done.

On Saturday, artists, family, and friends gathered to take pictures of the new creation.

Muralist Ana Gabriela of Vancouver and Holman talked about Holman’s vision, and then Gabriela took it from there.

“Every single artist designed their own individual fish, and I would say probably 95 percent of the artists had never painted a mural,” Gabriela said. “That got me so excited.”

In all, there were 67 artists — all with local roots except for one who traveled from San Diego to participate in this group effort. 

“Thank you to all the artists and volunteers who made this happen. You guys did an amazing job,” said Michelle Belkot, Clark County councilor. 

Belkot also emphasized the anti-graffiti coat that protects the mural. She said that studies have shown that taggers are less likely to vandalize a wall or structure that has been beautified by art. 

Ken Lader, director of public works for the county, expressed his appreciation for everybody who was involved in the work.

“Any of you who even spent a minute on this project, thank you, thank you, thank you,” he said. 

Eric Lambert, clean water outreach specialist for the county, loved the message.

“When I think about this mural here, and I think about the thousands of people who will be passing by there, I hope that helps to spread the spirit of stewardship in Clark County,” Lambert said.

Beyond the dozens of fish on the mural, there are also a few phrases to remind passersby how important it is to protect waterways.

“We all live down stream”

“Follow the water”

“Only rain down the drain”

“Protect our water”

Lambert also addressed the artists directly.

“I wish I could be in your brain right now, to experience and feel how you are able to take that vision and manifest that into physical form,” Lambert said. “It was an honor and privilege to watch that.”