New Mural to Brighten Sidney's Landscape

Another landmark has appeared on the Sidney landscape. The south-facing wall of the building that houses Big Sky Cookie Co., Centre Theatre, Restorx, The Rug Doctor, and Thee Boutique now sports a freshly painted face.

The building belongs to the current owners of Centre Theatre, Joe and Dee Kessel, who also own Joe and Dee's and Rose Theater, Glendive. The Sidney Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture contacted the Kessels and asked for permission to have it painted. The wall is 31x24.6'.

Rhonda Whited was contacted to paint it. She is a well-known local Sidney painter. Work began July 7. A motorized scaffolding was brought in. A bright salmon color was spread across the wall and a white and yellow image of Montana was painted on it with the words "Sidney, The Sunrise City". Since then, a white border was put around it and there may be more ideas in the works. As big as the image of Montana is, there is still a lot of space. The Chamber is debating on additional images to fill in some of the space. For now, however, the work is done.

Now, on the corner of South Central Ave. and 3rd St. W, a colorful image greets north-bound travelers on Central Ave. "I'm glad that this mural can represent our town well.", said Sophie Peters, Americorp member.