Art has a way of doing something nothing else quite can. It is accessible to everyone, experienced without the barriers of cost or class. Public art builds community pride and civic engagement, turning a town into a destination and creating new reasons to gather, explore, and participate.
Paint the Town is an invitation to Laurel residents, artists, schools, businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, and local government to create something that belongs to all of us. The most important return will be measured not only in dollars, but in participation, connection, pride, and the number of people who discover there is a place for them in Laurel.
The real return on this investment: a prouder, more connected, more alive Laurel.
The Anchor
1st Street Underpass
Every Laurel resident passes through the 1st Street underpass on the way to work, school, or home. It is one of the most visible shared spaces in town, which is exactly why it is where Paint the Town begins.
Two muralists, one based in Montana and one in Arizona, will bring contrasting styles together into a single design created specifically for Laurel. The Montana Department of Transportation has confirmed the project may proceed through its design review process.
$0 raised toward our $100,000 goal for the underpass mural
A dedicated Paint the Town giving portal, through our nonprofit financial partner, is coming soon. Until then, every gift to CARED's general fund helps make this project possible.
Support This Project →Meet the Artists
The muralists behind the anchor project
Rilie Tanè Art
Montana-based muralist & pyrography artist
Rilie's work spans indoor and outdoor murals, wood burning, etched glass, painted canvases, and custom leather burning.
Wes77 (Wes Abarca)
Arizona-based mural artist
Wes is affiliated with Genesis Mural Co and Rim Country Artists. His large-scale wall art features wildlife, landscapes, and text-based designs.
The Vision
Laurel Comes Alive
The underpass is where Paint the Town begins, but it is not where it ends. The goal is for projects across Laurel to come together during the same spring season, so for a few weeks the entire community is in motion, creating something shared.
Who can participate
- Laurel residents and local artists
- Laurel schools and student art programs
- Senior and supported-living communities
- Local businesses and property owners
- Nonprofits and civic organizations
- City and county government
What we could create
- School murals and student-led projects
- Murals on participating business walls
- Painted rocks and small installations
- Senior parking-space artwork
- A cross-generational collaborative piece
- Utility box wraps, picnic tables, and other canvases
Get Involved
There is a place for you in this project
Businesses & Property Owners
Offer a wall or canvas
Have a wall, fence, or space that could become part of Paint the Town? Already have an artist or design in mind, or would like to be paired with one. Either way, we want to hear from you.
A modest participation fee to help cover organization and marketing is still being finalized. No cost is set yet.
Registration Opening SoonArtists
Submit a design
Paint the Town is an open call for murals and beyond, including utility box wraps, picnic tables, and other creative canvases across Laurel.
Submission guidelines and the application process are still being developed.
Applications Opening SoonSponsors & Donors
Become a sponsor
Sponsorship helps fund the anchor mural and every canvas across town. Sponsors and participants will receive a Paint the Town recognition package, including items like window signage and stickers, with more details coming soon.
Sponsorship tiers are still being researched and developed.
Sponsorship Info Coming SoonThe Road Ahead
Our target timeline
Dates are a target, not a promise. They may shift as partnerships, funding, and permits come together.
Fall 2026
Build the Foundation
- Establish the charitable financial partnership
- Form the One Laurel steering committee
- Confirm participating organizations and prospective canvases
- Begin community, school, and business outreach
Fall 2026 to Winter 2027
Bring the Project Together
- Develop the underpass mural design
- Apply for grants
- Build sponsorship and fundraising campaigns
- Plan the Paint the Town art gala
Early 2027
Prepare for Launch
- Obtain final MDT design approval and permit
- Finalize the project budget and funding commitments
- Complete artist, property, and partnership agreements
- Confirm insurance, materials, and logistics
Spring 2028
Laurel Comes Alive
- Complete the underpass mural
- Launch projects throughout Laurel
- Celebrate the completed projects together
- Introduce the community photo archive
Support This Project
Fund Paint the Town and CARED's other work
Donate to Laurel C.A.R.E.D.
Give directly to support CARED's legal fund, community organizing, and projects like Paint the Town.
CARED Cash '26 Raffle
$37,500 in cash prizes. Tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100. Proceeds help fund CARED's work, including Paint the Town.
Engage. Connect. Inspire.
One Laurel. Creating together.