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People from all walks of life gathered at St. Vincent de Paul’s Third Street dining facility in Eureka today for the unveiling of the city’s newest — and perhaps cutest — mural, “Share the Bounty,” a whimsical scene of woodland critters enjoying tasty foods by local artists Blake Reagan and Christopher Dmise. 

The mural, which received grant funding from the Eureka Cultural Arts District, was inspired by the folks who frequent the St. Vinny’s dining hall during Free Meal and features some of their favorite meals, including spare ribs and macaroni and cheese.

“They wanted a bunch of animals eating at the table, sharing food and the bounty, and so we wanted to capture that in the mural,” Reagan said. “I think there’s food all around us, but I think there’s also hunger all around us, and I think it’s easy for us to avoid these situations just by opening your heart and giving a little to people in need.”

The big mural reveal coincided with Unity Day, Uplift Eureka’s community resource fair. The monthly pop-up features local organizations and volunteer groups that work with the city’s unhoused community, but Siena Parish, Uplift Eureka’s outreach coordinator, emphasized that Unity Day is for the entire community. 

Parish

“Unity Day is just a chance for community members to come down [to the dining hall] and really just experience our community here, connect with nonprofits, connect with folks who care and really put our best foot forward. Community works as well as how we treat those who need it most,” Parish said. “To be able to do this at St. Vincent de Paul’s is such an honor. … This is an absolute dream come true.”

“And I will say, I’m happy the mac ‘n’ cheese is on the wall,” she added, referring, of course, to the painted pile of cheesy goodness beneath the window.

Recognize that blue bowl? Hannah Ozanian, Uplift Eureka’s social services coordinator, said it’s a tribute to the late ceramicist Mark Campbell, who used to coordinate the local Empty Bowls fundraiser for St. Vincent de Paul and the Jefferson Community Center.

“We’re grateful to be able to show off this new piece of work that’s brightening up our street and community,” Ozanian added. “This is an important part of town that has sheltered many people for many decades, and this art is representative of our group’s tie to art, community, culture and this bigger idea of beautification throughout Eureka.”

The mural is a part of the You Found It! Festival, a two-month arts festival produced by the Eureka Cultural Arts District. Keep scrolling for more photos!

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