New Mural Brings Vibrant Art to Upcoming Zink Lake

 As the city prepares to open the brand new Zink Lake in Tulsa, artists are finishing up a mural near 21st and Riverside to help spruce up the area. Artists hope the project will become a community connection point that brings people together. 

There are just a few finishing touches left on the public art project. 

"We've joked about this being the next destination for prom photos, engagements," said artist Jamie Pierson.

She has been working on this mural for 3 weeks nonstop. It overlooks a part of the Arkansas River that will soon be Zink Lake.

"Zink Lake Overlook Murals, ZLOM ... that's what we're calling it," said Pierson.

Peirson isn't the only artist responsible for transforming this old concrete structure. The project is a collaboration between her and nine other artists that was funded by the City of Tulsa.

Each artist that worked on these murals left behind their own special touch like a set of oars that spell out Tulsa in the Nautical alphabet. 

Creating these vibrant scenes in the summer heat hasn't been easy.

"We've been out here on days where it's been over 100 degrees,” said artist Aunj Braggs.

Braggs is wrapping up her section along this wall. She says braving the elements has created lasting bonds.

"It's now become a beautiful experience I've had with fellow artists that live in Tulsa," said Braggs.

Working as a team, the artists have created a bright and colorful scene here, but it's an area that isn't immune to graffiti. Jamie Peirson isn't worried, she says murals are a proven way to discourage that.

"Once you demonstrate that it's cared for other people pick up on that and follow suit," she said.

Pierson said this mural is more than just a pretty painting on a wall, it's a way to bring people together.

"The public response has been overwhelmingly positive, people are so excited for this project and what it's going to mean for the area."

While the mural is almost done, the overlook won't be open until railings can be installed.