​Out of the Blue reflects the dynamism of the 9th and 9th community by hosting a rotating mural that changes every several years. This allows the artwork to be transformed and be re-interpreted over time.

Point of Reference, Out of the Blue’s inaugural by Mike Murdock, is an abstract interpretation of the changing and awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets experienced from the 9th and 9th neighborhood.

“A large chunk of my life has been spent in the 9th and 9th neighborhood,” writes the artist, “I literally stood in this corner of the neighborhood for over a decade, staring at the intersection where Out of the Blue will be constructed.” For over 11 years, Murdock worked at Caffe Expresso: an iconic neighborhood drive-thru coffee shop directly across the street from the roundabout. Additionally, Murdock called the neighborhood home for most of those 11 years; the artist lived just a few houses down the street from the roundabout. Much like the unexpected nature of Out of the Blue, Murdock describes this commission as the “universe dropping a huge whale out of the sky and into my lap. I am very excited about the possibility of contributing something to this special neighborhood.”

Every 3-5 years, a new artist or artist-led team will be commissioned to repaint the sculpture, allowing Out of the Blue to remain current with the neighborhood and the artwork be reinterpreted through time.

​About the sculpture:

This full-size sculpture of a humpback whale breaching out from the roundabout is designed to complement and augment the unique and welcoming identity of the 9th and 9th area.

Kesler, who was introduced to the neighborhood as a teenager and spent nearly two decades in this community working on art, music, and starting a family, describes 9th and 9th as “unexpected and out of the blue. A community where people from all backgrounds, beliefs and ideas migrate and feel a sense of belonging. A community that bursts through expectations; that commands respect for nature, and varied ideas and identities…” Out of the Blue is a symbol of community, resilience, and harmony.

This project is made possible through the Salt Lake City Public Art Program, a service of the Salt Lake City Arts Council, and with support from the Salt Lake Art Design Board, Salt Lake City’s Engineering and Transportation divisions, the East Liberty Park Community Organization, and the 9th and 9th community.