New mural at Orpheum Theater shaped by community input

A new mural, "The Stage That Raised Us," at the Orpheum Theater celebrates the venue's history and Sioux Falls' performing arts community, incorporating ideas and artwork from local youth and residents.

Designed by Sioux Falls native and muralist Jenae Porter, the mural was installed in early October on the theater's exterior north wall. The artwork features musical imagery, figures in motion and architectural patterns inspired by the theater, which opened in 1913. The mural is visible to pedestrians and motorists traveling through downtown.

"This project is a great example of how public art can reflect both a place's history and the people who make it meaningful today," said Maren Engel, City of Sioux Falls arts coordinator. "By involving local youth and community members in the design process, we were able to incorporate their perspectives and create a mural that connects the Orpheum Theater's history with the creative energy of our community."

Community input helped shape the mural from the initial concepts through the final design. Porter partnered with theater professional Alexondrea Thong Vanh to lead workshops for youth participants from Spotlight Theatre Company, The Penguin Project and the Premier Playhouse.

During the workshops, participants played theater games, completed warm-up activities and created collages illustrating what theater means to them. They also discussed what they admire about the Orpheum Theater, drew elements they wanted to see in the mural and shared their color preferences. Warm tones emerged as a common choice.

Additional feedback was collected at the Sidewalk Arts Festival. That input helped shape the mural's warm color palette, collage-inspired composition and use of community members' own words. Local graphic designer Tyson Schultz also contributed to the final design.

The mural draws inspiration from the theater's architecture and performing arts history. Background patterns reference Art Deco design associated with the era when the theater was built, while organic shapes reflect Neo-Nouveau elements inside the building, including its frosted glass doors. The artwork also references "That International Rag," a vaudeville song written by Irving Berlin in 1913.

The City of Sioux Falls Arts Commission commissioned the mural following an open call for artists, in accordance with the city's public art policies. The project was funded through city funds associated with improvements to the Orpheum Theater.

The mural was printed on vinyl designed for outdoor use and installed by Pride Neon, a local signage company.

For more information on city-initiated artwork in Sioux Falls, visit siouxfalls.gov/arts.