Creating a Mural for America's 250th Birthday

This summer, I had the opportunity to step outside of my studio and take on a very different kind of painting project—a large-scale mural in downtown Rapid City celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

As an artist, I spend much of my time working on paintings in my studio, capturing landscapes and places that inspire a sense of nostalgia and connection. But there is something completely different—and incredibly exciting—about creating art on a wall in a public space where people can experience it every day.

A Mural Celebrating America

The mural was created as part of America’s 250th celebration, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The design features bold, vintage-inspired lettering, stars, and historic figures, all coming together to create a larger-than-life celebration of American history.

The words “America’s Birthday” take center stage, with “250th” proudly incorporated into the design. The red, cream, and navy color palette gives the mural a nostalgic Americana feel that I absolutely loved bringing to life.

And, of course, painting something this large comes with its own set of challenges!

From Sketch to Downtown Wall

One of the most memorable parts of this project was seeing the mural grow from a design into something that filled an entire wall.

Painting at this scale requires a completely different way of thinking. Instead of standing a few feet away from a canvas, I was working from scaffolding, stepping back frequently to make sure the proportions and details worked from a distance.

There is also something pretty humbling about standing on scaffolding in the middle of downtown and realizing that something that started as an idea on paper is becoming a permanent part of the community.

A Different Kind of Canvas

I have always loved the idea that art can become part of a place.

A painting in someone's home becomes part of their story. A painting in a gallery becomes part of an exhibition. And a mural becomes part of the landscape of a community.

This project allowed me to experience that in a whole new way.

Watching people walk by, stop to look, take photographs, and see the mural come to life was one of my favorite parts of the process. It reminded me why I love being an artist—not simply to make beautiful things, but to create something that can connect people to a place, a moment, or a memory.

The Final Reveal

After all the hours on scaffolding, measuring, sketching, painting, and stepping back to make sure everything was coming together, seeing the completed mural was incredibly rewarding.

And yes, there is something especially satisfying about finally being able to take a photo without the scaffolding in the way!

This mural was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate an important American milestone while also contributing something colorful and creative to downtown Rapid City.

I am grateful to have been part of America’s 250th birthday celebration and to have added a little piece of my own artwork to the place I have called home for so many years.

From a small paintbrush in my studio to a wall in downtown Rapid City—it was quite an adventure!

About the Artist

I’m Amber Hansen, a South Dakota artist and muralist working in oil, acrylic, and large-scale public art. My work is inspired by the landscapes, places, and stories that make a location feel special. While much of my work begins in my backyard studio, projects like this mural give me the opportunity to bring my art out into the community.