SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Cascade Kitchens Food Hall & Bar at the “Y” in South Lake Tahoe celebrated its latest mural on Thursday with an unveiling of “A Tahoe Day.” The mural, by artist Anne-Sophie Gaudet, is on the outside wall above the bike racks.
When Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry was at the new food hall to deliver new bike racks, she noticed the large space above it that was blank and knew a mural depicting what Tahoe is about would be perfect in the space.
The mural and bike racks were made possible by the generous support of the Tahoe Fund donors, as part of the organization’s efforts to make it easier to get around, enjoy, and take care of Lake Tahoe.
“This mural is such a wonderful example of what can happen when we invest in our community and give artists a place to shine,” said Deb Howard, Tahoe Fund board member and longtime South Lake Tahoe resident. “It brings color, creativity and a real sense of place to a building where our community gathers, and is a beautiful reminder that through the power of philanthropy, we can foster greater stewardship and pride in Tahoe while creating the connections and sense of community that make this place so special.”
The Tahoe Fund hired artist Gaudet to paint the mural. While a frequent visitor to South Lake Tahoe, the French-born artist lives in the Bay Area.
After issuing a call for artists this spring and receiving over 20 submissions, the Tahoe Fund, Cascade Kitchens, and a panel of reviewers from the local art community selected Anne-Sophie Gaudet’s mural design. In her piece, A Tahoe Day, Gaudet plays off the bike racks, turning them into the starting point of a winding bike trail that leads viewers into a vibrant Tahoe landscape and invites them to explore the lake, forests, and mountains through the artwork.
“As a muralist deeply inspired by nature, I was thrilled to design a mural for Cascade Kitchens that captures Tahoe’s outdoor identity while also highlighting the important conservation work of the Tahoe Fund,” said Gaudet. “I hope that this piece will move people to action — whether that’s riding a bike, snapping a photo with the mural, or taking better care of this very special place.”
She also hides something in every mural she paints. This time, it is a heart (found behind the bike racks).
The muralist taught art to students at the Silicon Valley International School in Palo Alto and started painting murals four years ago. Her work focuses on large-scale, nature-inspired designs that bring color and character to public and private spaces.
This is the second mural for Cascade Kitchens and a third is coming in the next few weeks.
Casade Kitchens owner Fran Faulknor added the first mural in a hallway, and it was painted by her monther-in-law. As it was being painted, kids and adults were encouraged to leave their handprint, and others have been addded.
In September, a mural will be added to the covered dining area a few feet away from Gaudet’s work. It is being funded through a grant from the City of South Lake Tahoe’s Art Commission and will include a bear and butterflies and will be painted by Lindsay Craft.
“I really love community space,” said Faulknor said of the new place for gathering and eating she created.
Paint for the mural was donated by Kelly Brothers Paint.
Cascade Kitchens Food Hall & Bar is located at 1030 Tata Lane, South Lake Tahoe.
