South Lake Tahoe artist painting Sierra Juniper mural on Blue Dog Pizza at MidTown

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Local artist Annie Walker is using her unique and colorful style technique to create "Sierra Juniper" on the back wall of Blue Dog Pizza at Midtown in South Lake Tahoe.

Blue Dog Pizza at Midtown is located at the intersection of Sierra Blvd., and Lake Tahoe Blvd. The art represents the feelings of rebirth, new beginnings, and second chances that many felt following the Caldor Fire.

Walker's style may be vibrant and modern, but it also reflects all of the classic beauty around Lake Tahoe. This mural is inspired by the Western Sierra Junipers endemic to the Christmas Valley area and Tahoe's vibrant sunsets that light the sky at sunset.

The piece is also a beautiful homage to the late co-owner of the building Paul Beran. Paul, who passed away unexpectedly this past summer, was the Director of Mountain Operations at Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort and was a driving force in the growth, culture, and success of the resort, dedicating over 25 years to Sierra. His spirit touched many in this community and the mural will help honor and reflect his legacy.

"Color and texture are important keys to my work," says the artist. "I am always pulling from nature for creative inspiration on the canvas or mural walls. Sierra Juniper is a mural depicting the natural wonders surrounding the Tahoe area. The background is inspired by the colors of Tahoe during the golden hour when the sun sets to bright yellow as the juniper tree twists through the foreground." 

The goal is to help catalyze more local art here in South Lake Tahoe. Tahoe Art League is managing the process and would like to thank the City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado Community Foundation, Tahoe Women's Community Fund, and Lake Tahoe Celebrity golf for helping fund the mural - as well as Kelly Moore Paint, Shelter Building Company, and Blue Dog Pizza owner Mercades Beran and team for their support in making this mural a reality.

The Tahoe Art is trying to raise funds for more murals in South Lake Tahoe. Mercades and Blue Dog Pizza have graciously announced they will match donations for future murals received through December 31 up to $4,000. To donate, visit talart.org.

From Annie Walker: Sierra Junipers stand tall through the exposed, sloping granite. The hearty twists of the trunk and branches reach high into the sky turning them into living sculptures. They are one of the most resilient trees I have ever seen and are considered to be one of the oldest trees in the world, some dated over 2000 years old. Millennia of surviving wind and snow, fires, and summer heatwaves, they contort in their own unique organic forms. These trees are symbolic of the tough and resilient identity of the South Lake Tahoe community. This mural would be a reminder to the public of the natural beauty and stability of the environment around them.

South Lake Tahoe became my home two years ago during the pandemic. While continuing my decade-plus-long career as a self-employed painter and working artist, I have also delved into the sculpture community at Lake Tahoe Community College and participated in the Sierra Arts Festival in Reno. Painting this mural on Lake Tahoe Blvd. would continue my progression into the artist community and sharing my work with my fellow residents and visitors to South Lake. It would be a great honor and opportunity to be a part of this project and continue to prosper as a working artist.