Once again, the vacant lot in the heart of Geyserville has been animated by a new and colorful work of art, a mural by Maxfield Bala of Petaluma. The mural—in the popular retro-postcard or orange-crate art style—announces Geyserville in big and bold letters. A red farm truck and barn, and two highly visible downtown historic buildings, almost spill out of a giant cornucopia of grapes, prunes, plums and golden California poppies that define the Alexander Valley town’s landscape and history.
The mural now joins the large marble Agraria hand sculpture by Larry Kirkland of Portland, donated to Geyserville this past year, as well as several other imaginative sculptures and installations that populate this Sculpture Corner, at Hwy 128 and Geyserville Road.
Bala’s mural replaced a 49-year-old map mural done in a more flowing style by local artists Susie Moore and Dini Seanor, which was flaking off the sun-exposed wall. The new mural was commissioned by the community foundation. After several rounds of review and planning it took shape beginning in late September and was officially revealed on Oct. 25 with a small community dedication.
“We wanted it to look like someone was investing in Geyserville’s vitality, and to further the goals of the community,” said Bryce Jones, a member of the town’s planning committee. “At the same time we wanted something that could be tourist friendly and help promote the town’s brand identity.”…