SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Local artist Morrison “Mo” Salmon was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, and after painting through Tahoe Art League’s mural funding program last year, has now created several murals throughout the city. “It was a great opportunity to give back to my community and I’m just so thankful I got it.”
Salmon grew up in South Lake Tahoe and says her passion for art came through her family, who both were creative and supportive of her decision to pursue art as a career. Salmon attended the Otis College of Art and Design, studying animation and illustration and graduating in 2024.
“I decided to move back home to recenter after college,” said Salmon. Last year, she applied for the Tahoe Art League’s mural program to pursue more artistic opportunities, and credits Tahoe Art League president and executive director Rebecca Bryson with helping her secure funding and opportunities.
Salmon’s first mural was at Samurai Sushi, with a boat and pier design, which she said was an interesting technical challenge due to the surface of the wall. Since then, she says the Art League connected her to opportunities to paint murals at Bijou Elementary, South Tahoe Middle School and South Tahoe High School.
Murals are one of the common sights around South Lake Tahoe, and Salmon says she’s seen a lot of positive reactions to that art throughout the community.
Her regular day job is at Lake Tahoe Television, which she says does help her find a creative, digital space to utilize her art degree. But, she says, it also was an amazing opportunity to paint in physical spaces and creative something in public.
“I use an art program called Procreate to conceptualize these pieces. I remember coming after work to paint the mural at South Tahoe Middle School, getting lost in that space of painting for hours,” said Salmon.
The experience has also given her connection with the community, especially the students. Salmon served as a senior mural artist mentor for a student at the high school, and says students and staff alike have told her how much the murals brighten up their day. “It was amazing to work with students and help their vision to come to life. To me, teaching is a powerful way to keep art alive in this city.”
Salmon hopes to keep creating art and working with different artists, as well as inspiring artists in South Lake Tahoe, “I want to open up the door for these younger artists growing up here that there are opportunities to be an artist here.”
She tells young artists that finding new angles and avenues with art has been a transformative process for her, and something they should embrace. “Don’t be too hard on yourself with your art. Sometimes all you need to do is take a step back from a piece and work through that artistic process.”
Salmon is looking forward to creating even more art for the community. “I wake up each morning and I’m like, ‘I got to make four murals in my hometown.’ How lucky is that?”
You can find more of Salmon’s art at mosalmondesigns on Instagram.
