WISDOM STORY MURALS

Science, Art & Caring

Celebrating
​ Indigenous Wisdom, Inclusion, Diversity, Social & Environmental Justice.

2021 Wyoming Art Fellowship Award: Honorable Mention

Paul's murals are​ ​inspired by Aboriginal rock art culture; the teachings of the​ great Spiritual Ancestor Rainbow Serpent; the mentorship of Elder Bill Harney; and the Aboriginal Law of​ "Caring for Country". They are co-designed and painted by art teachers, students, scientists, community artists and participants. Paul acts as the Artistic Director for each project.

Inspired by water science and ethics; landscape, mapping, watersheds, aquifers; local motifs, school totems, symbols; and personal life journeys. They are designed so an entire class or all the participants if possible, can be painting at the same time, aiming to create community through the art process.

Mostly painted on 18x5 foot sign cloth, the mural is often used as the theatrical backdrop
for the final residency performance. They become a permanent reminder of the Aussie Residency, it's
fun, learning, and a signature mark left behind by former students.

The mural workshop supports achievement standards in Visual, Language & Performing Arts, Theater, Social Studies, Science, Geography and STEAM innovation.

The Rainbow Serpent is a great Spiritual Ancestor throughout Aboriginal Australia who brought water to the world. Rainbow is both giver and taker of life; male and female; the link between the Sky Father and Earth Mother; a symbol for balance and inclusion; teaching us to care for our water and our land.

As Bill Harney says, we "bring happiness to the land."

 See the Process:  The Rainbow Snake Project
Click on images for higher res version.

 Laramie High School Mural Project
LHSMP

Directed by Rebecca Watson and Paul Taylor, the LHSMP is a STEAM, art, science and indigenous wisdom initiative
to celebrate and articulate Laramie and Albany County's unique "water story".
As of 2021, we have produced 4 beautiful community murals, designed by LHS art students
in collaboration with scientists, teachers, artists and students. Once designed and base coated the murals are then texture painted by the community, LHS students, UW Shepard Symposium participants, and the general public.
The mural process is inspired by Australian Aboriginal wisdom of "Caring for Country" with Paul Taylor acting as the Artistic Director.
Snowy Range Rainbow 2018
Gem City Rainbow 2019
Rainbow Pathways 2020
Pilot Hill Rainbow 2021
OUR STORY

MURAL PRINTS AVAILABLE

Laramie River Rainbow, Laramie River Watershed, Designed by Paul Taylor & Mandi Pollard, painted by Harmony and Centennial
school kids and teachers. Science consultant Chris Moody. Mapping by Robert Kirkwood. May 2022, 8 feet x 52 inches

OUR MURAL STORY

Saratoga School Graduations 2022, 5 & 6 grade student hand shadows with personal and ranch brands.
May 2022, 52 inches x 12 inches.
OUR MURAL STORY

Honors College Dreamings, University of Wyoming, Oct 2021, 12"x 6'
OUR MURAL STORY

Pilot Hill Rainbow, Laramie High School Mural Project, design by Madie Sprinkle with Justin Deegan, Rebecca Watson, Erin Klauk.
Dot painted by 300 LHS Art and Geology students. Science Consultant: Chris Moody. Artistic Director: Paul Taylor.
May 2021. 10'x52"
OUR MURAL STORY

   Little Sandy Rainbow, Farson-Eden School WY, Designed by Suzanne Whitson and her HS Advanced artists Aubrey Summers,
Katriana Darrah, Shelby Madsen, Emily Robinson, painted by K-12 students.
Artistic Director: Paul Taylor
Oct 2020. 10'x52"
OUR MURAL STORY

  Rawlins Walkabout,  "What Makes Rawlins Unique?". Designed by Paul Taylor with Kathy Neuman,
  Marge Mcrae, Jamie Chapman, Pam Thayer, DDA/Main Street. Painted by Rawlins community,
Rawlins Middle School, Boys & Girls Club. 8'x8', plywood. Dec 2020    
                   OUR MURAL STORY

 
Rainbow Pathways. Laramie High School Mural Project. Designed by Mitchell Gray with Rebecca Watson, Justin Deegan
& Laramie High School LHS art students. Science Consultant: Chris Moody; Artistic Director: Paul Taylor.
Painted by our Laramie community at ArtConnect Gallery over the month of July as part of their Sacred Water art show.
10'x 52''. July 2020.
OUR MURAL STORY

MURAL PRINTS AVAILABLE 

Honors College Dreamings, University of Wyoming, March 2020, 15"x 6'
OUR MURAL STORY

Triumph Dreaming, Triumph High School, Cheyenne WY. 5'x3' Feb 2020
OUR MURAL STORY

Lights On Rainbow, Wyoming After School Alliance WYAA, Michelle Sullivan, Kate Foster, WYAA Oct. 2019
conference participants. 12'x52"
OUR MURAL STORY

Abundance Rainbow, Hailee Rushing, Brooke Whitby & Abundance Summer School kids. Aug 2019, 6'x4'
OUR MURAL STORY
        

Gem City Rainbow. Laramie High School Mural Project.  Designed by Sam Robertson with Parker Jackson, Rebecca Watson,
Shelly Miller. Science Consultants: Chris Moody and Bern Hinckley, Artistic Director: Paul Taylor.
Painted by 2019 Shepard Symposium on Social Justice participants. April 2019. 12'x52 inches.
OUR MURAL STORY

MURAL PRINTS AVAILABLE

Honors College Dreamings, University of Wyoming, March 2019, 15"x 6'
OUR MURAL STORY

Archangel Rainbow, St Anthony's Catholic School, Casper WY. Meg Sundell, Cindy Novotny and all the students.
18'x52" Oct 2018
OUR MURAL STORY

 Clear Creek Rainbow, Clearmont & Arvada Schools, May 2018, 15'x 4'

Snowy Range Rainbow, Laramie High School Mural Project, Sierra Penrod, Sara Eliason & Aeslin Mattimoe,
Rebecca Watson & Shelly Miller,  UW Shepard Symposium. Artistic Director: Paul Taylor. April 2018, 15' x 52"
OUR MURAL STORY

  Saratoga Rainbow: Saratoga Elementary WY, designed and painted by Linda Fisher-Perue and the fabulous 5 & 6th
graders. Inspired by a Shoshone-Bannock legend of “The Wolf, the Fox, the Bobcat and the Cougar”.  12'x52", Jan 2018
 OUR MURAL STORY

 
Two Rivers Rainbow, OM Center Community Mural Omaha NE, Roxanne Wach and Sandy Aquila, Oct 2017, 12'x52''
OUR MURAL STORY

Jeffery City Brands, Jeffery City School, Sherryl Gores & her K-5 kids, Oct 2017. 6'x3'
OUR MURAL STORY

Mustang Rainbow, design Jamie Chapman & Rawlins MS, painted by Rawlins ES 3 & 4th Graders. 18'x4', May 2017
OUR MURAL STORY

Laramie Valley Rainbow, UW Honors Class,  March 2017, 12'x52"'.
OUR MURAL STORY

Sweetwater Rainbow Clan Estates, Jeffery City School, Sherryl Gores & her K-5 kids, March 2017. 6'x3'
OUR MURAL STORY

Platte River Rainbow, Oregon Trail Elementary, 4 & 5th Graders, Anne Bovee, Janet Wragge, Feb 2017, 18'x52"
OUR MURAL STORY

Panther Rainbow, Pineview Elementary, Casper WY, 4 & 5th graders, Jodie Davis & Marcie Durtsche, Sept-Dec 2016. 18'x4'

San Juan Rainbow, Bluff Elementary UT, 4th and 5th graders, Oct 2016, 10' x 4'
OUR MURAL STORY

Pine Creek Rainbow, Pinedale Aquatic Center Rec Camp, Pinedale WY,
Haley Gray, Claudio Marinez and her K-5 kids, 20'x3', July 2016.

Green River Rainbow, Rock Springs International Day, CFAC, Debora Soule,
public mural,  18'x4', July 2016.

Katherine River Rainbow,  Jack Egan & Katherine NT schools, Katherine High, St Joseph's College, Clyde Fenton
and MacFarlane Primaries, 20'x10', May 2016, GYRACC.

Sweetwater River Rainbow, Jeffery City School WY, Sherryl Gores & her K-5 kids,
 6'x4', March 2016.

 North Platte Rainbow, Boys & Girls Club, Rawlins WY, 1-6 grades, Kathy Neuman, Mar 2016, 3'x20'

North Platte Rainbow, Rawlins Middle School, Rawlins WY,
7-8 grades, Jamie Chapman, Mar 2016, 5'x8'

Woods Eagle Rainbow, Woods Learning Center Casper WY, design by Mandy Blevins, 6-8 grades, Lynnsey Patterson,
Amanda Sutton, Feb 2016, 5'x18'
OUR MURAL STORY

Willard Eagle Rainbow, Willard Elem Casper WY, 4-5 grades, Jodi Davis and Tammie Hume, May 2015, 16'x3' OUR MURAL STORY Dragon Rainbow, Cresthill Elem Casper WY, Tammie Hume & Bonnie White & the 4-5 Graders, Feb 2015, 5'x18' OUR MURAL STORY Sweetwater Rainbow, Jeffery City School WY, Sherryl Gores & her K-5 kids, Jan 2015, 8'x4' OUR MURAL STORY Vermillion Rainbow, Lafayette LA Community Mural, Marla Kristicevich & the ACA, Nov 2014,  5' x 18' OUR MURAL STORY Cutthroat Trout Rainbow, Laramie WY Rec Center, Design by Paul Taylor,  Mike Gray, Rebecca and Ferne Watson, painted by Rec Center SACC kids,Oct 2014, 18'x 52" OUR MURAL STORY Spring Creek Rainbow, Spring Creek Elem Laramie WY, 4th & 5th Graders, Rebecca and Ferne Watson, May 2014, 5' x 18'     OUR MURAL STORY   Hot Springs Rainbow,Thermopolis Middle School WY, Jennifer Emery and all the Middle School students, Oct 2013-May 2014, 5'x18' OUR MURAL STORY Oregon Trail Seasons, Oregon Trail Elem, Casper WY, Anne Bovee, Janet Wragge & 4th- 5th Graders, 5'X18', Oct 2013    OUR MURAL STORY Kootenai Rainbow, Eureka MT community mural, Sally Steward, Jan 2013, 8'x4'  Little Snake River Rainbow, Little Snake River School, Baggs WY, K-5 kids, Cindy Cobb, Susan Leonhardt & High Schoolers, October 2012, 4'x8'  OUR MURAL STORY   Shooting Star Rainbow, Sagewood Elementary, Casper WY, Amy McCormack, Amanda Reinhardt, Sara Hyatt, Janet Wragge, 4th & 5th Graders, Nov 2102, 18'x5'. OUR MURAL STORY    Wildflower Walkabout, B & G Club Rawlins, K-8 kids, Kathy Neuman, Shayann Keisel, Kylie Craig, Mark Rachuleta,  2/12, 8'x16', Rawlins DDA/Main Street Mural.   OUR MURAL STORY   Walkabout Colt, Rawlins Middle School, Marge McCrea and her 7th graders, 2/12, 4'x8' OUR MURAL STORY Wyoming Walkabout 1, UW Honors class, Fall 2011, 5'x18' OUR MURAL STORY Laramie River Buffalo Rainbow, UW Lab School, Laramie WY, Sharon Mathiesen and 5th Graders,18'x5', May 2011. OUR MURAL STORY

Oregon Trail Rainbow, Oregon Trail Elem, Casper WY, Anne Halle, Janet Wragge & 4th- 5th Graders, 5'X 18', 11/10  OUR MURAL STORY AWARD WINNING MURAL YOUNG OCTAN AWARD 2011 Oregon & California Trails Association, OCTA   WSHS JUNIOR AWARD 3RD PLACE Wyoming State Historical Society, WSHS

Rawlins Walkabout, Boys & Girls Club, Kathy Neuman, Ceiling tiles, 6'x9' Sept 2010.  OUR MURAL STORY Buffalo Rainbow Trail, Casper WY community, Ft. Casper, Star Lane & St. Anthony schools, Artcore and The NIC, Jim Kopp and Lisa Vlastos, 01/10, 5'x18'. Jaguar Rainbow Snake, Jessup Elem, Cheyenne WY, Amy Fagan & 6th graders, 5'x18', 10/09 Rawlins Area dot paintings, Boys & Girls Club, Kathy Neuman, 09/09 Eagle Rainbow, Henderson Elem Cheyenne, Jill Overbeke & 6th graders, 5'x18', 5/09 Pronghorn Rainbow, Boys & Girls Club of Rawlins WY, Kathy Newman, 5/08, 5'x18' Front Range Rainbow Songline, Creative Movement for Kids, Ft. Collins CO, 18'x5', 4/08. Hornet Rainbow, White Sulphur Springs School MT, Miss Sheline's 4th graders, Debbie Steinberg, 18'x5', 2/08. Eagle Rainbow Snake, 6th grade class, Kathy Keenan, Ami Irish, Slade Elem Laramie WY 9/07, 12'x 5' Shark Rainbow Snake. Spring Creek School. Laramie. WY. Rebecca Silva, Julia Weibel, Steve Knox & 6th Grade. 10/06. 5'x18'. Buffalo/Pony Rainbow Snake. Laura Youngbird, 7/ 8 grade. Circle of Nations School. Wahpeton ND. 9/06. 5'x18'. Peace Pole Rainbow Snake, Patricia Kozek, Park Road Montessori, Charlotte , NC , 11/05, 18”x5” Buffalo Indian Paintbrush Rainbow Snake, Marianne Cook, Andrea Huss and the fabulous 6th grade class. Laramie, WY 10/05, 18”x5” Merrerrebenna Rainbow Snake, Bill Harney and Dr. Sharon Cumbie, International Caring Conference, Lake Tahoe, CA, 6/05, 18'x5' Thayer Hands, Thayer Elem, Laramie , WY , 5/04, 4'x6' Spirit Ancestors Rainbow Snake, Millie Halsey, West Elem , Lander, WY, 5/04, 18'x6' Pelican Rainbow Snake, Plantation Elem, Lafayette , LA , 4/03, 18'x5' Catfish Rainbow Snake, Plantation Elem, Lafayette , LA , 4/03, 18'x5' Crawfish Rainbow Snake, Milton Elem, Lafayette , LA , 4/03, 18'x5' Crocodile Rainbow Snake, Milton Elem, Lafayette , LA , 4/03, 18'x5' Mosquito Rainbow Snake, Milton Elem, Lafayette , LA , 4/03, 18'x5' Ant Rainbow Snake, Sasha Nic, Ernest Gallet Elem, Lafayette , LA , 4/03,18'x5' Lobster Rainbow Snake, Sasha Nic, Ernest Gallet Elem, Lafayette , LA , 4/03,18'x5' Bat and Firefly Rainbow Snake, Sasha Nic, Ernest Gallet Elem, Lafayette , LA , 4/03,18'x5' Hands, East Elementary, Roosevelt , UT 7/02 Gillette Rainbow Snake, Roxanne West, Boys and Girls Club, Gillette Wyoming , 7/02,10?x9? Cougar Rainbow Snake, Hannaford Elementary School, Mr. Goula, 6 grade, ND, 10/26, 18'x5' Eureka High School, Seniors Art Class, Mrs Sally Steward, MT, 3/03, 18'x 5' Big Horn Sheep-Buffalo Rainbow Snake, Millie Halsey, West Elementary, Lander, WY, 2/03, 6'x18' Dot Painting (In Progress), Diane McLean, Pinedale Middle School, Pinedale, Wyoming, 10/02, 7'x10' Lion Rainbow Snake, Westridge Elementary School, Sharon Patterson, Rock Springs, Wyoming, 10/02, 7'x10' Longhorn Rainbow Snake, Riverwood Middle School, Kingwood, Texas, 5/02, 5'x18' Cougar Rainbow Snake, Coburn Elementary School, Elmira, New York, 11/01, 5'x18' Buffalo Elk Rainbow Snake, Yellowstone School, Tah Madsen, Yellowstone National Park, 4/02, 5'x18' Overland Trail Rainbow Snake, Overland Elementary School, Pam Snipe/Debra Soule, Rock Springs, Wyoming, 9.01, 5'x18' Dragon Rainbow Snake, Truman Elementary School, Kathleen Harris, Green River, Wyoming, 10/01, 5'x18' Mustang Rainbow Snake, East Elementary, Utah, 4/02, 5'x18' Mustang Rainbow Snake, Afflerbach Elementary School, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 12/01, 5'x18' Walkabout, a life story painting, Cheyenne Senior Center, Dr. Sharon Cumbie, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 4/01, 5'x12' Cougar Rainbow Snake, Jessup Elementary School, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 1/01, 50' Class Totems, Pioneer Park Trailblazers, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 10/00, Kangaroo Rainbow Snake, Williston School District #8, North Dakota, 5/01, 5'x30' Rainbow Snake, Pioneer Park School, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 4/01, 5'x36' Eagle Rainbow Snake, Urie Elementary, Lyman, Wyoming, 3/01, 5'x36' Colt Rainbow Snake, Pinedale Middle School, Diane McLean, Pinedale, WY, 10/01, 5'x18'