Sonoma Report
A new mural at Russian Riverkeeper’s headquarters in Healdsburg follows the Russian River from its origin to the sea, with salmon and native birdlife shown along the route.
The 42-foot-long, 12-foot-high work was painted by Jake Messing, a Dry Creek Valley native who returned to the Healdsburg area after studying at Parsons School of Design and working in corporate advertising in New York City. The Healdsburg Tribune reported that Russian Riverkeeper held a “Mural Mixer” on Aug. 14 to mark the mural’s completion. The article also described Messing presenting the work on Aug. 12.
The mural covers the north side of Russian Riverkeeper’s headquarters at 139 Healdsburg Ave. Painted with bright acrylics, it includes osprey, egrets and blue herons above salmon and a sweeping river landscape.
Messing said the imagery was inspired by the Russian River watershed and by animals he has seen along the river. He specifically described the birds as having personal significance, saying they often make him stop and pay attention.
One section shows water emerging from Pomo baskets rather than springs. Messing explained that tightly woven Pomo baskets were capable of holding water. He also acknowledged the Pomo people’s long presence in the region and their connection to the land and its ecosystems.
Russian Riverkeeper Executive Director Rob Schwenker introduced Messing at the event. Schwenker said the artist had aligned the mural with the nonprofit’s goal of protecting and restoring a healthy, swimmable and fishable watershed that is equitably shared.
The organization moved into the Healdsburg building, described in the article as a newer and more visible location, around the time Schwenker succeeded Don McEnhill as executive director last year. Russian Riverkeeper has operated for 25 years and is involved in the annual Russian River Watershed Cleanup.
The 40th cleanup is scheduled for Sept. 19, with organizers hoping for at least 500 volunteers. The Tribune reported that volunteers collected 13 tons of trash during last year’s single-day event.
Messing’s latest exhibition was scheduled to open Aug. 21 at Paul Mahder Gallery at 222 Healdsburg Ave., with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m.
