Tuesday, NOVEMBER 11, 2025 |
Photo – Hobo Hot Springs – Courtesy Town of Saratoga
The Platte Valley Arts Council is planning to install a history-themed mural at the Hobo Hot Pools.
July 4th, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To commemorate the occasion, Governor Mark Gordon established the Wyoming Semi Quincentennial Planning Task Force to distribute funding to counties, municipalities, and non-governmental organizations for their individual 250th anniversary celebration events.
During the November 5th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Platte Valley Arts Council Board President Stacy Crimmins announced that her organization plans to apply for a grant through the state’s 250 Task Force. Crimmins said the funding would be used to commission a mural at the Hobo Hot Springs.
Arts Council President Crimmins asked the governing body to sign a memorandum of understanding allowing a mural to be placed at the hot pools. Under the terms of the agreement, Crimmins said the Arts Council would retain ownership of the mural, with no cost to the town.
Crimmins said she is asking the State’s 250 Task Force for a $22,500 grant. If approved, the money will be used to pay an artist and cover of cost of marketing, signage, and the installation of the piece. Once the town approves the memorandum of understanding, the Platte Valley Arts Council will begin soliciting artists for the hot springs’ mural, which is planned to be completed in time for the 250th anniversary.
Crimmins added that the scope of the project may change depending on the cost of the selected artist.
Reading from the memorandum of understanding, the Arts Council President explained that the mural will reflect America’s 250 themes, linking Wyoming’s culture to state and national celebrations of the country’s 250th birthday. The agreement also states that the three-dimensional metal mural will be installed on the concrete wall separating the town’s public swimming pool from the hot springs.
Assuming the grant is approved, Crimmins said the Arts Council will pay to install and maintain the mural if the town agrees to the conditions of the memorandum of understanding. For one, the town must obtain the Arts Council’s permission to remove or relocate the mural. Additionally, an Arts Council representative must be granted access to perform maintenance and repairs at the organization’s discretion.
Crimmins said all routine maintenance and care of the mural shall be the responsibility of the Arts Council.
Councilman Jerry Fluty noted that painted materials tend to deteriorate quickly when exposed to steam from the hot pools. Crimmins responded that the mural is not expected to be painted. Instead, the installation will be entirely metal, allowing steam and airborne minerals to give the piece a weathered appearance.
Crimmins added that the final design will be up to the chosen artist.
Councilman Jerry Fluty expressed concern that the memorandum of understanding prevents the town from removing the mural. The Councilman asked what would happen if the town determined that the piece needed to be taken down, but the Arts Council disagreed. Crimmins said the agreement can be ended if the mural begins to deteriorate, adding that other murals around Saratoga are showing signs of wear earlier than expected.
Town Clerk Jennifer Anderson stated that the Hobo Hot Springs is a popular attraction and that mural upkeep may disrupt its use. Crimmins said she will coordinate with Public Works Director Emery Penner to schedule any work on the piece in a way that avoids the need to close the hot pools.
Councilman Bub Barkhurst raised questions about vandalism, noting that the hot pools are always assessable by the public. Crimmins said the Arts Council carries insurance on every piece. However, vandalism has not been an issue with any of the organization’s other works, suggesting that people treat art differently than typical public spaces.
Crimmins said a signed memorandum of understanding with the town will allow her to apply for a 250th anniversary grant through the state.
The governing body expressed support for the proposed mural at the Hobo Hot Springs. Mayor Chuck Davis stated that Town Attorney Kylie Waldrip must review the memorandum of understanding prior to his signature. The Town Council agreed to authorize Mayor Davis to sign the agreement pending legal review.
