From the Mill to Main Street: Salina’s Celebration of Public Art

In recent years, Kansas has exploded with murals — from small towns to major cities. Each mural serves its own purpose, reflecting the unique character of the community it represents. For many towns, murals have become a way to revive spaces, showcase creativity, and spark community pride. Increasingly, they’ve also become a tool for tourism — drawing travelers off highways and encouraging them to stay a little longer and explore.

One of those towns is Salina, home to the annual BOOM! Salina Mural Festival. Now in its fourth year, the festival began after the success of Australian artist Guido Van Helten’s massive Mural at the Mill on the old H.D. Lee Mill. Inspired by the excitement that project generated, organizers launched BOOM! in October 2022, bringing artists from around the world to transform downtown Salina.

Since then, BOOM! Salina has added more than 20 large-scale murals and a variety of smaller street art installations tucked into alleys and corners. Privately funded, the festival reflects Salina’s deep passion for public art and has inspired new creative projects throughout the community. Today, the BOOM! Salina map features over 50 murals across downtown — many by local and regional artists alongside national and international talent.

So, if you’re traveling along I-70 or I-135, take a detour into downtown Salina. Wander the streets, discover the art, and see how creativity continues to color Kansas. Not every mural will be your favorite, but there’s sure to be one that speaks to you. Photos and story by Tanner Colvin