The newest addition to the downtown Oak Harbor art scene is a stunning mural of Mount Baker, rolling hills and colorful wildflowers spanning two walls at the corner of Southeast Pioneer Way and Southeast Dock Street.

Soon there will be a couple of pergolas, a group of picnic tables and a stage for performances. The Oak Harbor Main Street Association came up with the concept and selected Coupeville artist Paula Fries to bring it to life.

“She just took what I said and ran with it,” said Oak Harbor Main Street Association Executive Director Margaret Livermore.

Fries is no stranger to Oak Harbor. She also painted the colorful mural of wildflowers on the bottom section of the LOFT Building on Fidalgo Avenue and Dock Street up the sidewalk from her latest work and the whimsical crop of Garry oak trees further down on Pioneer Way.

A former electrician, Fries has always enjoyed painting and has created murals of all sizes and styles.

“I’m not one of those artists who paint something odd to make you think about it,” she said. “I want to paint things that make you feel good to look at.”

Livermore plans to hire a contractor to build out the rest of the space. She’s looking forward to the final product.

“Anybody in town will be able to sit and have their coffee or their lunch, and sit back and enjoy the town.”

Photo by Emily Gilbert/Whidbey News-Times Paula Fries working on a mural on the corner of Southeast Dock Street and Southeast Pioneer Way in downtown Oak Harbor. The mural spans two walls and features Mount Baker, rolling hills and a soon-to-be gate to a secret garden.

Photo by Emily Gilbert/Whidbey News-Times Paula Fries working on a mural on the corner of Southeast Dock Street and Southeast Pioneer Way in downtown Oak Harbor. The mural spans two walls and features Mount Baker, rolling hills and a soon-to-be gate to a secret garden.