Local Artist Dave Gordon Unveils a Historic Mural

Artwork blankets the new Wilco Farm Store, set to open in December

PETALUMA, CA., October 22, 2020 – Renowned local artist, Dave Gordon, has completed his latest masterwork, which is a spectacular new mural located at 1390 N. McDowell Blvd. in Petaluma. This beautiful new mural is placed on the western wall of the soon-to-open Wilco Farm Store building, facing N. McDowell Blvd. Wilco Farm Stores will be opening their first California Store in December at what once was Orchard Supply Hardware.

Gordon, a long-time resident of Sonoma County, was commissioned earlier this summer to paint a mural that would reflect and honor the history and importance of agriculture in Petaluma and Sonoma County. This nostalgic mural depicts the 1911 Fred Wiseman’s first airmail flight from Petaluma to Santa Rosa, a flying Egret, old grapevines, a horse and cow, children playing, chickens scattering, and a goat reaching up to eat the Wisteria.

“After a suggestion was raised by Wilco’s project manager, Jerad Lillegard, to see if we’d consider some type of art installation on Wilco’s first Golden State store, the building owner thought it might be fitting to share with the community a mural that would add a sense of place, time and history of this area to an otherwise unremarkable stucco wall,” said Matt Krupp, who represents the owner.  “We hope those passing by grab a little joy from what used to be a natural view from McDowell just decades ago. Dave’s vision creates a wonderful illusion allowing the viewer to peer through the building, to the bucolic beyond,” added Mr. Krupp.

Dave Gordon is an extremely accomplished artist and muralist with over 60 site-specific murals throughout the United States, including four artworks for the Mural Arts Program in Philadelphia, and two walls inside the Visitors Center on Independence Mall. Mr. Gordon has also completed projects locally, including Sebastopol, Sonoma, Occidental and Boyes Hot Springs.

“This mural highlights many of the wonderful things that represent the community’s history and agriculture. Community has been the foundation to our farmer-owned cooperative the past fifty-plus years,” said Jake Wilson, Wilco Director of Marketing and eCommerce. “We are excited to be part of Petaluma and share our mission of strengthening agriculture and rural lifestyles, something this mural beautifully represents,” Wilson added.

Wilco Farm Stores are known for five signature departments including; Pet Supplies and Dog Grooming, Lawn & Garden, True Value Hardware & Ben Moore Paint, Livestock Supplies & Fencing and Work Wear & Boots.  The store emphasizes quality, farm-proven brands like DeWalt, Carhartt and Purina feeds.

The store is busy merchandising products and setting up displays inside while hiring the rest of the 30+ member team from the local community.  To see available positions, visit wilcojobs.com, learn more about the farmer-owned cooperative at farmstore.com or visit dsgordon.com to learn more about Dave’s works-of-art.