r/Kalispell

Added a little piece of Montana to this campground 🥹 (sorry I haven’t posted the finished product I was traveling)

Finished up this mural at Yellowrock Campground in Lolo, MT bringing together some of my favorite parts of western Montana: a black bear, brook trout, Indian paintbrush, rushing water, mountains and pines.
This project taught me a lot about my own artistic style. I’m finding myself drawn to the space between realism and illustration keeping the wildlife recognizable and detailed while letting color, simplified shapes and graphic landscapes do their own thing. I highly recommend staying at Yellowrock Campground if you’re in the lolo MT area!! They are so kind and their campground has lots of accommodations and beautiful views.

And yes, the trout went through a bit of an identity crisis along the way. Swipe to see the process.

I’m hoping to get another exterior mural painted before the summer ends so if anyone is interested to have their space done please feel free to reach out!!

Painted by Sophia Mathis | Mathis Murals
@sophiammathis

I've watched our state change rapidly, and I'm concerned. People move here from out of state and immediately vote on issues that shape our communities—issues they might not fully understand yet. I started a petition to implement a five-year residency requirement before someone can vote in state and local elections. It's not about blocking anyone from participating eventually. It's about making sure the people deciding our future have actually spent time here, understand our economy, our traditions, and what our communities really need.

Think about it: if someone loved where they came from, why are they working to change this place into what they left behind? Long-term residents have real stakes in these decisions. We're the ones living with the consequences for decades.

Does this resonate with you? Have you noticed how quickly things feel different in your community? If this matters to you too, consider signing and sharing the petition.

https://www.change.org/PreserveOurWayofLife