Once adorned with an array of iconic neon and light-based signs, State Street holds a vibrant cultural history that brought color and personality to Salt Lake City’s urban fabric. Honoring this legacy, the Salt Lake Art Design Board commissioned eight Utah-based artists to create neon-inspired artwork that celebrates and reimagines this history. The Life on State public art project features eight unique designs brought to life by YESCO’s neon artists, each transformed into a 4-foot in diameter neon artwork mounted 10 feet on steel support posts. Four posts were constructed in total, each displaying two distinctive designs back-to-back.
This project highlights the Public Art Program’s dedication to supporting Utah-based artists, especially those new to public art. By managing fabrication and installation directly, the program created an accessible opportunity for many first-time public art artists. This project originated from a Call for Artists released in 2022, reflecting the Salt Lake City Arts Council’s commitment to fostering opportunities for local creatives to engage with the public on a significant scale.
Installed along the east and west portions of State Street that run from 600 South to 700 South, this public art installation is part of Salt Lake City’s broader “Life on State“ Implementation Plan, an initiative to promote economic development, improve transportation, and enhance safety on State
Photo 1: Kalani Tonga
Photo 2: Chuck Landvatter
Photo 3: Alex Billany
Photo 4: Liz Shattler
Photo 5: Valerie Jar
Photo 6: Emma Ryder
Photo 7: Ryan Perkins
Photo 8: Verónica Pérez
This project was made possible through the Salt Lake City Arts Council’s Public Art Program, with support from the Salt Lake City Engineering & Transportation Divisions, Utah Department of Transportation, the Midtown District of Salt Lake City, YESCO, and the Salt Lake Art Design Board.
Photo credit: Salt Lake City Corp
Kalani Tonga ![]()
| “[This design] incorporates several easily recognizable traditional Polynesian tribal patterns that I believe will foster a sense of belonging and pride in the neighborhood amongst Pacific Islanders…I chose to create these patterns using a rainbow color scheme because rainbows are historically connected to both the Hawaiian community and the LGBTQ+ community…" |
Chuck Landvatter ![]()
| “[This piece] positively evokes movement and references Salt Lake City’s burgeoning downtown culture and night life.” |
Alex Billany ![]()
| "One of my favorite aspects of State Street is its unique automotive culture and being able to see incredible low-riders showcased as they drive up and down the street throughout the year." |
Liz Shattler ![]()
| "This design remembers the Paper Moon, Salt Lake City's only lesbian bar. The pink moon from their logo is centered above rainbow stripes which recall the stripes that were painted on the asphalt outside of the bar's front door. This neon sign is in tribute to the space we once had and to the local lesbian community." |
Valerie Jar ![]()
| “My family would often take a weekend trip to Salt Lake City, driving up State Street for dim sum…I remember the excitement of heading to the city and spending time with my family.” |
Emma Ryder ![]()
| “My neon sign illustrates an anecdote my grandmother told to distract me while crossing the street’s intimidatingly wide lanes. She said State Street was designed to provide room for an ox cart to make a U-turn and continue their journey in the opposite direction. I never forgot this little glimpse into the past. Now I get to share it with everyone who passes by in glowing neon. " |
Ryan Perkins ![]() Location: 643 South State Street | "The Great Basin rattlesnake reminds us that despite our urban landscape, the awesome power of wilderness remains ever-present. In addition, it evokes the wild and braggadocious tattoo culture whose historic home is on State Street." |
Verónica Pérez ![]()
| "The butterflies in this piece represent migration and transformation. State Street was built on native land that sustained many Indigenous peoples, land that has been traveled by Mormon oxcarts and Mexican taco carts…The heart represents…how we have all adjusted and changed with these movements.” |
Artwork featured in header: Through the Safety Lens by Alexander Tylevich