PEG Landmark Mural to Leave Lasting Cultural Imprint on St. George’s Downtown Arts District

ST. GEORGE, UT – Work is officially under way on a monumental public mural in the heart of the downtown arts district. PEG, in partnership with the City of St. George, has commissioned world-renowned Italian muralist Pepe Gaka to bring this large-scale artwork to life. Painting began in March and is expected to take approximately five to six weeks to complete, weather permitting.

“This is going to be a fantastic addition to our downtown arts district,” said St. George Mayor Michele Randall. “We appreciate the time and effort put into making this mural a reality. It has been a pleasure to partner with PEG on this, and I know the finished product will reflect the beauty and charm of St. George.”

Gaka’s mural is taking shape on the shared parking garage of PEG’s flagship properties: The Advenire, Southern Utah’s premier luxury boutique hotel, and City View St. George, one of the region’s top-performing multifamily communities. The installation marks a bold new chapter in downtown St. George’s cultural and visual revitalization.

Internationally celebrated for his large-scale works—including the world’s tallest mural—Gaka brings a signature storytelling style that blends history, culture and emotion. For this project, he drew inspiration from the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, incorporating reference photography of the group to honor the region’s rich musical heritage.

“At PEG, we’re always looking for ways to take our developments a step further, not just creating spaces but enhancing the energy and vibrance of the community,” said Matt Hansen, President of Development at PEG. “As owners, we chose to invest in it because we believe it adds meaningful value to the neighborhood and honors the spirit of St. George in a lasting way.”

“When creating a mural, my main objectives are for it to be visually beautiful and uplifting and also to have a connection with the site and the city,” explained Gaka, a veteran artist who has painted murals in Italy, the UK, Canada, Pakistan, the Philippines, Japan, and several cities across the US. “Because of this, I decided to create a colorful and intricate design to represent the local flora and to celebrate the The Southwest Symphony Orchestra, which is based in St. George.”

The visual landmark will be completed in phases, and locals are encouraged to stop by and watch the transformation unfold in real time.

Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, The Advenire blends Southern Utah’s pioneer heritage with modern luxury. With distinctive design elements—like Dixie dormer windows, locally curated art and colorful tapestries inspired by handmade settler rag rugs—the hotel offers guests a deeply authentic experience. Its signature restaurant, Wood.Ash.Rye, celebrates the region’s bounty with craft cocktails and seasonally driven cuisine. Since opening in 2020, The Advenire has become a cultural anchor for downtown St. George and a destination for adventure-seekers, locals and travelers alike.

Next door, City View St. George opened in 2019 and offers residents modern living just steps from downtown and less than a mile from Utah Tech University. Developed with support from the City of St. George, the project is a prime example of public-private collaboration and PEG’s mission to create dynamic, livable communities across Southern Utah.

This public art installation is the latest expression of PEG’s commitment to thoughtful placemaking and creative partnerships that enrich the communities they serve. As it comes to life in the heart of downtown, the mural not only celebrates the region’s cultural identity, but also reflects a shared vision between PEG, the City of St. George, and the local community—to build spaces that inspire, connect and endure for generations to come.

“The Southwest Symphony is honored to be part of this incredible mural project,” said Lucas Darger, Music Director and Conductor of the Southwest Symphony Orchestra. “Music and the arts have the power to bring communities together, and seeing our musicians included and represented in such a vibrant, lasting way is truly inspiring… This mural is not just a celebration of music—it’s a testament to the role the arts play in shaping the identity and spirit of our community.”