The whale, an iconic artwork in Salt Lake City, will soon look different. Here’s why.

Artist Stephen Kesler talks about how his “Out of the Blue” sculpture has become a symbol for the offbeat 9th and 9th neighborhood.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake City’s 9th and 9th neighborhood whale is pictured on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. The sculpture will be repainted in 2026 and artists interested in painting a new mural on “Out of the Blue” can apply for the work by Jan. 2.

The whale, an iconic artwork in Salt Lake City, will soon look different. Here’s why.

Artist Stephen Kesler talks about how his “Out of the Blue” sculpture has become a symbol for the offbeat 9th and 9th neighborhood.

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