HELENA — Artist Elise Perpignano is currently working on the Centennial Tunnel mural. The mural is dedicated to the Mann Gulch fire and the smokejumpers who perished in the fire.
“This particular fire was one of the most tragic smoke jumping accidents to ever occur. However, there was a lot of growth and learning that came out of it. The Forest Service and firefighters gained valuable insights on fighting fires more effectively and understanding that each fire is unique. So, despite the tragedy, there were positive outcomes,” says Perpignano.
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Perpignano has put in a lot of effort to paint the Centennial mural on the pedestrian underpass under W Lyndale Ave. After completing another mural last summer along the tunnel walls connecting Centennial and Memorial Parks, she embarked on this project to add color and history to the other side of the park.
The Forest Service approached Perpignano about featuring the Mann Gulch fire in her mural. This August marks the 75th anniversary of the tragic event.
“The Forest Service reached out to me and were very enthusiastic about this idea. We collaborated and I have a passion for history, so we worked closely with them and the Smokejumpers Association in Missoula to ensure the accuracy of the graphics, depicting the actual parachutes, the correct type of plane, and other details,” says Perpignano.
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There will be 3 days of public events around the 75th anniversary of the Mann Gulch fire on August 5th to honor the victims.
The events include a screening of the movie “Higgins Ridge”, wreath-making, wildfire home safety tips, and a special event at the capitol featuring a fly-over by the same plane that dispatched the Mann Gulch smokejumpers, along with a speech from author Norman Maclean’s son.
“We have organized multiple events in town to pay tribute to the memories of the men. This was a wonderful opportunity to create an installation in the heart of the town where we can honor their memories,” says Spokesperson for the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Chiara Cipriano.
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The north side of the tunnel will showcase the Mann Gulch fire, featuring Miss Montana, the plane that dropped the smoke jumpers, as well as some smokejumpers themselves. The inside of the tunnel will depict the wildfire life cycle, the sleeping giant, and scenes from the Missouri River. The south side will highlight Gates of the Mountain, quotes from Meriwether Lewis, and pay tribute to the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.
An anti-graffiti coating will be applied to protect the mural from vandalism. Perpignano aims to finish the project by August.
