“When I painted these, my backyard overlooked the Puget Sound,” muralist Tracy Kay Fraker commented, “just off the ridge of Maplewood Drive in Edmonds. My favorite part of the view there was the sky.” Fraker’s diptych mural Sun/Rise, Moon/Rise is being mounted this weekend, weather permitting, on the side of Edmonds Bookshop in downtown Edmonds. “Sky imagery has always captivated me, so when I saw that the Mural Society’s theme was A Moment In Time, I knew immediately what mural concept to submit.”

“They’re stunning works, really,” Mural Society spokesman Jeff Stilwell said.  “To look at them is to drown in them.  I don’t know too many works like that.  We’re lucky to have a painter of Tracy’s caliber living just a few doors down the street.”

Fraker’s mural is the fifth of five murals being raised this summer by the Edmonds Mural Society.  “That brings us to a total of six so far,” noted development director Manya Vee, “two historical, two contemporary and two abstract; a wonderful mix for everyone in the community to enjoy.”

“For me, knowing that one of my works was going to be permanently mounted in this town I love so much, cemented my ties to the community,” Fraker said.  “I love the way they have supported me over the years and this is my way of supporting them right back.”

Edmonds Bookshop owner Mary Kay Sneeringer plans to paint the front of her store to match one of the colors in the mural.  “I’d like to de-beige Edmonds,” Sneeringer said.

Fraker has been painting as a fine artist since 2000.  “The Mural Society’s Call to Artists for next season was just put out,” Fraker said. “I encourage all artists to find something in their work that fits this next theme and see if they can become part.  I mean how cool it is that?” Edmonds Mural Society Members vote, choosing the theme each year.  2010’s (history) theme was A Moment In Time.  2011’s (natural beauty) theme is Hidden Treasures. “In this way, the Mural Society rotates yearly among the three goals of its mission to celebrate the beauty, history and people of Edmonds,” Stilwell said.  “That way, it’s always fresh and keeps us on our toes.”

The Edmonds Mural Society, seeking 501(c)3 status, is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization relying exclusively on donations from its members. For more information, visit www.edmondsmuralsociety.org.