Lyons car wash and its mural being removed from downtown

St Vrain Market owners statement:

On Monday July 17th, we say good bye to this antiquated relic of a car wash that has hobbled along for decades. This poor old structure has labored through many years and many car washes but it is time to say good bye. With the cost of water, general repairs, and gas to operate, not to mention the costs required to upgrade to modern car wash environmental codes, it is simply not feasible in this location.

One aspect that will be sorely missed is the beautiful mural that Jake Pinello painted back around 2010 to bring life to the southwest facing wall. Jake has made his mark both inside and outside of the St Vrain Market over the past 15 years and we thank him for his amazing artistry. Please feel free to come by and take your photo in front of this beautiful mural before it is gone this coming Monday July 17. Thank you Jake and thank you Lyons from all of us at the St. Vrain Market, Deli & Bakery…………. Neil Sullivan

Comments from Artist and Town Residents on saving the mural

After the announcement on Facebook “Lyons Happenings,” many residents proposed ways that the image on the car wash’s wall could be preserved. One of the most popular ones was to take a high-quality photo of it, and turn it into a post card that could be sold locally.

Many of the locals wrote about their memories of the place, and how they not only used it for cars, but trailers and horses! It was handy to use in the winter when it was too cold to turn on the hose at your house. It also seemed to provide a bit more water than the car washes in Longmont and Boulder (before demanding another quarter).

The Market will be expanding its bakery and work room in the back, and it will allow for more parking spots.

Watch our “Editor’s News Briefs” weekly column for more information on what direction this will go, and how to obtain some of the relics, if possible.

==Kahlie Sue Pinello, said:
My heart is full. We not only got to share in Pop’s artwork but you have all embraced Pop as one of us. I’ve been here for 30yrs and really so has he. He has the same memories of our old Lyons, and I believe he caught that feeling in this mural. It’s overwhelming to know he was able to touch our community with his artwork. I’m a pretty proud daughter.

I painted side by side with him these past 30yrs as well. Sometimes it required us to travel. We once went to Alaska to paint a Conex Box at the end of the road in Denali. Making memories under the name of Flat Rabbit Murals.

At the very beginning of this journey together he made it very clear that when we have done our very best, we leave it to time. #1 rule is that you do not get attached to your work. Murals come down everyday from growth and redecoration. As long as the customer is completely satisfied we leave a part of us to them and go on to our next victim.

Just thinking out loud but I think it would be cool to take any bricks or substantial pieces and make a new art piece, mixing up the patterns and colors to make a new piece out of an old piece. Maybe this is a Cathy Rivers vision being that they did an amazing fob on the water tank.
Either Or
We are not attached and I know he, as an artist, has touched our town.
Like I said,
“I’m a Damn proud daughter. .
Puffed up and Proud.