Kayla Newnam

Second Street Mural @SMoCA 

The Second Street Mural @SMoCA project is in its inaugural year of creating an annual rotating mural space on the exterior wall of Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA). The goal is to showcase the incredible talent of Arizona muralists working today while creating a placemaking gateway marker for Scottsdale Civic Center. For this initial round, there was no theme imposed on prospective muralists, with the intention that they would have freedom to create something special for this new mural space. Muralist Kayla Newnam, who has longtime ties to Scottsdale, was selected and brought Big Ole Gecko to life in February 2025.

Artist

Kayla Newnam

Kayla Newnam is a prolific muralist with a passion for bringing people together through public art. Growing up in the desert has inspired her to find color in the places where you least expect it, such as the exterior of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, where the south side of the museum is transformed into a scene full of whimsy and life. The focal point of Big Ole Gecko is an oversized, multicolored gecko, rendered in vivid hues and intricate patterns that seem to dance across its surface. Its curious expression, with a tongue playfully extended, invites patrons to engage with the artwork. The gecko’s textured, mosaic-like appearance reflects the diversity of the desert ecosystem, while its bold colors symbolize the hidden beauty and resilience of life in arid environments. This piece not only celebrates the local environment but also playfully challenges the monochromatic backdrop of the city, reminding viewers to find joy and color in unexpected places. Through its sheer scale and dynamic composition, the mural creates a sense of movement and vitality. It’s a striking example of how public art can seamlessly blend humor and elegance to elevate everyday experiences.