Best known for his colorful, expressive murals across Utah, Matt Monsoon takes a leap into three-dimensional work with his new public sculpture “What We Build Together,” now installed in the heart of Salt Lake City’s Fairpark neighborhood.

Commissioned through the Salt Lake City Arts Council’s Public Art Program, the piece stands proudly in the traffic circle at 500 North and 1300 West. As a Fairpark resident, Monsoon was driven to honor the resilience and quiet strength of his own neighbors. “As a Fairpark resident, I wanted to create something that makes my community proud and honors the many everyday unsung heroes who live here,” said Monsoon. “It’s a tribute to the grandparents, neighbors, teachers, and friends who make this neighborhood special. I placed the figures atop an inverted pyramid to represent the idea of ‘power to the people,’ and I hope everyone sees a bit of themselves in it.”

The project was shaped by extensive community input. After the Salt Lake Art Design Board and City Transportation team identified the site in 2022 as part of a traffic-calming initiative, a public survey gathered responses from over 240 residents, helping define the artwork’s tone and direction. Monsoon’s project was “unanimously recommended by the Design Board for his strong neighborhood ties and alignment with community themes of equity, identity, and pride,” according to the city’s press release.

Fabricated by Metal Arts Foundry using durable, weather-resistant materials, the sculpture was installed in May 2025. A plaque at its base simply reads “Fairpark | SLC,” anchoring the piece in its neighborhood home.

While Monsoon’s vivid murals continue to enliven spaces across Utah — from libraries and community centers to ski resorts and city streets — “What We Build Together” marks his evolution as an artist, bringing his commitment to place and storytelling into a new medium.

In Plain Site

With our In Plain Site byline we feature publicly viewable art, both official and street art, throughout the state of Utah.