Out Of The Blue Sculpture

What if a whale could breach not from the ocean’s depths, but from a city street? Here at the 9th and 9th neighborhood in Salt Lake City, that’s exactly what you’ll find. Out Of The Blue, a vibrant, larger-than-life humpback whale sculpture, bursts forth from the center of a roundabout. This isn’t your typical art installation. Out Of The Blue, affectionately nicknamed “The 9th and 9th Whale,” is a community icon, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the unique spirit of this neighborhood. The 23-foot-tall, fiberglass-and-steel behemoth was unveiled in April 2022. It was designed by local artist Stephen Kesler, a long-time resident of 9th and 9th, who wanted to capture the area’s unexpected and welcoming atmosphere. The sculpture is more than just a visual spectacle. It’s designed to be ever-changing, with a new artist commissioned every few years to repaint the whale, reflecting the neighborhood’s dynamic nature. Currently, you see “Point of Reference,” a mural by local artist Michael Murdock, inspired by the neighborhood’s breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The journey of Out Of The Blue wasn’t without its ripples. The roundabout was previously home to a community-created garden gnome installation. Some residents were initially unhappy about the gnomes’ removal. A protest gnome, complete with cheetah-print boots and a sign reading “Whales belong in the Ocean,” even appeared on the site. But the whale persevered, and now, it’s hard to imagine 9th and 9th without it. The whale has become a local phenomenon. It’s even earned the title of the “Sacred Whale” among some residents, inspiring a satirical website and even versions of the Utah state flag featuring the whale instead of the traditional beehive. It’s become a symbol, a meeting place, and a reminder of the unexpected beauty that can emerge when art and community collide. Out Of The Blue is a testament to 9th and 9th’s character: vibrant, unexpected, and full of life. It’s a place where whales breach from concrete, gnomes find new homes, and art brings people together.