The 9th & 9th Whale in Salt Lake City: Art, Water, and Ski Culture

Salt Lake City’s 9th & 9th Whale sculpture has become an iconic landmark that blends public art, community pride, and deeper symbolism about Utah’s relationship with water. Standing tall in the 9th & 9th roundabout, the colorful breaching whale greets residents and visitors with bold energy. But beyond its striking design, the whale reflects the critical importance of water conservation and the role snowpack plays in Utah’s ski culture.

The artists behind the whale

The sculpture was created by Stephen Kesler, a Utah-based sculptor known for his realistic large-scale works. Kesler crafted the breaching whale form, capturing motion and power in its upward leap.

Once the sculpture was complete, local painter Matt Monsoon brought it to life with vibrant colors. Monsoon’s rainbow palette symbolizes creativity, diversity, and the vibrancy of the Salt Lake community. His bold brushwork contrasts with Kesler’s realistic form, creating a piece that is both playful and thought-provoking.

Why a whale in Salt Lake City?

A whale in a landlocked state may seem unexpected, but the juxtaposition is deliberate. The whale sparks curiosity and reminds us that water is essential, even in a desert state like Utah. The city’s future is tied to healthy rivers, reservoirs, and snowpack — and without conservation, these resources are at risk.

Water conservation and ski culture

In Utah, snowpack is life. The Wasatch Mountains act as a natural reservoir, storing water as snow each winter and releasing it into rivers and aquifers through spring and summer. Healthy snow years mean more than just deep powder for skiing.  Water is vital to the ecosystem as the snowpack sustains agriculture, drinking water, and habitats across the state.

The 9th & 9th Whale has become a symbol of this delicate balance. To skiers, it represents the hope of plentiful winters and powder days in the Cottonwood Canyons. To conservationists, it’s a reminder of how fragile Utah’s water systems are in the face of climate change and overuse.

Art as a call to action

Public art like the whale connects city life to environmental issues. It invites passersby to pause and consider the bigger picture. From the shrinking Great Salt Lake to the pressures on Utah’s mountain watersheds.

Supporting water-wise policies, reducing waste, and protecting natural resources ensures not only a vibrant community but also the snowpack and water supply that define Utah’s way of life.

The 9th & 9th Whale is more than a whimsical sculpture. It’s a landmark that ties together art, environment, and culture. Thanks to Stephen Kesler’s sculptural vision and Matt Monsoon’s bold painting, the whale has become a community icon and a reminder: protecting our water and snowpack is essential for the future of Salt Lake City and its cherished ski culture.