The Beginning

The Salt Lake Whale, officially titled Out of the Blue, is a 23-foot breaching humpback whale sculpture located in the vibrant 9th and 9th neighborhood of Salt Lake City, Utah. In 2019, artist Stephen Kesler of Tusk Studios was selected as one of three finalists by the Salt Lake Arts Council to design a three-dimensional artwork that would thoughtfully incorporate and enliven the surrounding space. His concept of a breaching whale in an urban setting captured the council’s attention, leading to the commission of the piece.

The Artist’s Connection to 9th & 9th

For Kesler, this project was personal. Growing up in Midvale, Utah, he was surrounded by chain stores, strip malls, and concrete. Discovering the 9th and 9th neighborhood in high school felt like stumbling upon something entirely different. With its independent record stores, coffee shops, and the historic Tower Theater, the area stood out in a way he hadn’t experienced before. “There’s a different energy here,” Kesler reflects. Over time, he moved to the neighborhood, living and working there for over 20 years. He fabricated many of his largest sculptures in the area and built a strong connection to the community. 9th and 9th is a place where people from all backgrounds come together, blending unique ideas, creativity, and respect for one another.

The Design and Construction

Kesler sculpted Out of the Blue by hand in foam, then skinned it in fiberglass. Its internal steel frame, made from over 900 feet of square tubing, ensures the sculpture’s stability and longevity. The breaching humpback whale was designed to reflect the energy and ideals of the 9th and 9th neighborhood—unexpected and uplifting. Like the community it resides in, the whale rises above expectations, representing resilience, creativity, and harmony.

A Touch of Controversy

Before the whale’s installation on April 1, 2021, the roundabout it now occupies was home to a grassroots art display of garden gnomes placed by local residents. Replacing this beloved display with a large-scale public sculpture sparked some controversy. Concerns about public input and the neighborhood’s identity led to petitions and debates about the whale’s appropriateness. However, in a delightful twist, the gnomes returned after the whale was installed, finding new places around the sculpture and becoming part of the scene, blending the community’s past and present.

A Community Landmark

Today, Out of the Blue has transcended its initial controversies. Its whimsical and bold design fits seamlessly into the fabric of 9th and 9th, reflecting the neighborhood’s charm, diversity, and character. The sculpture has inspired events like the Whaleathon and continues to bring people together, serving as a symbol of creativity, resilience, and connection.

Today and Beyond

As of 2024, Out of the Blue remains a beloved part of the 9th and 9th neighborhood. It celebrates the community’s creativity, its connection to nature, and its welcoming energy. The return of the gnomes alongside the whale has created a unique harmony that reflects the spirit of the neighborhood—unexpected, inclusive, and full of character. Stephen Kesler’s work is more than just a sculpture—it’s a reflection of a neighborhood that values individuality and the strength of coming together.

This is the story of a whale finding its place in a city, connecting people to art, nature, and each other.