Autumnal Forest
- Artist
- Samantha Sanders
- Location
- Zeroday Brewing Company Taproom, North 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA
This vibrant, nature-inspired mural is a celebration of the shared creativity between artists and craft brewers. It perfectly complements the urban beer garden at ZeroDay Brewing.
It was created by native Harrisburg artist Samantha Sanders, who is known for her intricate depictions of flowers and plant life. Sanders’ connection to ZeroDay runs deep; she previously contributed to one of Sprocket’s early murals at their original brewery location. When ZeroDay relocated, it partnered with Sprocket again to bring art to their new courtyard, resulting in this interior mural.
Sanders’ inspiration for Autumnal Forest mural came from home.
“The Manada Creek runs through my parent’s property. It cuts through woodland that I loved exploring as a child, and still do,” Sanders says of the Swatara Creek tributary. “When Zero Day said they were interested in a forest scene, that’s what I immediately thought of. I thought of golden light cutting through amber leaves, dancing over a creek that felt like my escape from the world.”
The artist spent 8-10 hours per day painting the mural by herself, but says, though physically challenging, she found the process rewarding.
“Luckily, I had a little help from my dad, who came by for moral support and helped me paint leaves. He suffered a stroke a few years ago, which makes that experience all the more meaningful,” Sanders says. “When people see the mural, they won’t know all these intimate details of what went into it, but I hope, with great company and a good drink in hand, they sit back and relax and let their worries wash away.”
Sanders’ journey with Sprocket began during the 2017 Mural Festival, where she worked in tandem with artist Shane Patrick Gallup. This piece marked her second collaboration with Sprocket Mural Works.