A Story in Paint Told by Stephanie LaBranch: The New Mural at Yerington City Hall

Yerington NV – September 6, 2026

Look closely at the mural on Yerington City Hall and you will find much more than paint. Within its design are pieces of Nevada’s history, symbols of the state, and elements that reflect Yerington’s own agricultural and mining heritage. Local artist Stephanie LaBranch spent months bringing the vision to life, completing the project in September.

On September 5, 2026 Stephanie LaBranch reported: “Officially 100% finished with the largest and longest project I’ve ever been asked to do. This project reignited my passion for art and gave me so much confidence to continue pursuing more but for now rest I plan on reading all day tomorrow for my birthday.”

Happy Birthday, Stephanie! All of us who have deep roots in our little town of Yerington, Nevada thank you for this astounding work of art and your labor of love!

Stephanie LaBranch’s mural offers a visual journey through Nevada history, beginning with Yerington’s 250th Celebration Mural and leading viewers backward through time, with each element revealing another piece of the state’s story.

On August 29th, Stephanie wrote: “Finally finished with this side of the wall! 3 down, 1 to go. I was hoping to have the entire project done by the end of August but it’s not looking like I’ll meet that goal.

I think I’ve officially (kind of) conquered my fear of heights though!”

August 9, 2026 : “One down, two to go. I actually really like the design of this logo, very satisfying and fun to paint. By the time I’m fully done with this project I’ll have done these buildings 4 times! We will see if I still feel the same by the end!”

July 26, 2026 from Stephanie: “First, I’d like to recognize Debbi Draper- Douglas whose original concept inspired this mural. She envisioned combining the American flag with the outline of NV filled with our states history, symbols and the evolution of our state flags!

“Thank you for sharing the idea that became the foundation for this mural!”

“After 118 hours I am officially done with this piece. I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud of a singular piece of artwork I have done. So much time and brainpower went into this. This entire last month I have done nothing but focus on it so I’m sure my kids will be happy it’s finished!”

“Thank you to everyone who stopped by, all the nice comments and recognition and for all the offerings of snacks and drinks! My mom who spent many hours hanging with me while I painted and also to Joey who helped me with so many coats of paint, measuring, moving the lifts and cleaning up after me as I went!

“I’m so grateful to the Yerington Main Street committee and Nevada arts council for this amazing opportunity to showcase my art work!”

July 19, 2026: “The second state flag was designed by a Carson City educator and historian. Adopted in 1915 with the great Nevada seal in the center of the flag. The seal portrayed everything Nevada stood for as a state. Mining-which built the economy, Transportation and communications- which connected the state, mountains and sunrise- which reflected landscape and future, 36 stars- which celebrated statehood and loyalty to the union.

“This flag was replaced in 1929 due to being extremely hard to duplicate. The great seal alone took more than 40 hand stitched colors. Lawmakers decided they wanted something simpler and easier to reproduce.

“Which leads us to the 3rd flag in the evolution.

“The first Battle born flag which was cobalt blue with one singular silver star representing the silver state, sage brush which covered the vast majority of the states landscape and a simple yellow banner reading battle born celebrating the state being born during one of America’s biggest conflicts.

“Although the design was adopted in 1929 there was an unexpected problem- the law didn’t clearly specify how the letters should be arranged around the star. This also made the flag hard to reproduce, different manufacturers would make slightly different versions. So again in 1991 the state decided to simplify this flag yet one more time, placing Nevada neatly under the star.

“Creating the current flag we know and love today.

“I really think having the story of the flags be apart of this mural watching them evolve from the first to current at the upper left part of the state really adds an element to this mural that really pulls everything together.

“I’m officially at 109 hours put into this project and I couldn’t be more proud of how it has turned out.

“My next and last post will be the completion and finally giving design credit to the person behind the vision.” – Stephanie LaBranch

July 17, 2026 from Stephanie: “This is the first official state flag which was adopted in 1905 and remained the flag until 1915. Designed by Governor John Sparks and Colonel Harry Day. The blue field was intentionally chose to match the blue from the American flag emphasizing Nevada’s place in the union.

“The words silver, Nevada and gold celebrate the states two most important mineral resources.

Silver- reflecting Nevada’s nickname “the silver state”

Gold- recognizing the mining industry

There are 36 stars representing Nevada being adopted into the union as the 36th state.

This is a work in progress, I will be adding a gold banner around the state and flags.”

July 12, 2026: “Desert Tortoises – designated the official state reptile in 1989. It represents endurance, patience and remarkable ability to survive in harsh environments. They spend 95-% of their lives in burrows where temperatures stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter. They live for decades, sometimes 50-80 years.

“Lahontan Cutthroat Trout – Designated the state fish in 1981. It’s the largest native trout in North America. Native to waters of lake Lahontan. It gets its name for the bright red/orange slash marks on the low jaw which looks like cuts on the throat. The colors become more vibrant during spawning season.Represents Nevada’s unique desert waterways and mountain streams.

“88 hours into this project today. Officially have the design inside of the state about 95% finished just have to make a few adjustments on the big horns eyes, soften the water a little and a few other small adjustments. Going to put a gold banner around Nevada to help it pop and then focus on the pesky little white boxes to the left side.”

On July 10, 2026, Stephanie wrote: “Mining not only played a role in Nevada becoming a state, it also made the state an economic powerhouse and is the reason Nevada exists as we know it.

“Nevada is known as the silver state from the discovery of rich silver deposits of Comstock Lode in Virginia City in 1859 which happened to be the first major silver discovery in the United States. Thousands of merchants and entrepreneurs rushed to Nevada creating booming towns almost overnight.

“Mining helped fund railroads, businesses, schools and communities across the state. Many historic towns owe their existence to mining such as Virginia City, Goldfield, Tonopah and Ely to this day Nevada still remains the world mining leader.

“Mining represents opportunity, innovation, perseverance and economic growth.

“Sagebrush: Designated the state flower in 1917. Sagebrush is the defining plant for much of Nevada’s landscapes. It covers millions of acres. More than 350 species depend on the sagebrush habitat for food, shelter and nesting sites; such as mule deer, pronghorn, mountain bluebirds and sage grouse. Represents resilience and adaptability.”

July 5, 2026 : “Capital Building – Sits in the middle of Carson City Nevada. Built with local sandstone. Served as the seat of Nevada’s government since 1871, just 7 years after Nevada became a state. The building has been apart of Nevada’s government for 150 years and is the second oldest oldest capital building west of the Mississippi River.

“Here, Nevada legislature meets to debate, write, amend and pass state laws.

“The building also houses offices for state officials. Senate and assembly chambers is where elected law makers who represent Nevada communities meet about things like schools, roads, public safety, health care, taxes water and state budgets.”

“Big Horned sheep – Official state animal since 1973. Big horned sheep are the most recognizable animal in Nevada’s desert. With impressive and recognizable horns used in dramatic head-to-head battles during breeding. Their skulls are especially adapted to absorb tremendous forces. Their hoofs are specialized to climb cliffs that seem impossible and balance on ledges only a few inches wide.

“They are built for Nevada’s rugged landscape, they survive where few can. They can handle extreme heat and dry environments and can go long periods of time with very little water. They are a symbol of strength and resilience.”

July 3, 2026: “Mountain Blue Bird was designated the state bird in 1967. Chosen for its beauty and widespread presence across Nevada. It is a symbol of all of Nevadas open spaces. The blue bird is one of the first birds to migrate back after winter making it a traditional symbol of renewal, hope and the arrival of warmer weather.”

July 3, 2026: “Yerington, used to be known as Pizen Switch because the local whiskey was so bad people would call it ‘pizen’ for poison. After the town grew and many more began to reside in town they started to call it ‘Greenfield’ because of all the lush farm lands surrounding the area. In 1894 it became the town of Yerington when the locals decided to name the town after Henry M. Yerington, a railroad mining figure, in hopes that it would persuade him to bring the railroad through town. The railroad never came, but the name stuck.

“Yerington has been the county seat since 1911 after Dayton’s courthouse burned down in 1909 causing Nevada legislature to name Yerington the new seat.

“Yerington is rich in agriculture due to the water and fertile lands in Mason valley. Agriculture was and still is a pivotal part of life for most who reside here. Yerington has been known as the onion capital of the west until it recently adopted its new motto ‘The Harvest Capital of the Copper Hills’.

“Also incorporating mining which along with agriculture has played a pivotal part in the growth of this town. Agriculture and mining have long shaped the Yerington area and continue to be apart of its future.

“A place I am proud to call my home.”

On June 30, 2026 Stephanie wrote: “Nevada became the 36th state on October 31st 1864 during the height of the Civil war. Many people think we got the ‘battle born’ title for battles fought in the state, but no battles were actually fought in Nevada. The state adopted the battle born name because it was ‘born’ during one of the most significant conflicts in American history.

“President Lincoln along with congress wanted Nevada to be admitted as a state quickly because it would add electoral votes needed for Lincoln’s reelection and would also send Union reps to congress.

“Nevada’s support helped strengthen the Unions efforts to preserve the Nation and later helped pass the 13th amendment which abolished slavery.

“Fun fact, many people believe that ‘Battle Born’ is our state motto but it’s not. The actual motto adopted by the state of Nevada is ‘All for our Country’.

“I will be sharing little tid-bits of information for each aspect of this mural as I paint it. Feel free to add in some knowledge or correct anything I may have wrong for all you history buffs out there.

“This current NV state flag was adopted in 1991 and is our flag to this day!”

June 28, 2026: “And we officially have all the details inside of the state!! Battle Born, state capital, city logo, mountain blue bird, big horn sheep, mine cart, desert tortoise, sage brush, cut throat trout!

“All completely hand drawn, not traced. I’m glad I spent time doing my homework for this project. I spent many, many hours doing the math and making the grids to make sure that all aspects of this drawing fit onto the wall proportionately including the state. I have redrawn this design in my head and in my dreams over and over again. Being that we only had 12 ft in height to work with the state had to stay 8 ft wide to keep the Nevada proportionate.”

“I have learned through this process that I do not like rules, I don’t do well with art that has to be boxed in to specifics. I like to grab a pencil and go, but with something this size everything had to math out. Even though I’m not a fan of rigidity in art projects I am absolutely loving this project and I’m so proud of my self and how it’s been turning out. I am also extremely grateful for Joey’s help with all the prep work, math, measuring and multiple coats of paint he has helped me with! Now to get some color on this thing!”

June 27, 2026: Stephanie began, “Finally started drawing the design inside of the state tonight. Follow my art page on Instagram, ink_easelcreativeco to witnes my progress!”