Raleigh Swimming Association reveals secret mural project

The Raleigh Swimming Association (RSA) revealed today the Secret Mural Project at the William H. Sonner Aquatic Facility (Sonner) by Los Altos, CA muralist Morgan Bricca. The Northern California muralist turned a 67 foot fire wall into powerful swimming mural.

“We are so grateful Morgan was able to come to Raleigh to transform a firewall into a work of art that sends a message of power and strength for our swimmers,” said Laura Hubbard, RSA Board member and project lead. “The mural feels alive – with life size swimmers racing freestyle while churning water to the finish line,” she added.

RSA commissioned Morgan Bricca to paint the Secret Mural Project because of her past works, including painting a mural of an Olympic swimming event. Using photos from the 2012 Olympic men’s freestyle finals, Morgan got inspiration to create a compelling work of art that would inspire swimmers of all levels to their potential greatness. It took Morgan seven days and more than 60 hours to paint the 24.5 foot by 67 foot fire wall mural.

“This absolutely stunning swim center (Sonner) needed a centerpiece to celebrate its vision as a world-class swim facility,” commented artist Morgan Bricca. Morgan said all she did was step into the vision that RSA and Aquatic Management Group had and amplified it into a 60 foot mural.

Morgan Bricca has been painting murals for 14 years- averaging 30 per year. She has painted murals for both large commercial and city projects, as wells as schools and private residences.

“The wall is a gift to our swimmers whom sacrificed so much this past year. Each day they will be able to enter our new facility and see a beautiful piece of art and say “I’m home,” said Michael Joyce, Head Age Group Coach at Raleigh Swimming Association. “Morgan did a great job, and we’re very thankful of her efforts,” he continued.

“The wall is cool,”said 13 year-old RSA swimmer Cothalee Watko. “It makes me feel at home since it is customized to our team and our facility,”he added.

Sonner is home to the RSA Wahoo’s year round swim team and Wahoo Swim Academy programming, as well as programming by Triangle Swim School, Triangle Water Polo and Aqua Zumba® by Fiorella.