Local Artist Brightens One of Bozeman’s Darkest Places

If you're familiar with downtown Bozeman, you've probably walked by the underground parking garage for the Baxter Hotel off of Mendenhall.

Up until recently, it looked like a place you wouldn't want to be caught alone. It was dimly lit, damp, and full of graffiti and obscenities painted on the walls.

However, in the summer of 2017, a local artist decided to take it upon himself to make the area less creepy.

You may have seen Buzzard riding around town on his three-wheel bicycle. He frequents the downtown area, and does art projects for local businesses.

He noticed that the underground parking garage was in despair, and wanted to do something about it. It has taken almost a year for Buzzard to complete the project, but it has come a long way from what it was.

Despite receiving threats from local graffiti artists, he has continued to diligently move forward in brightening the once frightening area. Instead of obscenities and tag signatures, the area is a much more pleasant sight to see. It is filled with bright colors, and interesting designs.

Buzzard pointed out to us that the concrete top of the garage is breaking down, with daylight visible along seams in the roof. He says it's only a matter of time before it caves in, making it a very dangerous situation in his mind. He says that he hopes the owner of the garage addresses the issue soon.

Buzzard told us that while he has been painting the garage, he also has been cleaning it up a bit, disposing of bottles, trash and even needles, which are presumably part of drug use.

If you happen to see Buzzard riding around town, thank him for taking the time to make Bozeman a little brighter.

He often listens to music while creating his masterpieces and told us he prefers to listen to the Moose.