BOUNTIFUL—There’s a three headed dragon guarding the old building on 100 North and 200 West in Bountiful. Its ferrous claws and fiery flames should keep away any intruders but the mural is really just the product of the artist’s imagination. 

Viewmont high art teacher E.J. Keyes was commissioned by the current owner to paint the mural on the side of the building. He’s been working on it since last week when school ended and anticipates having it done by June 11.

“It used to be an old feed store,” he said. “When I was little we’d drive by it. People came there to buy seed for their chickens. It’s been sitting for a little while. At one time there was a skate park inside and then I think it was an auto detailing business.”

The owner picked the design, said Keyes. “He wanted a three headed dragon with a face on each side of the building.”

Keyes said he drew out a rough sketch on his tablet and showed it to him. “He’s been hands off and just asked me to send him updates. I sketched some dragons on boards in my yard to give me the feel of it. At first I didn't have a tall enough scaffolding so I had a pole that I reached up and painted with. I’d draw a little bit then step back. I paint as I go.”

It’s not the same as the original sketch, he said. “It’s been fun. I always liked murals. I painted a house near Centerville Junior High in high school with some friends of Batman. I took my painting II students to paint a mural at Spotlight Theater.”

It’s by far the biggest mural he has done. “I’ll have used about 200 cans of paint by the time I’m done. I’m trying to build up my skills and repertoire.”

Keyes has been participating in the Chalk Art Festival for 10 or 15 years. “With this project I’m not sure I’ll have time this year,” he said. “I hope people who are at the festival will take the time to come down here and see this mural.”

Keyes said he feels some connection to the building since he was a skater. “It’s been fun to be a part of this. Lots of people stop by and say they like the dragon.”