The Cottonwood Heights Arts Council worked with a team of artists from Draper Fabrications to help bring Jeff Anderson’s artwork to life in large scale. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Heights Arts Council)

Cottonwood Heights’s newest public art piece was unveiled during the mural ribbon cutting on Sept. 12. This event corresponded with a commemoration of Golden Hills Park’s (8295 Wasatch Blvd.) founder Edy Wright.

Jeff Anderson, a local artist, titled the new mural along the east side of Golden Hills Park “Metamorphic Seasons.” It features a vibrant stained-glass butterfly set against majestic mountain views inspired by the canyons that Cottonwood Heights resides between. “Metamorphic Seasons” also features wildflowers in the stained-glass foreground as a tribute to 54-year resident Edy Wright. 

“Public art has the power to transform space, but also deepen our appreciation for what’s already there. This mural is my way of giving something meaningful back to the community. It doesn’t try to compete with nature – it joins it, inviting the community to see the familiar through a lens of light, color and seasonal transformation,” Anderson said.

Councilmember Ellen Birrell exchanges memories of resident Edy Wright during her accommodation. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

After Anderson, members of the Cottonwood Heights Arts Council, and a few of the Cottonwood Heights councilmembers spoke, they lined up to cut the ribbon to the new mural. Councilmember Ellen Birrell then invited attendees to walk across the park to gather around the newly-placed commemorative stone for Edy Wright to share some history and memories. 

Edy Wright’s presence in Cottonwood Heights traces back to the 1970s when she started thinking about how to make the area around Wasatch Boulevard safer for children to play and spend time outside. 

“It was through her vision, dedication and tireless work that by petitioning and working with Salt Lake County leadership, property was identified and what we now know as Golden Hills Park came to be,” said Birrell. 

Dennis Wright stands with former Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore during the recognition ceremony for his wife Edy Wright. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

After Birrell familiarized attendees with Wright’s contributions to the community, she asked if anyone would like to share a memory. Her husband, Dennis Wright, shared memories of their life together. 

The couple met on the other side of the world when Dennis was working in Sweden and she was living in Denmark. Their roommates from that time moved to Utah as well so they’ve been life-long friends. 

Through the memories shared of Edy Wright's life, one constant theme emerged: she loved nature. She especially appreciated mature trees. 

Edy Wright passed away on Jan. 21, 2025. She is survived by her husband and children Stan and Lisa Long. 

“My mom loved beauty and made it her life’s work,” said daughter Lisa Long. “Golden Hills Park is a testament to her love of beauty, but even more so her love for her Cottonwood Heights, neighbors and friends. On behalf of our family, thank you to Ellen Birrell, Ben Hill and so many others.” 

The butterfly artwork symbolizes the transformation, growth and enduring power of community, as well as shared appreciation for nature. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Heights Arts Council)