Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet and Sushi Bar’s downtown location will celebrate the unveiling of a new mural by local artist Janette Hopper on Monday.

The restaurant at 16 S. Front St. reopened in December following an eight-week renovation and redesign that included improvements such as custom tables and seating, a new sushi bar and workstation, updated lighting and an expanded bar. 

Once the renovations were complete, the restaurant reopened for business and construction of the mural began in early January.

Hopper was commissioned by Nikki's co-owner, Yuda Chen, because of her familiarity with large scale murals and landscapes. She spent much of the month of January working on the project, coming in early in the morning and working through lunch, allowing patrons to see her work in progress. 

Hopper’s work has been shown and collected extensively in museums, public venues, colleges and universities and in private galleries nationally and internationally.

Hopper said the mural is inspired by Japanese prints from the 1800s. It is her interpretation of seasons of Mt. Fuji, from dawn until dusk.

"The outdoors long has enchanted me and inspired my art,” said Hopper in her artist’s statement on her webpage.

Specials such as half-off teriyaki entrees and half-price sushi will be offered throughout the day on Monday, and an artist reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m.

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