August 12, 2024

New murals brighten Seattle's downtown

Photos courtesy of Visit Seattle [enlarge]

Completed murals include this piece by Craig Cundiff at 921 Madison St. near Hotel Sorrento …

This summer it won't just be the sun bringing brightness to Seattle’s downtown thanks to a series of new murals popping up in various locations around the city.

The murals are the culmination of the Office of Arts & Culture's Hope Corps Downtown Seattle Mural Project, which is a key initiative of Mayor Harrell's Downtown Activation Plan.

By the end of the year, a total of 30 murals by diverse local artists will enliven the city's streetscape, spanning from SoDo to Belltown. Each will have a distinct theme highlighting the specific character of Seattle's downtown neighborhoods and beyond.

[enlarge]

… and a mural inspired by Bellingham-based master glassblower Ed Schmid.

Four pieces have been completed thus far, with work on nearly all murals scheduled to begin by the end of August. Two pieces by Louie Gong will be installed in November to align with Bruce Lee's birthday on Nov. 27.

Completed murals include a piece by Craig Cundiff at 921 Madison St. inspired by Daniel James Brown's Boys in the Boat and a mural by Myron Curry at 2227 Fifth Ave. inspired by Bellingham-based master glassblower Ed Schmid's Beginning Glassblowing book.

Photo courtesy of Downtown Seattle Association [enlarge]

Local artist Brady Black works on a new mural at 415 Cedar St.

With funding support, the city says the works of art will be maintained through 2026.

The mural project is a collaborative effort between the city and six downtown neighborhood organizations; Visit Seattle, Downtown Seattle Association, Belltown United, CID Business Relief Team, SODO Business Improvement Area, and Wing Luke Memorial Foundation.

Each organization has worked with local artists to design pieces of art that create more pedestrian-friendly experiences for residents and tourists in the heart of the city.