Seattle is renowned for its public art. But have you ever stopped to admire the Cross My Palm Mural?
Let’s take a closer look. This isn’t just paint on a wall. It’s a vibrant piece of Seattle’s artistic soul. The Cross My Palm Mural and others are accessible for anyone to enjoy.
Seattle was one of the first cities in the country to adopt a percent-for-art ordinance. One percent of eligible city capital improvement project funds go toward public art. This includes commissions, purchases, and installations. Seattle’s public art collection includes over 400 permanent works. There are also nearly 3,000 portable pieces. Murals are a favorite. They adorn buildings and signal boxes throughout the city.
The Greetings from Seattle mural in Belltown is a must-see. It depicts the city’s iconic sites. The team at Greetings Tour created it. It is proof you’ve made it to the Emerald City. Find it on the south side of Bedlam Coffee on Second Avenue near Bell Street. There is also a similar mural in Georgetown.
Another example is the Tetris mural. Head to Eighth Avenue and Pine Street. Artist Will Schlough created it via Urban ArtWorks. Urban ArtWorks is a Seattle-based nonprofit. It provides opportunities for artists and local youth. Together they create public works of art.
Over 60 artists collaborated on another project. They transformed Seattle’s two-mile stretch of transit. The SODO Track became one magnificent piece of art. This compilation of murals spans 32 walls. It runs between Royal Brougham Way and Spokane Street. It took three summers to complete. Take Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail. Ride between Sea-Tac Airport and downtown Seattle. Admire these masterpieces.
Don’t miss the Richmark Label murals. These are on Capitol Hill. Urban ArtWorks also created these. The murals wrap around the 11th Avenue and East Pine Street corner. They are near the southeast side of Cal Anderson Park.
Artist Desmond Hansen has marked West Seattle. He created portraits on five signal boxes. His portraits pay tribute to famous Seattle icons. These include Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, and Bruce Lee. Also Chris Cornell and Layne Staley.
Pay attention as you explore the city. Many Seattle neighborhoods display their personalities. This is through the Traffic Signal Control Box Artwork Program. SDOT and the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture partner for this project.
Located at the Pike Street Hill Climb is another mural. It is along Western Avenue. Carolina Silva created it. She collaborated with Urban ArtWorks, Space.City, and Seattle Design Festival. Rain or shine, this mural brightens the walk to Seattle’s waterfront. Explore Pike Place Market’s new MarketFront expansion. See even more public art pieces. These include sculptures and signage.
Artist Ryan Henry Ward has produced hundreds of murals around the city. Most are in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. But you can find them elsewhere too.
Cinerama is a historic movie theater in Belltown. It boasts big red and blue murals. These murals pay homage to the theater’s rich history. They also honor the types of movies that have played there.
Hotel Max has a “Seattle doesn’t settle” wall art piece. It is on the exterior of the building. This is an ode to the city’s innovative spirit. Walk by the alley on the west side of the building. Catch a glimpse of this statement piece.
Keep your eyes peeled. You never know what other public art pieces you’ll come across. Seattle’s murals reflect the city’s spirit. They are a testament to its thriving art scene. The Cross My Palm Mural stands as a testament to the power of public art.