By Jonathan Booker, PNA Community Programs Director
The beloved 63rd St Mural near Green Lake just got a major update thanks to the PNA and Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. Five new murals now grace the over 270-foot wall that runs under Aurora Ave N. Local artists Ai-Chun Huang, Craig Cundiff, Odette Allen, Dozfy, and the artist-team of Aistė Rye and Mia Milling were commissioned by the PNA, with funding from the City of Seattle and Office of Arts & Culture, to create the new murals intended to inspire a sense of belonging in the PhinneyWood community.
“For us, belonging is deeply rooted in our life experiences,” write Aistė Rye and Mia Milling, who are both Deaf/Hard of Hearing artists. “Due to the challenges we often face in an audio-centric world, we understand the meaning of belonging well.” Rye and Milling’s mural, titled Connect, prominently displays linked hands signing the word “connect” in ASL. “Most of all,” write Milling and Rye, “Connect aims to encourage viewers (Hearing & Deaf/Hard of Hearing people) to see each other’s perspectives, and ultimately, connect with each other to create a sense of belonging in the community.”
One of the compelling features of the project is how it highlights a diversity of artists, styles, techniques, and approaches to the theme. Dozfy’s striking work at the center of the wall shows two whales coming together. “This show of togetherness conveys unity and family. I also wanted to appeal to people of all different backgrounds and show inclusivity, especially through use of the colors, with this centerpiece focusing on the whales, motion and coming together as a community.”
Craig Cundiff writes of his piece depicting a woman flying through the clouds, “By embracing the infinite expanses within ourselves and the world around us, I invite the viewer to contemplate the essence of belonging as a bridge that connects our individual souls to the greater cosmos.”
With five unique and deftly crafted works of art, there is truly something for the whole community. And the PNA activated much of the community to create the murals. Over three dozen volunteers came out on September 30 to assist the artists and Urban Artworks in painting. Neighborhood businesses were involved too, with Mallory Paint Store (on N 80th St and Aurora Ave N) donating all the paint and Phinney Ridge Painting donating technical support to the project.
Now, as efforts shift to protecting the artwork from graffiti and other forms of vandalism, the PNA is asking the community to continue its support. Community members can report graffiti, volunteer for the Graffiti Busting Team, and donate to help offset the cost of maintenance on the PNA’s website.
