January

We had the privilege of interviewing Artist Denise L. Emerson, hailing from the Skokomosh and Navajo Nations, and proudly Skokomish enrolled. Denise designed a powerful project with Native Action Network in collaboration with Urban ArtWorks and supported by Friends of the Waterfront Seattle. Volunteers painted mural panels in the Urban ArtWorks studio, which were installed at the Native Action Network offices.

February

In February we shared Tree’s impactful work. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Tree completed several murals in Seattle before moving to Dallas, Texas. Tree blends art and activism to address Black culture, justice, and healing from trauma.

Tree shared:

“We always hear about legends like Martin Luther King Jr. but what about everyday folks like my grandfathers. Two Black men that were able to build and maintain their own businesses in the South during the 70s and 80s. Their toil would draw the blueprint to the work ethic and spirit of generosity I exude today. I believe many of us should take the time to elevate Black History Month by speaking with our elders, to appreciate their lives and highlight them in some way.”

Also in February, youth in the Burien Mural Apprentice Program (MAP) created a thoughtful narrative around the conditions of immigration at our southern border. The youth artists conveyed a difficult journey in which families struggled on an often dark and arduous path towards perceived freedoms in the United States—where many families choose being temporarily separated from their families as a sacrifice for their future well-being. Youth imagined a world where detention is circumvented by the natural world and the spirit of the Latin American culture, represented by the monarch butterfly, eludes both the physical and psychological imprisonment.

We want to thank Teaching Artists: Seth Sexton, Cecelia “Mousy” DeLeon, and Esmeralda Vasquez for leading this program.

March

For Women’s History Month we talked with Artist Valencia Carroll. Valencia started her art career in the same way many of Urban ArtWorks students do, with a high school mentorship and the creation of a great white shark mural in her hometown marine museum. Now a classically trained oil painter and board-certified art therapist, Valencia creates inclusive spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore creativity.

April

In April, the Mural Apprentice Program (MAP) in Shoreline completed a groundbreaking mural for the Shoreline Community College Student Accessibility Services. This tactile mural, created by the MAP youth artists, offered a uniquely immersive experience. Visitors are guided through the artwork by rounded push pins that lead to the heart of the design—a central octopus featuring the word “breathe” in braille. Hidden textured elements, such as bumpy painted surfaces and vinyl contact paper, invite exploration by touch, while a textured infinity symbol doubles as a breathing exercise, allowing viewers to trace it with their fingers as they inhale and exhale.

Teaching Artists Bailey Taylor and Jocelyn Oats encouraged the youth artists to think beyond traditional mural design, resulting in a piece that is both visually and tactually engaging. This mural represents a bold step in inclusivity and creativity, and we’re so proud of the Shoreline MAP artists for their innovative vision. A heartfelt thank you to our partners, King County Center for Education and Career Opportunities (CECO) and Shoreline Community College for making this collaborative project possible!

May

Youth artists in the Mural Apprentice Program (MAP) completed a mural for YouthCare’s South Seattle Youth Center. Led by Teaching Artists Perry and Aistė Rye, the mural focuses on themes of rest, self-care, and empowerment. It features affirmations like “I belong here” and “I got this,” showing the resilience of young people.

A special thanks to YouthCare for their dedication to supporting youth with providing a safe haven as well as allowing us the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful project.

In May, we were thrilled to partner with students from Cleveland STEM High School for a mural project that celebrated their cultures and heritages through public art. Led by Teaching Artist Perry Porter, the students participated in workshops exploring public art and brainstorming ways to incorporate their identities into the mural’s design. Perry returned with their ideas to gather feedback, ensuring the final artwork truly reflected the students’ voices. With the designs finalized, over 60 students joined us in the Urban ArtWorks studio to help Perry paint six stunning 4’x8’ panels. Urban ArtWorks staff members Dovey Martinez and Lis Rafailedes helped students through the painting process. Once completed, the mural found its home during the Symposium for their April unit.

June

In celebration of Pride Month, Nikita Ares collaborated with South Lake Union!
The chalk murals were displayed across five installations in the South Lake Union campus throughout June: Day 1 Playfield (Spheres), Van Vorst plaza, Nitro, Re:Invent, and Doppler.

This colorful project celebrated LGBTQIA+ love and community.

Students at John Rogers Elementary also completed a project led by Teaching Artist Dr. Carmel Mercado. Over a series of workshops, students brainstormed ideas, sharing stories of friendship, school experiences, and even wildlife encounters near Meadowbrook Pond. Inspired by their imaginative drawings—like otters, animal characters, and a bald eagle playing soccer—Carmel designed a whimsical storybook-themed mural that captured the magic of childhood learning. Multilingual greetings, inspired by the school’s rich diversity, shine across the mural’s stars, celebrating the many ways to say “hello.” Stephanie Trineer, John Rogers’ music teacher, made this initiative possible, and it reflects how art can foster creativity and a sense of wonder in the school community and the classroom.

July

Artists Ivy Liu and Cecilia ‘Mousy’ DeLeon designed two murals in partnership with The Vida Agency to raise awareness about new legislation that allows undocumented individuals access to health insurance for The Washington Health Benefit Exchange. After hosting paint days with volunteers from the community, we installed the final murals at the Refugee Women’s Alliance offices as well as in Yakima, WA.

Ivy Liu (she/her) beautifully captured the theme of “healthcare for all.” Ivy, a Seattle-based artist with AAPI heritage, said in an interview with Northwest Asian Weekly:

“In today’s world, immigrant communities may feel underrepresented in relation to important legislation….My artwork strives to address the struggles and hardships these communities have had to endure to achieve proper reform, such as access to healthcare. I hope my artwork can serve as a symbol of empowerment and unity.”

August

This summer, the Mural Apprentice Program (MAP) engaged seven incredible cohorts, each creating their own public mural. We worked with partners to host hyper-local programs in the cities of Burien, Kirkland, SeaTac, and Shoreline, as well as in the CID, Delridge, and Georgetown neighborhoods in Seattle. From designs that celebrate community resilience to addressing social issues through art, these young artists left a ripple effect across the region.

One project was the new mural at the Ballard Tool Library, created by the CID MAP apprentices and led by Teaching Artists Felipe Perez and Natalia Sotelo. Check out the full article to learn more about the mural’s inspiration and its impact on the Ballard community!

September

Urban ArtWorks, Visit.org, and Comcast came together with volunteers to paint a mural for the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Northwest Chapter!

The PVA’s mission is to improve the quality of life for veterans with spinal cord injuries and advocate for civil and disability rights for all. This mural not only beautifies the space but honors their unwavering commitment to those who have served.

A huge thank you to the amazing artist behind this project, Charles Conner aka “The Original Spur.” After serving in Iraq, PTSD kept him away from creating for over a decade, but today he’s using his creativity to produce stunning abstract works inspired by African American culture and his own personal experiences. He is also a Teaching Artist for Urban ArtWorks!

October

Thank you again to everyone who joined us on Sunday, October 20th for Brush & Brunch! We had a great time sharing food, celebrating, and working on two community art projects designed by youth artists Laura Garcia and Raven Carroll. Guests helped bring their designs to life during the event, showing the power of art to bring individuals together.

Check out the full recap and see the finished pieces on our blog by clicking the link in our bio or visiting this page.

Also in October, Urban ArtWorks collaborated with Artolution, USA for UNHCR, and the Seattle Mayor’s Office on a mural in West Seattle, under the West Seattle Bridge. This project celebrated community, family, and inclusion, with contributions from youth artists and muralists Dr. Max Frieder, Nahom Ghirmay, and Jocelyn Oats.

Finally, we also celebrated the grand opening of Overlook Walk with Friends of Waterfront Park! The incredible new bridge from Pike Place Market to the waterfront offers breathtaking views that invite all of Seattle to reconnect—with the sea, the mountains, and each other. As part of the festivities, we joined the community in creating whimsical jellyfish art that made a splash at this historic moment. It was a joy to bring people together, and we’re honored to have contributed to this milestone for our city!

November

In November, the Base Crew youth worked on 7 different projects! One of them included their own murals designed and painted at the historic Inscape Arts Building, formerly an immigration center and now an arts and culture workspace. This unique opportunity allowed the youth to design and paint their very own murals inside the building, honing their skills in tackling large-scale wall art independently. These murals not only showcase their creativity but also mark a significant milestone in their artistic journeys.

Guided by the expertise and encouragement of Teaching Artists Felipe Perez and Valencia Carroll, the Base Crew created impactful and expressive work that is on display in the Inscape Building. Their murals debuted during the Inscape Open Studio Event on December 1. We’re so proud of the Base Crew for their hard work and their beautiful murals that still brighten the building.

December

In December, our team met for a staff retreat to make plans for the year ahead, implementing the first year of our strategic plan. For the past year, Urban ArtWorks partnered with Carol Roscoe (she/her), Consultant & New Business Lead, and Kenzie Gandy (she/her), Project Management Partner, from Crux Consulting Consortium to develop a 5-year strategic plan. At our staff retreat, through thoughtful guidance, they helped our team dream big while remaining practical and strategic about how we can engage more youth, artists, and communities in creating public art that inspires connections and honors their voices.

The process was both energizing and empowering, giving us a clear vision for how we can grow our programs, deepen community connections, and make a lasting ripple effect. We’re excited to share this journey with you in the years ahead—together, we’ll make public art more accessible and meaningful for our communities!

Also in December, youth in the fall programs completed their mural programs. This fall we held Mural Apprentice Programs in Burien, Kirkland, and in Seattle’s CID neighborhood at the Urban ArtWorks studio. The Base Crew also completed their fall session and held a celebration. Congratulations to all of the youth artists!

As we close out the 2024 year, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who made it possible. To our supporters, volunteers, artists, donors, and community members who contributed their time, talent, and generosity—thank you for helping us bring creativity and connection to life in 2024. Each mural painted, youth program hosted, and art piece submitted has made a lasting impact. Your support has fueled our mission and inspired us to dream even bigger. We can’t wait to see what 2025 holds as we continue building communities together through the power of public art.