Natalie is an artist and board member for Urban ArtWorks who helps us out with youth programming, painting, and more. We asked her a few questions about public art:

How did you find out about Urban Artworks?
I had my eye on the great murals around town and learned that many were installed by Urban ArtWorks via a friend.

Tell us about yourself, where did you grow up / how did you find yourself in Seattle?
I hail from the Nashville – the land of sweet tea and honky tonks. I moved to Seattle about nine years ago to attend graduate school at UW. I immediately fell in love with Seattle and was convinced I found my forever city. That feeling still remains nine years later.

In your opinion, what are some ways that public art helps create a sense of community?
Public art creates a sense of place which is a fundamental to a community. Sense of place allows community members and visitors alike to have greater community engagement, pride, awareness of the built environment, and social and economic investment.

What projects are you working on these days?
I am so, so, so close to wrapping up the redevelopment of the Woman’s Century Club/Harvard Exit building on Capitol Hill. We’ve been renovating the building since 2016. With so many changes happening in Seattle, I’m honored to be part of this project that retains a historic building with great civic importance.

Who are some of your favorite artists?
Eduardo Chillida, Ai Weiwei, Frida Kahlo, Cherdonna

If logistics and money were not an issue, what is your dream project for Urban ArtWorks?
I would love to engage several blocks of alleys with Urban ArtWorks murals. I envision every square inch of both the buildings, the alley’s ground, and the street that connects the alleys to be painted in bright colors. I’m enamored with the idea of public art reclaiming an urban space that’s been plagued with negative connotation.

What’s your favorite color combo?
Ugh, it’s so predictable if you know what I wear on a regular basis – black and white.