Urban ArtWorks partnered with the City of Burien Economic Development team to launch the Burien Tourism Mural Art Program. Through this initiative, 12 professionally designed murals are coming to Burien’s commercial districts, celebrating local artists, supporting businesses, and shaping public spaces throughout the city. We’re excited to share more about the murals and artists in this series of posts.

Artist: Valeria Ortiz

Location (address or intersection)
12462 Des Moines Memorial Dr S
Burien, WA 98168

For 87+ years, Glendale Heating & Air Conditioning has kept the Greater Seattle area comfortable — one honest visit at a time. They are professional HVAC contractors offering reliable heating and cooling maintenance and repair services. Their technicians live in the neighborhoods they serve and are proud to carry the Glendale name on the side of the truck. Sarah, the property owner, shared that her mother once had an art studio in the building.

The concept is inspired by the natural beauty of Washington and the ideas of home, connection, diversity, and belonging. At the center of the mural is a large Pacific Madrone tree with different colors flowing through its trunk and roots. These colors represent the diverse cultures and backgrounds of the people who are part of the Burien community, symbolizing how people come together to create one connected and vibrant community. At the heart of the tree is a small window with a heart inside. The window represents the heart of the tree while also serving as a personal tribute to Sarah’s (the property owner’s) mother and the window of her art studio. I wanted to incorporate that special connection to the history of this space into the mural. The tulips throughout the landscape are also a tribute to Sarah’s mother and her artwork, incorporating a piece of her creative spirit into the surrounding scenery. The landscape celebrates the beauty of Washington through its mountains, evergreen trees, local birds in flight, and flowing lines inspired by the movement of the wind. Together, all of these elements tell a story about nature, diversity, community, memory, and the feeling of home.