AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 25, 2026
Five New Murals Emerge on Capitol Hill
The Pike/Pine corridor in Capitol Hill has been transformed by five new murals, thanks to a collaboration between street art veterans and local culture builders. Through the "Paint the Block" initiative, organized by On the Block and the Seattle Artist Coalition for Equitable Development, neighborhood walls have become vibrant canvases that celebrate local history and creativity.
Celebrating Community and Honoring Local Icons
The new Capitol Hill murals feature a blend of high-profile corners and quieter stretches. Each work brings together well-known artists with strong ties to the neighborhood. One standout piece is For Shelley, The Wildest Rose by Takiyah “TDUB” Ward, located on the wooden exterior of the Wildrose at 1021 E Pike. This mural pays tribute to the late co-owner Shelley and offers encouragement to the neighborhood to "Stay Creative."
Highlighting Artists and Their Stories
At 1200 E Pine, Myron Curry has wrapped the NW Liquor parking bay with bold scenes capturing both drinks and street life, aiming to inspire and empower local communities through impactful street art Capitol Hill can be proud of. On the brick wall at 1016 E Pike, project curator Carolyn Hitt partnered with Maurice “REESBO” Kennedy on a mural titled Time Traveling, which Kennedy described as an opportunity to express personal and community narratives in their own “stomping grounds — Capitol Hill.”
Another addition by Gerardo “Periko” Peña at 1426 Boylston Ave depicts an oversized blue cat, Mina, lounging among vibrant red blossoms, adding whimsy and color to the streetscape. Across from Cal Anderson Park behind 1535 11th Ave, Sam Sneke returns to his graffiti roots on Capitol Hill with the mural Welcome to Capitol Hill. This piece is paired with Pine Legacy B by SPECSWIZARD, BeSo 206, and Brandon “ArtbreakerBT” Thomas, all sealed under clear coats applied by hip-hop veteran Silas Blak.
Community Impact and Funding
Organizers stress that placing this work in public view helps boost foot traffic and promotes neighborhood safety from the ground up. “The Seattle underground and behind the scenes is vibrant,” said project curator Carolyn Hitt. She emphasized that increased resources for local arts would help nurture talented artists currently struggling due to economic challenges.
The public murals were funded by the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture’s HopeCorps, championed by District 3 Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth. The Northwest Film Forum serves as the fiscal sponsor for the effort. Last fall, Hollingsworth secured $250,000 in JumpStart funding for murals in and around Cal Anderson Park, as well as another $25,000 earmarked for painting the park’s bathroom.
Art Advocacy and Ongoing Projects
The push for murals funding continues. This year, 19 organizations and businesses from Capitol Hill and the Central District have called for $8 million to be moved from police hiring to further support artists in budget negotiations. The mural project also grows out of several years of DIY art on 11th Ave, building on the success of monthly street markets and the Eleven:Eleven arts campus founded by Hitt.
Looking Forward: Expanding Public Art Engagement
The next phase of the project includes developing an interactive mobile heritage map on the Capitol Hill Arts District website. Plans also call for artist-led walking tours that will be integrated into the regular Second Thursday Capitol Hill Art Walks and Second Saturday On the Block markets, further connecting the community with its rich arts and culture scene.
Through Paint the Block and ongoing partnerships between local artists, organizations, and supporters, Capitol Hill’s public spaces continue to reflect the neighborhood’s deep creative roots and commitment to building vibrant, safe streets through community art.
Source: capitolhillseattle.com.
