In complete keeping with the incredible community-building energy behind this project, the official dedication of the new mural along the 46th Street underpass of Aurora Avenue collected together a great cross-section of the Fremont/Wallingford neighbors on Friday, August 27, 2010.
The celebration featured food donated by Trophy Cupcakes, Fainting Goat Gelato, Via Tribunali and Caffe Appassionato, free gifts
by Seattle Bank (whose last-minute donation saved the project from seriously floundering financially) and a performance by a breakdance squad from Fuerte Fitness. Alongside a jovial crowd of neighbors and community activists were familiar faces from the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and Department of Transportation, and local political figures including King County Councilmember Larry Phillips, City Attorney Pete Holmes and Seattle Municipal Judge candidate Ed McKenna.
The festivities started with the ‘graduation’ of several members of Urban ArtWorks, the program that provided a painting crew to follow the direction of the mural’s artist, Todd Lown. During the presentation, the large group of committed and concerned community activists who form the 46th Street Mural Steering Committee made sure to thank everyone who helped them realize this impressive feat of urban renewal. Fortunately, the group also stood up before the crowd for their own well-deserved applause.
To truly show gratitude, make sure to stop by and see the mural in person – no photo may ever capture the breadth and color of this work.