A brightly colored piece of artwork now greets anyone traveling in the heart of Skyway. It’s the result of community feedback and advocacy, as well as support from the Department of Local Services.
Last week, the department joined the community to unveil the new “Welcome to Skyway” mural along the north end of Renton Avenue South.
Stretching 40 feet long and standing 4 feet high, the unveiling marked the culmination of a community driven effort led by the West Hill Community Association and supported by the Department of Local Services.
The group received a $5,000 grant for the design and installation of the artwork last year through the department’s Alan M. Painter Grant Program, which supports projects in unincorporated King County that help residents participate in, and be more connected to, their communities. That amount is the most an individual project has received from the grant program.
WHCA member Devin Chicras said the group had heard from fellow residents for years that the community needed colorful artwork that reflects the brightness and vibrancy of Skyway, which is one of the most culturally diverse in the state.
“We wanted the outward to reflect what we are inward,” she said.
WHCA used the grant money to enlist the help of local artist Claudia Villalobos, who has spent years bringing art to the Skyway community through pop-up workshops and more.
It worked with the department, particularly the Road Services Division, to identify an ideal spot (in this case a bare retaining wall on the east side of Renton Avenue South near the intersection of 68th Avenue South).
After the artist created the mural’s design, Road Services printed it across five, individual aluminum composite panels that feature anti-graffiti deterrent, along with an acknowledgement portion for those who helped make it a reality – the department, WHCA and the artist.
Fast-forward to the unveiling, where it was difficult to tell who was most excited. The celebration featured King County Councilmember Rhonda Lewis, who said she valued the collaboration between community and local government.
“There are lot of things that communities can do if government helps just a little bit,” she said.
Road Services Director Tricia Davis said this project represents the type of collaboration that Executive Girmay Zahilay (who grew up in South Seattle and represented Skyway previously on the King County Council) champions.
“Doing projects with community,” she said. “I’m just excited that this is coming to fruition right now, and that we can all be here to celebrate.”
After wrapping up remarks, the 20 or so people in attendance formed a line along the mural, which had been installed the day prior and blocked from view by a cover.
Each person grabbed a portion of the cover, counted to three and let it fall to unveil a mix of bright colors and lettering that exuded a warm feeling: “Welcome to Skyway.”
“That is so amazing,” said Villalobos, seeing her design come to life for the first time on the larger-than-normal canvas. “I love it. It’s beautiful. It’s just so interactive, I feel like just jumped into one of my art pieces. I didn’t realize it was going to be so colorful and huge.”
The Skyway native said it was surreal realizing that something she created is now a fixture in the place she grew up in and is now raising her kids, thanks to community collaboration. “My kids would be proud.”
King County Local 