The Alliance strongly believes that incorporating art into the public realm has numerous benefits. Beyond adding an element of beautification to the street, it develops and promotes neighborhood character, while fostering a sense of community identity. Public art turns ordinary spaces into recognizable landmarks, promotes community dialogue and most importantly, it is accessible to everyone. The Alliance uses public art projects to display Ballard’s unique spirit and to foster the changes that the community desires to see.
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Murals
The Ballard Alliance works to identify opportunities for murals and helps to foster the connection between artists and property owners to increase the square footage of public art within the Ballard core. Here are some public art achievements within the last few years:
Western Towboat Mural (2019)
Artist: Gretchen Leggit
This was the Ballard Alliance’s first mural project.
Nordic Vase Community Painted Mural (2022)
Artist Lead: Katie Kulseth
This was completed on One Seattle day of Service.
Heritage Distilling Mural (2021)
Artist: Víctor Meléndez
Welcome to Ballard Mural (2023)
Artist: Morgan Zion
You’ll see this one peaking out of the alleyway!
Ballard Yards West Facing Mural (2021)
Artist: Sarah Robbins
Ballard Yards East Facing Mural (2021)
Artist: Sarah Robbins
Ballard Commons Park Pump House Mural (2023)
Artist Lead: Andrew Miller
This community painted mural, designed by artist Andrew Miller was painted in 2023 during One Seattle Day of Service.
Mox Boarding House Ship in a Bottle Mural (2022)
Artist: Jen Vickers
Nodic Valhalla Inspired Mural (2022)
Artist: Stevie Shao
The mural portrays a scene of Nordic Mythology of the stag drinking from the river of Valhalla.
Urban Artworks Prehistoric Ballard Mural (2023)
Created by Ballard youth within Urban Artworks Mural Apprentice Program in which. 10 youth were hired to create this prehistoric masterpiece.
Utility Box Beautification Program
Ballard Utility boxes are often tagged, stickered and disregarded. In 2019, the Ballard Alliance saw opportunity in these surfaces to incorporate more art within the Ballard core. The Ballard Public Art Committee worked to choose artist applicants for 9 utility boxes. While all utility boxes display the unique designs of the chosen artists, all utility boxes are tied together by a connection to the maritime industry.
For all public art inquiries, please contact wren at wren@ballardalliance.com.
Ballard Alliance Public Art Committee
The Ballard Alliance Public Art Committee (BAPAC), a committee of the Ballard Alliance, was formed in 2018 to incorporate more public art throughout the streets of Ballard. The BAPAC includes local artisans, residents, and people who work in the area – all with a passion for public art. The committee is dedicated to facilitating public art projects in the Ballard neighborhood while ensuring that the needs and values of the community are upheld throughout the process of these projects.
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