EVERETT, Wash. – There’s a new mural project underway in downtown Everett at the corner of California Street and Colby Avenue on the north wall of El Paraiso Restaurant. The project is one of several led by Everett’s art community this summer in a continued effort to solidify Everett as an arts destination.
The City of Everett’s cultural arts department commissioned Seattle-based design agency Invisible Creature to design and install the mural. Invisible Creature has created several iconic murals around the Northwest, including the Instagram-famous Cinerama in Downtown Seattle. When complete, the lively mural will feature the greeting “Welcome to Everett” set inside a delightful scene of Everett-centric characters and bold colors.
“This mural captures the Everett spirit,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “It celebrates our community pride, eccentric charm and colorful character.”
The mural project was finalized in late 2019. It is primarily funded by Skotdal Real Estate, along with funding from the City’s lodging tax grant.
“Public art is important for creating a sense of place. It also serves an economic development purpose,” said Craig Skotdal, president of Skotdal Real Estate. “If you can create unique opportunities for people to engage with their surroundings, they are more likely to remember their experience and return.”
This project is another step toward the City’s goal of being certified as a Creative District by the Washington State Arts Commission. With a Creative District certification, the City will have access to additional grant funding and tools to continue to grow and support the creative economy in Everett. The City plans to apply for the Creative District certification by the end of 2020.
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