Public Art

Importance and History of Public Art

Public art, in general, is very important for a community because it causes the people within the community to activate their imagination and think more deeply about the area they live in. It leads to new movements and helps bring in new communities. Public art also reflects the community's culture and identity.

With its rich history and art, Capitol Hill became the first official Arts District in Seattle in late 2014. Things like AIDS, BLM, and the LGBTQ+ community have had a large part of the history in Capitol Hill. You can see this through the types of memorials, murals, and pieces of art throughout the neighborhood.

Public Art Observations

AIDS Memorial Pathway

This is the AIDS Memorial Pathway. This giant X made of speakers is meant to be a positive sign that was turned onto its side. The purpose of this memorial is to destroy the barrier between HIV-positive and HIV-negative people. The artist wanted to get rid of the thought that just because some people were HIV-negative, the issue doesn't affect them.

Reflecting Pool

This reflecting pool at Cal Anderson Park was created in the late 1900s. This was created because the state had a requirement that required parks to cover open water reservoirs. The reflecting pool also connects to a large building that includes small pieces of art on the windows. These paintings tell stories of those who struggled with AIDS.

Rainbow Crosswalks

You can find these rainbow crosswalks in multiple places within Capitol Hill. Mayor Ed Murray revealed these crosswalks that were meant to honor the LGBTQ+ community. This displays pride and unity within the community.

Jimi Hendrix Statue

The Jimi Hendrix Statue was created in 1997 to honor the Seattle native. If you were to go at the right time, you could catch Jimi Hendrix with an extra piece of clothing that someone put on.

Black Lives Matter Mural

The Black Lives Matter mural was created during the protest for George Floyd. This mural was created by numerous artists who each took 1-2 letters. This painting has been repainted and created in a way that it will be able to sustain bad weather. The importance of this is that it brings the community together to stand for something they all believe in.

Capitol Hill Public Art

Public art is an asset to a close-knit neighborhood. It helps individuals to explore their creative side and to embrace their imagination. This can lead to movements and changes that the people want and support.

In Capitol Hill, you have all types of public art that have a meaning in some way. This helps with community changes that people want to see happen.

The struggle with public art is that there will be graffiti and vandalism. Not everyone will agree on the same thing. There are always going to be a group that disagrees. Walking around, there was a lot of graffiti and vandalized works of public art. But this can also benefit a neighborhood because it can also bring the communities closer together. Some will make the decision to band together and to continue to push for what they believe in.

Overall: Is Public Art an Asset or Barrier

Overall, public art seems to be an asset more than a barrier. There are too many benefits that public art brings. It helps activate and appreciate an individual's creative side. It can also make some people stop and think deeper about their neighborhood. A community can use public art in so many ways that the negatives of public art don't really play a factor in determining if it is an asset or barrier.

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