About the Artists

Featured Artists

Barry Johnson — NW Building Exterior artwork

Barry Johnson

NW Building Exterior

As a multimedia artist who plays with imagery and pattern, Barry created 20 colorful portraits that evoke imagination and represent the community, legacy, and evolution of the Central District. Additionally Barry designed the James Washington, Jr., sculpture at 24th & Union.

@barryjohnson.co
Myron Curry — 23rd Ave. Mural

Myron Curry

23rd Ave. Mural

A self-taught Seattle native, Myron’s colorful mural panels honor past leaders and inspire the next generation at Midtown Square’s plaza.

@m.currydesigns
Adam Jabari Jefferson — NE Building Exterior

Adam Jabari Jefferson

NE Building Exterior

Adam tells POC experiences through photography — his multi-level photographic series forms the building’s “face,” honoring the community’s rich heritage.

@adamjabari
Henry Jackson-Spieker — 23rd Ave. Portal

Henry Jackson-Spieker

23rd Ave. Portal

In collaboration with KT Hancock, Henry—an alum of Coyote Central—created an overhead glass light installation featuring imagery of significant Central District community members.

hjsculpture.com
Yegizaw Michael — 23rd & Union Plaza

Yegizaw Michael

23rd & Union Plaza

Yegizaw’s warm wood-toned installation depicts a Central District historical timeline, creating a sense of community and familiarity in the plaza.

yeggystudio.com
Perri Rhoden — 24th Ave. Mural

Perri Rhoden

24th Ave. Mural

In her first major commission, Perri created a bold and dazzling mural at the square’s entrance that celebrates the beauty and power of the community.

@thecurlynugget
Juan Alonso Rodriguez — 24th & Union Plaza

Juan Alonso Rodriguez

24th & Union Plaza

Juan’s metal wall sculpture honors the neighborhood’s natural elements — a representation of native hollyhock plants symbolizing roots and resiliency.

@juan_alonso_studio
Takiyah Ward — Central Square Mural

Takiyah Ward

Central Square Mural

Takiyah’s 120-foot mural weaves the past, present and future of the Central District into a colorful backdrop for community and conversation. Takiyah is also a Midtown business proprietor of The Re-Sole 206. Which specializes in high quality sneaker cleaning.

@tdubcustoms

The Midtown Square Arts Advisory Panel

A thank-you to the community leaders who shaped the Arts Plan and guided artist selection. This panel — representing Central District organizations and African American artists — helped select the eight local artists above and stewarded a commitment of more than $500,000 in local artwork.

  • Angela Brown — Director of Marketing & Communications, Pratt Fine Arts Center
  • Brace Evans — Performing Artist; Capitol Hill resident
  • Leilani Lewis — Independent Cultural Curator
  • Stephanie Johnson-Toliver — Black Heritage Society of Washington State
  • Margo Jones — AfricaTown Community Land Trust / A Personal Point of View
  • Eve Sanford — Pratt Fine Arts Programs Director
  • Claudia Stelle — Coyote Central Executive Director
  • Earnest Thomas — Onyx Fine Arts Collective President

Led by arts consultant Vivian Phillips with project consultant Rico Quirindongo and muralist Aramis Hamer, the selection process included a call for artists, workshops, and in-person reviews to ensure a community-driven outcome.