What Can't Be Lost

This design is inspired by the community’s strong interest in a mural that promotes the value of family and cultural legacy in the area. The artists honored community feedback by creating a youth centered artwork that invokes the feeling of safety and guardianship.

The models in the design are meant to represent all forms of family and guardianship. We, as viewers, are pulled into their tender moment as they sit by Lake Washington at sunset.

The figures’ attention are set on a small toy Alejibre Lion. Alebrijes are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures that represent guidance and protection. Above the figures is the setting sun, represented with the face of a lion. The juxtaposition of the lion sun and the toy lion connects this individual moment with the larger cosmos.

Surrounding the figures are flowers that represent the many cultures of the Central District. Some of the flowers represented are the Japanese Dahlia, Red Calanit (Israel), Cala Lily (Ethiopia), Hibiscus (PacificIslands), and Sampaguita (Philippines).

Location:  Spruce Street Mini-Park, 160 21st Avenue, Seattle WA 98122