The outdoor mural is entitled, “United We Rise.” Located on a wall outside of United Way of King County’s 2^nd Avenue office building, the 18 feet by 20 feet work of art features a colorful, vibrant celebration of four people from different backgrounds.

The indoor mural is called, “Rooted in Hope.” The 18 feet by 20 feet rendering located on the first floor of United Way’s building features six people of all ages, races and backgrounds, colorful plants and a rising sun.

The new murals installed this month are United Way’s new addition to the hundreds of colorful murals beautifying downtown’s public spaces. Both murals reflect the communities we serve and our commitment to ensuring we work side by side with our neighbors to create an equitable future.

The outdoor mural was crafted by Teddy (Stat) Phillips, a Seattle-based artist from Montgomery, Ala., who said he draws inspiration from people like his grandfather who participated in the civil rights movement.

The indoor mural was created by Maya Milton, a Seattle born and raised artist who says her work is inspired by Afrofuturism and Pop Art and is a celebration of Black womanhood.

Both artists were enlisted to create murals as part of a partnership between United Way and Urban Artworks, a Seattle-based nonprofit that engages youth, artists, and communities in the creation of public art for more than 30 years.

The murals are adjacent to Downtown Seattle Art Walk, which are community driven events spotlighting local artists and merchants in neighborhoods across the city. We hope our neighbors see themselves in our renderings.

“United is the way we create the future, united is the way we rise, and we are here together to work to solve problems and for everyone to thrive,” said Taylor Roberson, United Way’s associate director of Marketing, who led the project. Roberson, Phillips, Milton and Urban Artworks Project Director Alexandra Nason spoke about the murals project during a recent episode of the Hourglass United Way podcast.

“When we gave the murals assignment, we said that it could be anything,” Roberson added. “It could be about books, food, how we help people with hunger. It could be about the people we serve and the ages of the people coming together. It’s just remarkable that both artists fell into the people we serve.”

And it’s not surprising. Phillips said that his mother donates to United Way and volunteers for our Free Tax Preparation Campaign. “It was like a natural calling and a great fit. Anytime you get a chance to take the values of United Way of King County and Urban Artworks and you get to translate those visually and externally for public art, I’m always down.”

Milton said she was happy to craft the mural for United Way because “it aligned with my values as an artist. I believe in diversity, community, showing up and out for the community, and unity.”

Nason echoed those sentiments in reflecting on the Urban Artworks partnership with United Way.

 “United Way approached Urban Artworks, and we were so excited about the opportunity to partner; our missions are very aligned,” said Nason. “We really wanted to understand United Way’s mission, values, and vision. What is the message we’ve embodied that we’re sharing with the public.”

United Way has often used its interior and exterior spaces as well as outdoor media to describe and promote our programs. This time, we’ve done artwork that is consistent with the vibrant pieces you see adorning spaces throughout King County, while also amplifying our brand identity with our fonts and colors.

United Way staff also took part in helping paint the indoor mural.

The murals are adjacent to two of Seattle’s Art Walks, which are community driven events spotlighting local artists and merchants in neighborhoods across the city.

“The summer and the timing that it’s going up, the Pioneer Square Artwalk happens around here, and the Downtown Artwalk happens around here,” said Roberson. “So, the exterior mural is perfect for folks to see. The interior mirror is facing windows, so you can see it. It all reflects on community.