A Super Fun Art and Murals Tour in Seattle!
Many of you know I enjoy art of all kinds. My favorite type of art, though, usually involves lots of color, a hopeful message, and a bit of unique whimsy. When I was recently in Seattle, I was fortunate to discover a tour for an artist that checks all those boxes. It totally made my day! I explored Seattle via Henry Mural Tours and it was fabulous! A few paragraphs about the artist and his art are at the link below. ⬇️
Ryan “Henry” Ward is a popular artist in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Seattle, but is known worldwide for his art - including more than 500 works of public art. I have come across his art in a number of places but knew nothing about the artist or his paintings. I just knew I loved the sense of hope, whimsy, and happiness they created within me. When I saw an opportunity to take a tour of his work in Seattle, I knew I had to go. I was even more convinced when I saw the tour bus, completely painted inside and out by the artist himself. It is a work of art on 4 wheels! So fun!!!
Tour Link:
Roman, the tour guide, and Zona, the bus driver, were a few minutes early with the fabulous and instantly-recognizable Henry Mural Tour Company bus. After introductions and some background information about the park we met in, we were on our way.
The statue above is called “A Salish Welcome” at the park where I met my tour. More info about the park and statue below. ⬇️
https://parkpreview.blog/2018/02/12/a-salish-welcome-in-seattle/
Roman, the tour guide, provided a fabulous tour! He and the artist have been friends for years so he was able to provide intriguing history and details about Henry, his murals, and his other works of art. He is a wonderfully engaging and entertaining tour guide. I had so much fun listening to his stories and learning the backstory of Henry’s art, including the art images painted on the inside of the bus as we rolled along. Here’s a YouTube link to Roman’s introduction. ⬇️
In total, we viewed more than 20 murals in Ballard and Fremont. In addition, we made three great stops!
The inside of the bus after everyone else got out. Isn’t this a hoot?!? It was painted by Henry himself! Love it!
One of the first drive-by locations ⬇️
The first stop we made really surprised me, in a way. We pulled up to a large community garden called the Ballard P-Patch that was just fascinating. The Ballard P-Patch currently has more than 80 growers that have small plots of both flowers and produce. Growers decorate their plots how they like, often with gnomes or other garden decor. There is even an outdoor pizza oven growers can use to make pizza while they are there working and enjoying the garden. I could smell the aroma of flowers, soil, and pizza wafting through the air. It is a very fun and welcoming place! I even spotted a little free library, which I loved to see. It’s definitely a place for the whole community, not just the growers. Fresh, organic produce is donated to the Ballard Food Bank and there are numerous events at the garden, including summer concerts. As you can imagine, there is a waitlist to be a grower there.
Roman pointed out a long, low concrete wall containing Henry’s artwork themed to match the garden concept. It was adorable and created an even more inviting, fun, and hopeful vibe. Find out more about the Ballard P-Patch and view beautiful garden photos and Henry’s garden art below. I seriously could have stayed all day. I think Roman was a bit concerned I might! 🤣 (Just kidding, but you know me with a camera in a garden! 😉😉😉)
I have so many more photos of the Ballard P-Patch, but I think you get the idea! More info about the P-Patch below. ⬇️
After stopping at the Ballard P-Patch, we toured a few more murals before stopping at our second stop, covered in Part 2 (which you can find at the link immediately below).
Part Two! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Part 2 link is below! ⬇️
Already inspired? Click below to book your tour!