A permanent mural located on the side of local business, Parky’s Pizza Bar, in the McKinley Hill neighborhood, “represents the amount of effort and teamwork it takes to help a community grow and thrive.”
Streetside Artscape:
Curtis Ashby // Growing a Community
3551 McKinley Ave
July 2023 – Present
As an artist living in the nearby Lincoln District here in Tacoma, it was such an honor to be able to work with McKinley Hill community members on the concept behind this mural design. The main idea of this design was to feature some of the unique things you can find in this neighborhood. Because of the spectacular views seen here, we wanted to include Mt. Rainier in all its glory. In the background of the piece, you’ll see the pattern that is featured on the Tacoma dome. In the foreground, I painted several hands working together to plant vegetables in the community garden. Not only is the garden a point of pride here, but it also represents the amount of effort and teamwork it takes to help a community grow and thrive. The two nuthatches on either side of the mural represent the idea of nature that can be seen right here in the city. I am a strong believer in the idea that nature is for everyone.
I love to birdwatch and want to show others that they too can appreciate the wildlife around them without even leaving the neighborhood. I hope that this will be a landmark in the area and a photo opportunity for years to come here in McKinley Hill. This mural was painted with latex paint and spray paint on Hardie board panels.
See more of Curtis’ work at www.curtisashbyart.com
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