FOLLOWUP: Vandalized West Seattle Junction art restored

Following up on the West Seattle Junction public art that was defaced by racist vandalism:

(WSB photo)

Artist Desmond Hansen, commissioned by the West Seattle Junction Association to paint this box and then to fix vandalism, has repainted it with a new look. Now it’s a portrait of Dick Gregory, civil-rights activist and humorist, with a quote on the south side, and a fist – originally part of the street-facing side of the box – on its east side:

(WSB photo)

The restoration cost was $750 and donations covered the cost, WSJA executive director Lora Radford tells WSB. That same fund is covering the cost of Bob Henry‘s work restoring the Hi-Yu Parade mural on the south wall at the Junction Post Office:

(This photo and next, courtesy WSJA)

A vandal attempted to paint out Black and brown people in the crowd, as reported here last winter; Henry’s work restored them:

He also cleaned that mural and gave it a vandalism-resistant treatment. While the signal-box mural dates back to last year, the Post Office mural was one of the original West Seattle murals created ~30 years ago.

6 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: Vandalized West Seattle Junction art restored"

  • Insertname May 1, 2021 (7:50 pm)

    Desmond’s box paintings are such a pleasure to look at. I really enjoy his art. Glad to hear that the mural has been restored. 

  • Beanie May 1, 2021 (9:45 pm)

    I’m so disgusted that someone would actively literally erase black and brown people in our community. I’m so sorry.

  • Elle Nell May 2, 2021 (8:52 am)

    As I get ready to leave this community that I raised my children in, participated in, and gave my all in… I must say, I’m more and more disgusted by the actions of some. I know this is NOT who WE are——hold it down, WestSide!!    All love—
    BLACK LIVES MATTER ALWAYS
    ✊🖤🌺

  • Michelle S May 2, 2021 (9:44 am)

    Ok I have said it once and I have said it twice now a third and I’m pretty sure I will continue to say DESMOND U ROCK!!!! What you give to our community is Priceless and for that I say THANK YOU keep doing what you do PLEASE!!!!

  • ally cat May 2, 2021 (3:00 pm)

    Thank you for your work Desmond, for your wonderful art, and standing up against racism and bullies.

    ‘Get knocked down 7 times, stand up 8’

    BLACK LIVES MATTER!

  • Chris K May 3, 2021 (8:13 am)

    I love the new design.  Great job, Desmond.

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