FOLLOWUP: Artist repairs vandalized West Seattle Junction ‘Old Mud Hole’ mural

That’s the mural “Old Mud Hole” – now repaired, weeks after a tagger used red paint to vandalize it. When we reported on the damage last week, West Seattle Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay was still working to figure out how to restore it, since the WSJA’s graffiti team said they couldn’t do it without destroying the underlying mural. Then on Monday, a reader texted us a photo of someone at work on the mural:

And this morning, we found the tagging gone. It reminded us of what happened seven years ago, when another Junction mural was vandalized by tagging, and a mystery artist appeared to clean it up. Mackay tells us this is the same artist: “We talked last night and she got on it. Her name is Tess Morgan. She is a trained artist and has worked on other WS murals.” (Our archives show this one in 2012.)

DRW July 30, 2024 (4:07 pm)

Thank you Tess!

Alf July 30, 2024 (4:19 pm)

Tess thank you!appreciate your committed to our community

CarDriver July 30, 2024 (4:27 pm)

WSB. Any leads on the vandal(s).

shed22 July 30, 2024 (4:36 pm)

Tess Morgan deserves a medal!! Thank you for your kindness and community service.

Guy July 30, 2024 (5:05 pm)

This is so great! Thank you for your artistry, Tess!

MJS July 30, 2024 (5:12 pm)

Bless you, Tess!

Lucy July 30, 2024 (5:37 pm)

Thank you, Tess!

Grand Marshall materials July 30, 2024 (6:05 pm)

Nomination in for Grand Marshall of the 2025 West Seattle Grand Parade!

ellen July 30, 2024 (6:26 pm)

Thank you Tess!

Patrick July 30, 2024 (7:18 pm)

Thank you Tess, West Seattle is the best!

Sbre77 July 30, 2024 (7:29 pm)

I nominate Tess for Grand Marshall of our 2025 parade!!

AJ July 30, 2024 (7:45 pm)

This is proof that taggers are not, as they call themselves, artist. No artist would destroy another artist piece of work.

SoLongDelridge July 31, 2024 (2:50 pm)

This is a child’s understanding of art.

Smdj July 30, 2024 (7:57 pm)

Thank you!!!

Barb July 30, 2024 (7:59 pm)

You add beauty, joy, and community. Thank you Tess!

TMT July 30, 2024 (9:06 pm)

Thank you Tess!!! ❤️

robert goulet July 30, 2024 (9:28 pm)

Thank you for all the work you do. The murals in WS always brings me a little bit of joy, they never get old

Maugerius July 30, 2024 (10:01 pm)

Bless you, Tess! West Seattle’s own superhero!

Mickey July 30, 2024 (10:12 pm)

I work with Tess at her day job (a local nonprofit community health organization), and I can attest she is one of the most caring and thoughtful people on this planet! The work she did to repaint this moral is not only amazing, but she also dedicated her own time and supplies to accomplish the task. We should all strive to be such great examples of stewardship in our community! Thank you, Tess!

Rlv July 31, 2024 (12:26 am)

Is it possible to seal the mural with coating that was used on those at Easy Street? I know that sealant isn’t cheap; I’m willing to donate again to protect this mural, too.

Tess Morgan July 31, 2024 (6:08 am)

My heart feels more full and grateful! Thanks for the kind words and community support for the local murals that we all enjoy!! It was so upsetting to see the tagging on our park portrait. I am very appreciative for Ms. Makay’s allowing me to help. We had support from the local True Value Hardware Paint Team, our art store Northwest Art and Frame, advice from Artist Carlos and the neighbors who came along in solidarity while repairing. It’s nice not getting arrested for vandalism and a privilege and duty to do what was necessary for the restoration, original artist and project. Yes, it needs a protective coat of clear graffiti super powers….maybe only spray can product…we really needed help to find a cost effective and reliable product for a protective coat to protect ALL our murals for future tags. Thanks for your thoughtfulness and encouragement WSB and neighbors!
- Kim July 31, 2024 (8:52 am)
  
  I would also be happy to donate for a protective coating, if such a thing exists?
Christopher B July 31, 2024 (10:56 am)

Yes! As this has been a repeated problem, something like MuralShield (https://muralshield.com/) might be worth looking into.

Cid July 31, 2024 (8:42 am)

I was so upset when I saw the tagging…such a selfish act, but this morning very happy to see it’s restored! Yay Tess! Great job!

local July 31, 2024 (9:10 am)

This is so awesome. Thank you, Tess! You make the world a better place.

John F July 31, 2024 (11:40 am)

Well done Tess! Thank you.
You might already know about this product developed by SPARC in Los Angeles, who create murals throughout the city. I haven’t used it myself, but it might be useful:https://sparcinla.org/muralshield/

Chris Mackay July 31, 2024 (12:54 pm)

We are working with closely with Tess who is doing a fantastic job and indeed paid for the supplies herself and is not charging for her valuable expertise and time. She plans on finishing up by Friday. I have ordered the protective shield for the mural and we will protect it as soon as she is done. Thanks for all the support for Tess.We have a small mural fund and will pay for the cost of the Mural Shield from that. Thanks all, Chris Mackay- The Junction Association

98126res August 1, 2024 (10:34 am)

Thank you to this amazing lady, repairing beloved west Seattle murals. She is truly a blessing and talented dedicated artist.

Justin August 1, 2024 (2:02 pm)

Does Tess have her own site? I wish there was a way we could further support her or tip her for her amazing work.

Manderleyq August 3, 2024 (1:52 pm)

Thank you, Tess. Too bad you couldn’t have saved the mural on Aurora and Northgate Way. (Historic Aurora businesses) Those graffiti thugs tagged the lower half of it and someone thought it would be wise to paint over the entire thing :-( Every day when I drive by the ugly brown wall, it makes me sad.

Sorry, comment time is over.