One of West Seattle’s newest murals is adorning the restroom building at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), installed earlier this summer. We hadn’t heard about it until a brief Seattle Parks online mention this week; we went over for a closer look, and also contacted artist Juliana Kang Robinson to find out more.

She tells us the installation, commissioned by the city, is called “Pojagi Mounds.”

Pojagi Mounds is a landscape of belonging and togetherness. The design is inspired by pojagi, the historic Korean patchwork artform using scrap fabric to create cloths that were integral to a person’s daily life. They were used as tablecloths, to deliver gifts, to carry possessions on a journey, and protect valuables. Wrapping a gift in a pojagi communicated respect for the object and good will toward the recipient. Each patch added by the maker was like a prayer of good will that would enfold and carry the gift. For me pojagi represents how diverse members of a community can come together to enfold and carry one another. Pojagi Mounds underscores how the whole is more than the sum of its parts. A mountain is more than simply soil, plants and rocks just as we people in a society are greater when unified. My goal for this public artwork is to create a visual representation of this concept that spur viewers to ponder the beautiful and complex way that different parts can come together to unify and elevate us beyond the self.

She continues:

I used a traditional Korean color scheme called Obangsaek. Obangsaek means “Five Orientations” in balance with the universe – East (blue), West (white), South (red), North (black) and Center (yellow) to promote harmony while warding off evil spirits. In my work I like to incorporate animals with strong family bonds both in reference to the various creation myths and for the conjuring of strength, courage and belonging. In this mural I also wanted to honor our local “ecosystem engineers,” the beavers known for changing and maintaining ecosystems which significantly boost local biodiversity. I also love both creatures as a symbols for familial strength and working hard for one’s family and community.

You can see more of her work on her website.

READER REPORT: Blue bicycle found abandoned in park

September 1, 2024 10:08 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Found bicycles | West Seattle news

Sent by Sheila:

This was found abandoned at Westcrest Park. Secured now and ready for owner to claim.

Sheila has the bike, so if you think it’s yours, email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 16 notes for September’s start

September 1, 2024 6:07 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Vlad Oustimovitch)

Thanks to everyone who sent versions of that amazing sunset view from Saturday! A spectacular way to end August – and now, it’s on to the start of September and our daily highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):

NO SSV CLOSURE: Reminder – the Spokane Street Viaduct (continuation of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) is fully open this weekend.

ART ON THE CORNER: 8 am-3 pm at 39th/Holden, artist Bonnie is having another one of her famous art sales, with proceeds benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank.

BIG BLUE TRUCK: It’s back in West Seattle – the Northwest Center‘s donation-dropoff truck (WSB sponsor)! You’ll find it outside WaFd Bank (4102 California SW). Our calendar listing has info on what items the truck will accept. 9 am-5 pm.

SWIM IN THE SOUND: At 9 am, you can join the weekly group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).

NO WESTIES RUN CLUB: They’re taking a break this holiday weekend.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: No holiday for the market – as usual, open, 10 am-2 pm, late-summer produce, plus beverages, baked goods, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon) P.S. Market managers are asking shoppers to take an online survey.

WEST SEATTLE BEE GARDEN WORK PARTY: Monthly chance to show the garden at Lanham/Graham some love, 10 am-noon. Here’s this month’s invitation from Lisa:

Our jobs:
-weed the overgrown shaded area – native shade plants from Wildflowers Northwest on the way to plant out this last wild zone including ferns and solomon’s seal
-clip more dried seed for our seed saving efforts – you are welcome to take seed home with you too, there’s plenty to go around!
-general weeding in beds and pathways

What to bring/wear:

-Your gardening spirit (no experience necessary)
-Water bottle
-Closed-toed shoes

You may want to bring sunblock and a rain jacket! our weather is fickle these days. We have a selection of gardening tools and gloves available but if you have a favorite from home, please bring it, we love learning about folks’ favorite tools.

BIZARRE BAZAAR: Shop local artist/vendors at Box Bar (5401 California SW), 11 am-3 pm.

COLMAN POOL: The outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open to the public for the second-to-last day of the season, noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL CLOSED: Its season ended early because of plumbing trouble.

SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED: Maintenance and repair work continue.

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Last chance this season! U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers are at Alki Point Lighthouse today for free tours starting at 1 pm; get there by 3:45 pm for the last tour of the day. (3201 Alki SW)

HELP PAINT! As previewed here, volunteers are working on murals at Lafayette Elementary today and tomorrow. Still some volunteer slots open as of early today – sign up here.

CHILDREN’S MOONLIGHT FESTIVAL: Annual celebration at the Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard), 2-4 pm, lion dance, treats, lantern-making, and a parade – all welcome.

SMASH BURGER POP-UP: The Good Society is doing it again – 4-7 pm smash burgers – stop in at California/Lander for burgers and/or beer.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Enjoy Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.

Organizing and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!