FOLLOWUP: Multiple artists painting at ‘West Side Wall’

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(PHOTOS BY DAVE GERSHGORN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG)

Along the north and west sides of the CVS site at 5217 California SW, the retaining walls are again alive with art.

We reported earlier this spring about the previous art getting painted over.

It followed a city enforcement action after someone complained and CVS ordered the paintout with no knowledge of the previous permission given by ex-tenant Rite Aid.

Local muralist Desmond Hansen jumped in to get things straightened out.

And now he and others are returning art to the walls.

Photojournalist Dave Gershgorn counted more than half a dozen artists there today.

Thanks to Gretchen for the tip!

Alki resident May 23, 2026 (8:10 pm)

Desmond is always the saving grace around here.

Unfortunate May 23, 2026 (8:12 pm)

Love it! It was really sad how some incredibly miserable person took advantage of the change in ownership there and made a dishonest call to the city about it. I’m very glad it was quickly rectified. I don’t “get” the style of many of them as I’m not knowledgeable on the history of street art but I still love looking at the new art that pops up there so often.

Muralsyes May 24, 2026 (4:57 pm)

I hope Desmond removes some of the tagging on power poles which does not appear to be sanctioned by these muralists.
That incredibly miserable person may have had a bad experience in that alley.
Desmond has had to remove needles and such that would make any parent incredibly miserable.

Lauren May 23, 2026 (8:24 pm)

That octopus is SO COOL!

Lou May 23, 2026 (8:38 pm)

Amazing!

shed22 May 23, 2026 (9:09 pm)

This makes me so happy!! The octopus is absolutely spectacular! I understand that street art is ephemeral, but some of these are so good it is hard to see them go when they do.

Desmond May 23, 2026 (10:09 pm)

Im so happy that CVS, the property owner and the city supports us artists who are doing our beat to add color and life to the wall and give the neighborhood something interesting to look at. The amount of love we receive from passers by is amazing in 3 years we’ve only had one naysayer who made a stink and that ended up being a blessing in disguise. That put us in contact with the powers that be to give the wall a new lease on life.It is now a public art wall for anyone to paint art on and all of us artists are so happy to paint our best work there.

1994 May 23, 2026 (11:14 pm)

I love seeing your art in the public sphere that is free for all to enjoy! Thank you Desmond for adding color and life to all those spaces that you have touched.
Beth Bakeman May 24, 2026 (10:21 am)

Kudos for accomplishing that, Desmond!

SDK May 24, 2026 (3:06 am)

I’ve long wanted to learn about the various styles of street art and understand more about the layered messages. Would anyone be interested and willing to offer an interpretive tour of this gallery?!

Chris May 25, 2026 (11:58 pm)

Heyy, I’d like that, too! Good idea. I live within a block, so could help organize.

don'tblockme May 24, 2026 (6:13 am)

Is the last picture of the wall you have shown is that Magilla Gorilla? Either way, very cool!

Faunt-Leroy May 24, 2026 (4:15 pm)

This is so great! Congrats and thanks to everyone who helped make this happen.

JKC May 24, 2026 (4:15 pm)

I have moved out of town, but still have kids in the area, one who is an artist!! How does one get selected to paint on the wall? Is there an application or lottery process? Also, how long is each artist’s work typically displayed before it is replaced? I would love to share some info for my son!!