New Maynard Alley road mural to have fun the colourful Asian cultures in Seattle’s Worldwide District

Maynard Alley is one of three historic streets in Seattle. A new project is turning the street into a work of art.

SEATTLE – Seattle-based artist Akira Ohiso is leading a unique street art project to reclaim and beautify one of Seattle’s historic alleys in the Chinatown International District.

Maynard Alley is one of three historic streets in Seattle. A Huynh from the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda) said the alley was once a major hangout for Asian immigrants.

“When immigrants came from Asia in the late 19th century, alleys were an important place for community and recreation,” said Huynh.

The alley is also home to several historic storefronts and residential units in the international district.

The Maynard Alley Street Mural Project features pictures of brightly colored pasta painted by Seattle’s Ohiso and Angelina Villalobos over the course of four days. The mural is intended to highlight all of the living Asian cultures in the international district.

“”[The mural] really speaks to the vibrancy of the different cultures here and people can drive down the alley and have a good time, “said Ohiso.” Lots of people come through here and so the noodles symbolize that too. Mix all of these colors and flow through each other. “

The Seattle Arts and Culture Bureau is working with the Maynard Alley Partnership, SCIDpda, the Seattle International District Chinatown Business Improvement Division, the Wing Luke Museum, and the Seattle Together Initiative to bring the project to life.

They are also receiving assistance from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), which also assisted with the Black Lives Matter mural on Capitol Hill. SDOT’s Dahvee Enciso said he was proud to be part of another cultural mural project.

“Pick up the AAPI community and come together … we are here to say we love you, we are here with you and we will support you in any way we can,” said Enciso.

The Maynard Alley Mural Project is underway and is expected to be completed by May 24th.