The Magnuson Children’s Garden is adding a mural to both the front and back of a large kiosk that sits along NE 74th St. in Magnuson Park. The murals will both be designed and built by teams of children who attend youth programs in Magnuson Park, live in the park’s residential housing, or live in surrounding neighborhoods. The theme for the mural is “All Are Welcome,” a notion that has been at the foundation of the children’s garden since its inception.
As part of one of the largest community gardens on the west coast, the Magnuson Children’s Garden is a vibrant, interactive space created by local children and their parents. The garden is free and open to the public year-round with self-guided exploration including nature activities, a scavenger hunt, and a “snack house” with fresh berries available for picking. The garden’s mission is rooted in growing love, advocating for equality, fostering shared experiences, and supporting the healing and wellness provided by nature.
“Our goal is for the murals to bring a sense of belonging and power to the children who create them, and to inspire and warm the hearts of all Magnuson Park visitors who drive by, cycle past, or walk by them on their way to the dog park, playground, or other areas, and especially to those that visit the Children’s Garden,” says Emily Bishton, Communications Leader at the garden.
Local artist, Sandy Bricel Miller, is leading the project. Her art studio, Red Ochre, is located in Magnuson Park and she has taught art classes for children in the Seattle area for over 30 years. The Magnuson Children’s Garden Committee volunteers have formed a “mural team” to assist Sandy and the teams of children with all elements of the design and creation process. The team is also building crushed rock pathways around the murals to allow visitors of all ages and abilities to access and interact with them.
Bishton emphasizes that, like all their projects, children are the motivation for the murals.
“As soon as the Children’s Garden Committee was given the go-ahead to start planning for new murals on both sides of the kiosk, we started dreaming up how to get as many kids involved in the project from in and around the park!”
This project is supported by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Neighborhood Matching Fund. For more information about the garden and a calendar of events visit: www.magnusonchildrensgarden.org
