by Emerald Staff

Murals are infused with meaning. More than decorations on a building’s exterior, murals represent and reflect the community. That’s why the Emerald asked readers this month: What are your favorite murals in the South End?

Before artist Lawrence Pitre designed and painted a mural outside of Northwest Tap Connection on Rainier Avenue South, the studio’s executive and artistic director, Melba Ayco, talked with him for two hours about the studio’s mission and purpose.

The result is an original painting with the words “Hard times require furious dancing,” featuring four dancers in the foreground of an African village with a playground. They all dance on wooden boards, just as tap dancers at Northwest Tap Connection would.

“He really listened to what we are,” Ayco said. “So when people come in to our studio, we feel it’s very representative of what our values are here.”

Emerald readers shared some of their favorite murals from around the area, each with an artist or community behind it and each infused with meaning.

Here’s what readers shared.

Northwest Tap Connection

8732 Rainier Ave. S.

Dragon Auto Repair and Transmission

2901 17th Ave. S.

King Donuts

9232 Rainier Ave. S.

Safeway

3900 S. Othello St.

Franklin High School

3013 S. Mt. Baker Blvd.

Seattle Cannabis Co

7266 Rainier Ave. S.

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Featured Image: Lawrence Pitre’s mural at Northwest Tap Connection on Rainier Avnue South. (Photo: Aaron Burkhalter)