HomeMy WebLinkAbout100226 Celebrate New Skate Park MuralCITY OF PORT TOWNSEND TO CELEBRATE NEW SKATE PARK MURAL
Ribbon cutting event features music, remarks from the Mayor, and free refreshments.
PORT TOWNSEND — Local artist Jesse Joshua Watson has recently completed Port Townsend's
latest public art project —1,700 square feet of murals at the Seamus Sims Skate Park. The Port
Townsend Creative District won a competitive capital projects grant from the Washington State
Arts Commission (ArtsWA) for the site -specific work, which is the first public artwork
commissioned by the City since 2014. The mural features underwater and Pacific Northwest
natural scenes that draw from Watson's signature painting style, using the beauty of the
landscape to remind us of humanity's need for love and justice.
The City's Creative District is hosting a free community party on Thursday, October 8" from
4:30-6:00 at the Seamus Sims Skate Park, 250 Monroe Street in Port Townsend, for people to
celebrate the finished mural. Port Townsend High School's DJ collective, the Nu Crew, and local
band Chloroform Rags will perform. Mayor Amy Howard will speak to the importance of art in
our community and cut the ceremonial ribbon. Raney Day Coffee will serve free hot chocolate
as well as other drinks for purchase and Flutter By Pizza Pie will offer free pizza slices.
Additionally, Skate Park neighbors Key City Public Theatre will give out free popcorn and their
concession counter will be open with happy hour specials on drinks and snacks.
This free, family -friendly event is rain or shine and the skate park will be open for use during
the event. Free food and drink offerings will only be available while supplies last.
"Painting the skate park has been such a rewarding experience for me," says muralist Jesse
Joshua Watson. "It has been so encouraging to see how committed and supportive the local
skate community is here. Big ups to the City of Port Townsend, the Creative District, and all the
people who chose me to do this amazing project. I am excited to celebrate with everyone at the
Ribbon Cutting Party."
Located at 250 Monroe Street, at the corner of Jefferson Street, the 0.33-acre Seamus Sims
Skate Park was built by the City in 2006 after decades of youth advocacy for a sanctioned place
to skateboard. In 2024 the park was renamed for Seamus Sims, who spearheaded the effort. In
2025 the City added solar -powered lighting, after a local high school student led a campaign to
add lighting for extended use of the park. Community activation and interest in this park is
growing, and with its central location on a main downtown artery and free public parking lot,
the new artwork will be seen by locals and visitors, becoming a central, visual landmark for the
Creative District and community at large.
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This project was supported in large part by a $30,000 Creative District grant from ArtsWA,
matched by the City at 60% by a combination of private donations, in -kind services, and
contributions from the Municipal Arts Fund.
Many people helped make the skate park mural possible through their work and support.
Watson was selected by an Artist Selection Panel made up of local stakeholders under the
banner of the Port Townsend Art Commission. Three finalists, including Watson, Nick Mann,
and Kyler Martz, gave public presentations in June, and the comments of more than 50
community members helped guide the process. The City Parks Department, led by Crew Chief
Shawn Wiles, was instrumental in preparing the surfaces for painting and sealing the mural with
anti -graffiti coating. Local art store Park Avenue Studio generously provided paint at cost. Skate
Park regulars, artists, and curious residents and visitors stopped by throughout the process to
offer support, ideas, or put a little paint on the wall themselves. Thank you to everyone who
has been a part of this project!
"It has been so great to watch this project evolve to meet the community, and the results are a
beautiful reflection of that," says Katy Goodman, the City of Port Townsend's Arts and Culture
Coordinator. "I am grateful to Jesse and the many people who have shown up in all kinds of
ways to make this project happen. I have learned so much from everyone involved and am
excited to help support more opportunities like for our local artists."
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