Seattle Art: Henry Murals

Henry (full name Ryan Henry Ward) has been brightening up our city since 2008. How so? With quirky, whimsical murals depicting fantasy characters and wide eyed creatures on colorful backdrops all over the walls of Seattle. He has over 200 murals painted on various surfaces around town and unlike many street artists he always works under the permission of the owner of the wall.

Elephants found at Value Village at 8532 15th Ave. NW

Camel found at Value Village at 8532 15th Ave. NW

Space Lizard found in a residential alley at 8016 20th Ave. NW

 If you are trying to find the deeper meaning behind his art you don't have to. This isn't Banksy trying to make you question the decency of humans, Ward stated in a Seattle Pi Interview, 

"My message is cheerfulness and brightness," Ward said, "and encouraging a fun-loving spirit."

Which is definitely a message we can get behind!

Walrus on a bike found at 8th Ave NW and NW 67th St.

Double camel found on 8th Ave NW

You have probably seen a Henry Mural if you have explored the city much and you might not have known it was one of many created by Henry and if you haven't seen these works of art in person yet, we found a handy-dandy map to start you on your journey!  

HENRY MURAL MAP

While the map is not a complete list, it is a good starting point. We have discovered some of the murals listed on the map have been painted over (sad face), but don't worry the majority are still around!

Interested in buying his art? You can find out more on his website here.

Tree gnome found at 7010 8th Ave

Sasquatch found on Fremont Ave. N.

Flower details at the Value Village mural

You'll know it's a Henry artwork by his signature

5 Places to Instagram in the Northwest

The Pacific Northwest has a lot of quirks. As we explore we keep our eyes peeled for unique places that can serve as good photo opps. Check out some of the awesome things we have found in the past months.

The Umbrella Mural in Tacoma, WA, is great for many reasons. 1. Look at it, it's adorable. 2. If you haven't heard, it rains a lot here, so there is nothing more appropriate to paint on a wall than umbrellas. And 3. It leaves room for so many photo opps and ideas. Go get creative with it! 

Find it here: 216 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma, WA 98421

This EAT sign can be found at Shake Shake Shake, a charming diner in Tacoma, WA, which has delicious milkshakes that can put you in a sugar coma. Expert tip: the tables by this sign fill up fast, so go during off hours to snag a winning seat!  

Find it here: 124 N Tacoma Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403

This marquee is located in Downtown Vancouver on the Public Library. The library itself is an impressive building, but this adds a fun flare for photos. 

Find it here: 350 Georgia Street W,  Vancouver, BC, V6B 6B1

Ok, we know, this is a brick wall painted blue. Well you know what, that makes it a (bright) blank canvas for creativity. Go visit and get inspired! 

Find it here: 9127 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115

This one is popular, but it doesn't take away from its photo charm. It is a wall of gum! Nasty, but super cool for photos. 

Find it here: 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101