Art has the unique ability to build connections that are inclusive and amplify the voice of a community or culture that can be lost in the complexity of modern urban planning. In the housing communities we create, art is far more than an institutional design process, it is an essential thread that weaves vision, voice and community with the daily lives of residents. Murals, sculptures, and mosaics are brought to life by artists whose visions are deeply informed by the stories, traditions, and experiences of the people who call these places home. These creators—often with roots in the communities themselves—use their work to echo shared histories, express collective hopes, and celebrate cultural identities. Through their art, they foster a sense of pride and belonging, making public spaces feel genuinely lived-in and meaningful. This blog explores the vital role art and artists play in shaping community identity and honoring the diverse backgrounds of our residents.
Plaza Roberto Maestas: Art That Builds Belonging
Incorporating art into affordable housing has not always come easy. At Plaza Roberto Maestas, community collaboration and persistent advocacy allowed the presence of significant art and design elements including the plaza which has historical importance in Latino culture. The plaza acts as a central gathering place, fostering social interaction, community building, and cultural expression that is enjoyed by the residents and the Beacon Hill community. The intricate tile artwork throughout reflects the multiracial culture and activism lead by the Four Amigos. The journey to include public art was visionary and took imagination. Today, these vibrant pieces enrich the lives of residents and stand as symbols of what’s possible when community and creativity converge.
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Four Amigos: A Beloved Community in Color
Located in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood, the Four Amigos Beloved Community is not just a home, it is a visual landmark. With exterior walls painted in hues of blue and white to mirror the open sky, the building immediately catches the eye. But it is art that truly brings space to life. Step closer, and you will find a striking mural rising from the courtyard, created by artists Fulgencio Lazo, Maria Guillen, and Jesus Mena.” It is my hope that this sculpture in metal will be a visual reminder of our collective commitment to embrace our cultural identities.” – Fulgencio Lazo.
The theme, Mestizaje—meaning racial and cultural mixture—celebrates Latinx identity through imagery like the Aztec calendar, the Quetzalcoatl feathered serpent god, and colorful cityscapes that reflect urban vibrancy and ancestral memory.
Children play beside the mural, their laughter mingling with the stories of history, migration, and joy embedded in the artwork. Nearby, a metal fence sculpture titled Agarrados de la mano by Fulgencio Lazo features two women holding hands, their intertwined forms symbolizing unity, cultural pride, and mutual aid. As Lazo explains, “It is my hope that this sculpture in metal will be a visual reminder of our collective commitment to embrace our cultural identities.”
Castle Argyle: A Tribute to Hollywood’s Past and Present
In the heart of Hollywood, the nearly 100-year-old Castle Argyle Apartments offers another brilliant example of place-based storytelling through public art. A large-scale mosaic titled Interconnections Over the City brings the glamour of old Hollywood into conversation with the city’s diverse, modern identity.
“The idea behind the mosaic art is to highlight what Hollywood has been in the past and its look into the future.” Says Muralist Roberto Biaggi. Originally from Puerto Rico, Roberto is an artist, dedicated to design architecture, art direction, scenography, paintings, furniture design and filmmaker.
A central female figure, styled with vintage elegance, presides over a cityscape dotted with landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre and Castle Argyle itself. A horizontal pink line divides night and day, history, and future, creating a bridge between the past and present. At the top, three diverse faces form a triangle—representing inclusiveness, equality, and the changing face of Hollywood.
The piece is rich with symbolism: golden lines crisscross the sky, forming a pattern of unity and interconnectedness. This artwork reflects not only the dreams of those who once arrived in Los Angeles with stars in their eyes but also those who call it home today.
Ethiopian Village: Honoring Heritage and Hope
At Ethiopian Village in Seattle, the public art speaks to deep cultural roots and forward-looking hope. Led by renowned Eritrean Ethiopian American artist Yegizaw “Yeggy” Michael, the work features culturally significant symbols that resonate with the Ethiopian and East African diaspora. “My motivation and inspiration starts from what has stayed close to my heart, African people and culture.”
The Jebena, a traditional clay coffee pot, evokes the sacred ritual of coffee-making, ceremony of peace, reflection, and community. The Mesob, a woven basket table, speaks to the tradition of sharing meals and stories. The Adey Abeba, or yellow daisy, blooming during the Ethiopian New Year, stands for renewal and future generations. Radiant sun motifs reflect both the warmth of the homeland and a bright path forward.
This work was developed in partnership with a local art steering committee, ensuring that community voices guided its creation. Together, they helped shape a visual narrative that honors resilience, connection, and cultural continuity.
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Ann Thomas Presbyterian: Community Creations
In Philadelphia, the completion of a new mural from artist Kelly Prevard, appears on the Ann Thomas Presbyterian Apartments. This mural is a collaboration with HumanGood, Mural Arts Philadelphia and Philadelphia Corporation of Aging and is funded through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Initiative, is called Threads of Joy: Celebrating the Golden Years.
“Through my artwork I attempt to bridge the gap, to humanize the dehumanized. So that we can connect to people on an emotional level, and not see them as stereotypes, statistics, or caricatures but see them as fully realized human beings.” – Kelly Prevard
The mural is inspired through the artist interacting with the residents in community-based events. In addition, residents had direct input by participating in an art club and various other artmaking activities. The mural is truly authentic to the residents that call this community home.
The murals, sculptures, and mosaics that grace our affordable housing communities are more than decoration—they are expressions of history, voices of identity, and bridges between neighbors. Each artist brings their unique vision and experience, transforming ordinary spaces into living stories that connect residents with their shared heritage and inspires new forms of expression. Through their creativity, these artists foster understanding, celebrate diversity, and kindle a sense of pride and belonging. Art, in the hands of devoted creators, truly makes our communities not just places to live, but places to connect, remember, and thrive.
