The Ballard Alliance has just installed 50 new welcome banners on light poles around downtown Ballard.
The banners, designed by artist Paige Pettibon and funded by the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development’s Neighborhood Economic Relief Fund, are scattered around NW Market St and Leary Ave NW.
The Alliance says they were funded the grant to help “enhance Ballard’s public realm through banners that welcome visitors, celebrate the neighborhood’s Indigenous and Scandinavian history, and support the Visit Ballard brand.” The Alliance and Pettibon worked with the People People Studio and representatives from the National Nordic Museum to create the three designs.
“The team that helped develop these designs was deeply committed to representing Ballard’s rich Nordic and Coast Salish cultures,” Pettibon said in a statement. “With my background in Coast Salish art, I was able to identify and draw parallels with Nordic folk art. Working alongside the Nordic Museum, we discovered a beautiful way to harmoniously incorporate elements from both cultures.”
Pettibon said she strives to “connect multiple cultures” in her public artwork, which she said is a reflection of her own multicultural background.
“I believe in the importance of bridging cultures through my work, fostering unity and understanding. As an artist, I highly value the insights of others, which helps refine my work to better represent the spaces where it will be displayed,” Pettibon said.
The Ballard Alliance is responsible for several Ballard beautification projects, from wrapping utility boxes to installing the new flower pots around Ballard’s core.
Photo: Ballard Alliance
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