Murals welcome World Cup fans

Artists help Georgetown celebrate soccer with murals along Airport Way South

A mural by Devon Yansa features the phrase "Football is Life" in several languages. Find it near the Georgetown Ballroom, 5623 Airport Way S. (Photos by Steve Lannen)

They call soccer “the beautiful game” with artists on the pitch creating moments of brilliance with their footwork and play.

With the FIFA World Cup artistry demonstrated on the pitch at Lumen Field - er, Seattle Stadium - it makes sense to feature related art in one of Seattle’s most artistic neighborhoods.

Georgetown is joining the World Cup celebration with a series of soccer-themed murals going up on buildings near Airport Way S. A separate billboard with the iconic hat and boots welcoming guests to Georgetown also went up above Foxycut Salon at Airport and S Lucile St.

The goal of the series is to highlight Georgetown as the entrance to Seattle, explained Danielle Crowson, co-owner of Georgetown Pizza & Arcade and Georgetown Ballroom operations manager. Although SeaTac airport will see a majority of traveling fans, many VIPs and others flying privately will land at Georgetown’s King County International Airport-Boeing Field.

“We’re not just the parking lot for the game. We have lots to offer. Lots of art, great food and lots of places to have fun. We wanted Georgetown to be a highlight for people as they make their way through the city,” Crowson said. A mural is already up on a fenceline near the Ballroom, while another is planned for near GPA, Crowson said.

Another mural was expected to go up Friday afternoon at El Sirenito, 5901 Airport Way S, and more were expected to appear over the weekend. A map of the murals will be posted later on the Georgetown Blog.

Muralists selected incorporated the theme “Football is Life” into their works with different interpretations and styles including regional symbolism and storytelling. For example, one features a collage pattern with soccer balls and another features soccer in a coastal scene and kelp forest. Each artist was given a stipend for materials and time. The mural project received funding from Georgetown Association of Arts and Culture through a grant from the City of Seattle Office of Arts and Culture. 

The murals appear shortly after the City of Seattle designated Georgetown as an official arts district, according to GTAAC. Current arts districts include Uptown, Columbia City and Hillman City, Capitol Hill and Central District. The designation should help promote and preserve the artistic legacy and community making art.