Defending the canvas: How one muralist is saving West Seattle’s Free Art Wall
Defending the canvas: How one muralist is saving West Seattle’s Free Art Wall
Keeping art alive is Desmond Hansen's mission and the Free Art Wall on the north side of the parking lot at Dawson and California Ave SW is the mural he's hoping to keep refreshing and preserved.
Photo courtesy Desmond Hansen
Mon, 05/04/2026
Desmond Hansen, a dedicated muralist based in West Seattle, has spent years on a mission to make his city more beautiful. Starting in 2018, Hansen began painting vibrant portraits on utility boxes, an initiative that he continued through the pandemic until his art adorned more than 75 intersections from West Seattle to the University District.
Having successfully raised over $30,000 for those initial projects, Hansen is now rallying the community once again—this time, to protect art that already exists.
You've seen his work on switch boxes all over Seattle- Art and photos by Desmond Hansen
At the center of his current campaign is a "free wall" located in the alleyway behind the former Rite Aid at California Avenue and Dawson Street SW.
Established in 2024, the wall was designed as a dynamic, open canvas where artists could paint murals whenever they liked. By March 2026, the space had hosted over 150 unique works of art, including pieces by internationally recognized artists.
However, this vibrant community hub faced a sudden threat in February 2026 when CVS acquired the Rite Aid building and directives were given to paint over all of the existing murals. The decision did not sit well with the artists or the surrounding neighborhood. Refusing to let the wall be erased, Hansen and his peers took swift action, reaching out to CVS corporate offices, the property owners, and decision-makers at the City of Seattle. Thanks to their fierce advocacy, a deal was struck in April 2026 to restore the space to the artists.
The victory, however, comes with financial stipulations, prompting Hansen to launch a new GoFundMe campaign. To keep the wall open, the new agreement requires the installation of costly signage detailing the guidelines for painting. Furthermore, Hansen and his team must establish a recurring budget for garbage disposal and provide safety cones for the alley.
Hansen is calling on supporters of public art to contribute to these ongoing maintenance costs. If the community can raise enough money, Hansen also envisions funding an annual mural festival at the site to celebrate the initiative.
Through his commitment to "bring life and continuous color to this wall space," Hansen is proving that defending public art is just as crucial as creating it.
