Graphic design duo transforms Atlas building into community art
This summer, two recent Graphic Design graduates from the Seattle Central Creative Academy have created a bold art installation that makes the Atlas building, located on Broadway between Pike and Pine streets, a focal point of the campus and the surrounding community.
Greg Smith and Jess Ornelas, who completed the Graphic Design program in June, have been working on the installation that covers the façade of the building as part of a class project over the past year. Called “#LOVETHEHILL,” the project involved renovating the front of the building, painting it orange and visually detailing the evolution of Capitol Hill over the past three decades.
“We wanted to improve the character of this building for the neighborhood,” Greg said. “We also wanted to raise awareness about the school and our program as part of the greater community.”
Over the past several months, Jess and Greg designed visual elements, secured community partnerships and recorded their progress for a documentary about their experience that was shot by photography alumnus Tim Haddock. With support from local musicians and businesses, their grant proposal was fully funded in just one week. Caffe Vita also signed on to create a special blend of coffee to promote the project.
The duo integrated graphical representations of neighborhood landmarks like Cal Anderson Park with statistics about recent changes, such as the rising cost of rent. They collected input from local businesses and community members and have included these impressions about the changing neighborhood. The team has also generated publicity on social media using the hashtag #LOVETHEHILL. Reflections gathered using this hashtag will be rotated on a regular basis to create an interactive element.
“We want to document the people and the places that make up Capitol Hill,” said Jess. “We hope to encourage people to learn about this community and to show up without making assumptions about what it’s like to be here.”
For more information about this project, check out their website.