HISTORY
ArtWorks developed in 1995 from the desire of the SODO Business Association to clean up trash and graffiti along the busway in Seattle's industrial zone.
A plan was developed to enrich the surroundings and discourage graffiti by creating murals throughout this area now known as the SODO Urban Art Corridor. The collaboration of private and public partners facilitated the creation of an arts program for at-risk youth centered on the development these murals. ArtWorks incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1998, and the scope of our work has expanded far beyond the corridor.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Look what we've accomplished in just 13 years: Created more than 400 murals for schools, parks, businesses and construction sites—with enough vibrant artwork to cover three football fields. Provided mentoring, arts education and job training to more than 2,000 at-risk youth. Led art projects for numerous youth groups and schools, engaging more than 3,500 kids.
Established an effective program that works with at-risk youth before and after they enter the juvenile justice system. Over 70% of the youth in our mural program do not re-offend and leave our program prepared for their next step in life. One youth from each session is hired on as the next sessions intern, and we have several adult artists working with us now, who found out about us as youth in the court system themselves and attribute their success as artists to the program.