Window mural art featuring an African-American girl with messaging about BIPOC awareness.

MadArt is pleased to announce the launch of our brand new program: The Mural Project. This initiative expands the breadth of MadArt’s programming by activating the studio’s facade with newly-commissioned murals.

The Mural Project was developed in order to create opportunities that prioritize historically underrepresented BIPOC artists in our community. We are excited to add this program to our repertoire, advancing MadArt’s objective of supporting artists in creating new, large-scale works while facilitating accessible art experiences, especially during pandemic limitations.

This project kicks off with new works by inaugural artist Barry Johnson.

ON VIEW / December 22, 2020 – February 1, 2021

Rae, 2020
These empowered portraits of Johnson’s daughter reflect the hope and encouragement of a near year. The murals will be temporarily displayed on the exterior windows of MadArt Studio, easily viewable from the street and sidewalk.

Johnson is a self-taught interdisciplinary artist whose work explores race, community, and culture. He’s held residencies throughout the Puget Sound region, Hawaii, Tulum, and Argentina, and recently authored and illustrated a children’s book titled, Oh What Wonderful Hair. His work has been shown and collected around the world including multiple permanent works across King and Pierce County.

Johnson has also spoken at a TEDx event in Seattle about the power of creating multiple personas to aid you in your career. He has received multiple grants and awards including the Edwin T. Pratt Award, smART Ventures Award, and the 2018 GAP Award. He was a finalist for the Conductive Garboil Grant in 2018 and most recently was named a finalist for the 2020 Neddy Award. Johnson is currently pursuing a career in architecture.