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
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.
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 entire wall got painted over a few months ago and all the art was erased. Thats when I actually started contacting CVS corporate and the city to get an official, in writing, agreement to rebirth the wall as a free to paint whenever public mural space,” Hansen said.
Hansen and his peers took swift action also contacting 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.
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.