Thanks to a hands-on collaboration with City Repair Project, one full wall of our Community Room has been transformed with a vibrant, collaborative mural inspired entirely by our Members and their experiences at Maybelle Center.
It started with a conversation
The nearly year-long project began with conversations facilitated by City Repair Project, which engages communities in creating public art and gathering spaces. Members were asked: What do you think about when you think of Maybelle Center? What do you experience here? How do you feel? What do you do?
“Everything that’s in that mural came directly from suggestions from our Members,” says Jennifer Wyant, Maybelle Center Arts, Culture & Outreach Manager. “The mural really is a representation of our Members’ experiences at Maybelle Center.”
What the Maybelle experience looks like
So, what does the Maybelle Center experience look like? It’s bright and warm tones, images of people connecting, waving to each other, and enjoying some of Maybelle’s most beloved activities: bingo, games, art, and a welcoming cup of coffee.
The final design was created by artist Ridan Arellano, who also designed Maybelle’s public-facing “It’s Rainin’ Love” mural on NW Couch Street. Ridan’s visual style creates a thread between the neighborhood outside our doors and the community growing inside them.
The story behind the words
Did you know that Maybelle Center is the same building that used to be the iconic Satyricon Nightclub? This is the famous spot where Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love first met. The words “come as you are” are both a welcoming invitation into Maybelle Center and a nod to this history: Nirvana’s song title with the same phrase was penned by Cobain.
Then Members picked up the brushes
-Anastasio Wrobel, Maybelle Center Member Outreach Coordinator (and regular art instructor)
In addition to providing input for the mural, it’s our Members who literally brought the mural to life. Over three afternoons in the Community Room, many hands made light work of painting, observing the process, and cheering on from the sidelines.
“Anybody who has participated, one way or another, whether it’s giving feedback, coming to observe, or getting paint on a paintbrush, has contributed to it,” Jennifer says. “We hope our Members feel that ownership when they come in, knowing the mural represents them.”
A room that looks like the people in it
At Maybelle Center, we think carefully about what makes our Community Room feel welcoming. Someone opens the door and greets you by name. The coffee pot is almost always burbling. A rotating playlist softly fills the room (changing day to day with Member requests). Every detail sends the same message: you belong here.
“Our vision has always been to make the room feel like the people in it, rather than the other way around.” -Jennifer
That’s what makes this mural more than a colorful new wall. It reflects the welcoming, joyful energy of the Community Room, and the people at the heart of Maybelle Center: our Members.
Because belonging means more than having a place to go. It means seeing yourself reflected in the spaces where you belong.
Come find your favorite detail
Stop by the Community Room to see the mural and notice which details catch your eye first!
