OUR HISTORY

From Grassroots Beginnings to a Burien Tradition

Mural Masters began as a small, grassroots project right here in Burien. With an initial grant from 4Culture, a handful of local artists transformed the alley behind SW 152nd Street into a living, breathing art space. What started as a modest effort to brighten up a forgotten corridor has grown into one of the most recognized mural festivals in the Pacific Northwest.

Over the years, the event has expanded to include more walls, new partnerships, and artists from across the country — all while staying true to its roots in graffiti and street art culture. What sets Mural Masters apart is our commitment to rotating murals each year. Every June, the city becomes a blank canvas again as artists repaint the walls, creating a constantly evolving outdoor gallery that reflects the creativity and pulse of the community.

Building a Creative Community

From the beginning, local businesses have played a huge role by donating their walls, supporting our artists, and welcoming visitors into downtown Burien. Our first partnerships — with business owners, Burien Arts, and 4Culture — helped shape the foundation of what would become a thriving community celebration of color, culture, and collaboration.

As the years passed, new collaborations with groups like the Highline Heritage Museum and Burien Neighborhoods have deepened the connection between art and community. What started in one alley now represents a citywide effort to celebrate creativity, diversity, and transformation through public art.

A Living Legacy

The murals created each year live on throughout the seasons, influencing how people experience and move through Burien. They tell stories, reflect the city’s personality, and mark moments in time. By the next festival, the walls are painted over — not erased, but renewed — carrying forward the spirit of creativity and impermanence that defines Mural Masters.