Carlos Aguilar's "After Dark" Lights Up Burien
About ArtsWA
Mission: The Arts Commission is a catalyst for the arts, advancing the role of the arts in the lives of individuals and communities throughout the state.
Vision: The arts thrive and are celebrated throughout Washington State, and are woven into the fabric of vital and vibrant communities.
We're thrilled to share that PNW Mural Masters received a Project Support grant from ArtsWA, through their Latine and Hispanic History in Washington State initiative — part of the statewide "Sharing History" theme commemorating America's 250th anniversary. This funding helped bring a brand-new mural to our Art Alley in Burien, home of our annual PNWMural Masters festival (celebrating urban art in Burien since 2014).
Located in the parking lot between 4th and Ambaum BLVD SW, Burien WA.
The piece, titled "After Dark," was created by artist Carlos Aguilar, known as TheyDrift. Rendered in bold blues, purples, and pops of coral, the mural is a self-portrait of Carlos at work — spray can in hand — set against a layered, graffiti-inspired backdrop.
This mural is the second chapter in a two-part series that traces Latine and Hispanic contributions to art and community from past to present. Where the first piece looked backward, "After Dark" turns the lens on today — honoring the Latine muralists, artists, and creatives shaping public art in Washington right now.
We're grateful to ArtsWA and the National Endowment for the Arts for making this project possible, and to Carlos Aguilar for bringing it to life in our community.
About PNW MURAL MASTERS
PNW Mural Masters is a Burien-based festival that celebrates graffiti, sign painting, and street art by showcasing top artists who have mastered their craft. We create space for underrepresented voices and transform our city through vibrant, community-driven murals that honor the culture, history, and artistry of public expression.
Carlos Aguilar’s Mural is located on #5 on the map.
📍 Burien Art Alley 🎨 Artist: Carlos Aguilar (@TheyDrift) 🖼️ Presented by: PNW Mural Masters — muralmasters.org 💛 Grant: ArtsWA, Latine and Hispanic History in Washington State (America 250)
