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“We don’t do a full reset of the tunnel very often, so it’s the blankest canvas you’re gonna get out of the graffiti tunnel,� said Redmond city liaison Morgan Snyder, who was in the middle of painting a firefighter rescuing a cat from a tree on Saturday. “And it being timed with Memorial Day means we have a chance to sit and think about what that stuff means to us.�

Anyone can paint anything

Gathered within the tunnel, located underneath Highland Avenue, were residents painting different tributes to first responders, veterans and those they have lost. There were red, white and blue stars and banners thanking veterans for their military service.

And there was Ken Holt painting a dedication to his two daughters, who he hasn’t seen in over a year as he goes through a divorce.

“I’m alive. I’m aware. I love my children,� Holt said. “This is me putting my heart on the wall and other people knowing that they can do the same. There’s no fear. We’re in this together and the more that we realize we’re connected, the more beautiful it becomes going forward.�

The Redmond Graffiti Tunnel is open to the public year-round to create public art. There are some rules — like no profanity and keeping imagery family friendly — but otherwise, anyone can paint anything. It takes about four months for the tunnel to be completely covered again after a refresh, and art will range from professional work to flowers painted by 5-year-olds.

Khrisma Carter, vice chair for the Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places, said community paint days at the graffiti tunnel take away the fear of painting a public tunnel and gives people an opportunity to be creative even if they aren’t graffiti artists.

“I’m not an artist, but I sure do like to come and watch the kids and hang out with them and kind of point people in the right direction,� Carter said. “It gives me an opportunity to feel like I did something artsy and contribute that way without it being so technical.�

Creating more public art for Redmond

Present at the community paint day was Redmond city Councilor Clifford Evelyn. He said he loves to see events like this in Redmond because it brings the community together and creates a sense of place for the city distinct from the surrounding area.

“We have a growing population. The city is starting to look good and we’re starting to build a lot of things. I think it’s very important that art plays a crucial role in our city,� Evelyn said. “Art always attracts people. It brings people to the city and I don’t think Redmond quite understands that yet. That’s why we’re here.�

Evelyn said he wishes there were more opportunities in Redmond for events like this community paint day. He envisions a future where murals and art cover Redmond parks, libraries and even the police station.

Snyder, who was also at the event representing the city of Redmond, encouraged anyone who wants to get involved in public art to reach out to the city. Odds are, if they are invested, the city will be too.

“The thing I wish I could impart to people is that the local government is much more accessible than many tend to think it is. Simply showing up at a meeting and saying, ‘Hey, I think there’s a need for this,’ to (the Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places) can go a lot further than you think,� Snyder said.

The Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places has been active since 2006 when it was created by a city ordinance. Its mission is to create a sense of place for Redmond through introducing public art. The commission meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. at Redmond City Hall.