Beautifying Renton, one mural at a time
I love chatting with people. I’ve had the unique experience in my profession to converse with clients sharing their life as I do with them. I feel it’s an honor, as I swoosh water through their hair, I’ve gotten to know their interests, likes as well as dislikes.
As a business owner in downtown Renton, I’ve seen many changes over the years. From the streets to Renton’s downtown landscape, and it’s beginning to morph into something beautiful. I want to be a part of that metamorphosis.
Most recently, as we all have experienced one-way streets to two lanes, new businesses are arriving on a consistent basis to fill some of the empty, older, but with “good bones” buildings here in the downtown core.
As I look out the window each day that I’m at work, I began to visualize what some of these old brick and cinder block walls would be like with some color, some nature to give a feel of calm as they are gazed upon. From these daydreams, I thought, a mural of nature, that’s it! That would beautify our downtown Renton.
I contacted Mayor Armondo Pavone, and I asked if he could point us in the direction of the permit process. Next, I began working with the City of Renton, the Renton Municipal Arts Commission and several others who helped to ensure that the process went as seamlessly as possible.
After following the guidelines of compliance, I then sought out, found and connected with the very artistically talented mural artist Craig Cundiff. Almost instantly he created the beautiful, and serene nature scene on the west side of CD Danza Salon & Spa. Right away friends and neighbors of downtown Renton spotted Craig Cundiff working, they stopped, admired his work and said hi.
The positive energy that Craig Cundiff’s work produced has been infectious, the building owner across the railroad tracks from Tonkin Park, has a public art piece mural in the works, as well as “word on the street” another may be on the way between Williams and 4th.
I can’t express enough happiness this project, so far, has brought to the many. A super shout-out thanks again to artist Craig Cundiff, our mayor, Armondo Pavone, the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, the City of Renton Planning and Permit Department, and The Renton Reporter for publishing this write-up for the community.
Cheryl Danza
Courtesy of Cheryl Danza
