Hillyard est. 1892 Mural
Whitworth University Students, 2018
4800 N Market St
In 2018, students from Whitworth University’s Community Arts in Practice course completed a public mural in Spokane’s Hillyard neighborhood — a project that combined creative collaboration with a deep respect for local history.
Guided by Associate Professor of Art Katie Creyts, the students worked alongside longtime Hillyard advocate Jack Miller to bring his vision for the neighborhood to life. With support from the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, they researched historical images of the Great Northern rail yard to inform their design.
The final mural features a black-and-white locomotive framed by a red and green banner and the words “Hillyard est. 1892.” Positioned at the southern entrance to the Hillyard Business District, it pays homage to the area’s railroad legacy while welcoming visitors into the heart of the neighborhood.
Funding for the project came through grassroots support, with donation jars placed at local businesses to rally community involvement. For the students, the project was an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Spokane’s cultural landscape.
“We were part of something that gave back to a community and helped tell its story,” said student Tanner Wagar at the time.
Mural Details
Location: South-facing wall, 4800 N Market Street
Painted: 2018
Artists: Students from Whitworth University
Instructor: Professor Katie Creyts
Partner: Jack Miller
Supported by: Hillyard community donations
Featured Quote
“We solicited images from the MAC (Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture) of the Hillyard rail yard.”
— Katie Creyts, Whitworth University (Spokesman-Review)
Sources & Citations
“Whitworth art students paint Hillyard mural” — Spokesman-Review, Dec 2018
“Whitworth Students Create Community Mural in Hillyard Neighborhood.” Whitworth University News, 2 Nov. 2018, https://news.whitworth.edu/2018/11/whitworth-students-create-community_2.html
