On Track Mural
On Track Academy, 2013
5218 N Market St, South Alley Wall
In the summer of 2013, students from Spokane Public Schools’ On Track Academy came together to transform a quiet alley wall in Hillyard into a powerful visual story of resilience, history, and hope. Guided by lead artist Cassie Stratton, then a recent Whitworth University graduate, the students created a mural that weaves together Hillyard’s iconic railroad past with the symbolic energy of youth-driven transformation.
The mural features a detailed steam locomotive — a nod to Hillyard’s historic roots as a Great Northern Railroad hub — alongside a soaring phoenix, which rises from the tracks to represent rebirth and forward movement. The concept was sketched over the course of 40 hours and painted over several weeks by Stratton, teacher and mentor Scott Sorensen, student artist Shelby Hoadley, and nearly 40 On Track Academy students and community volunteers.
For the students involved, this mural wasn’t just an art project — it was an act of ownership and visibility. It allowed young creatives to leave their mark on the neighborhood while honoring those who built it. The mural was supported by Hillyard Futures and completed with paint donations and discounts from Ziggy’s Building Materials.
“I was always here, even when I was sick. It’s been great.”
— Cassie Stratton, Lead Artist
Ten years later, the mural still stands as a vibrant reminder that Hillyard’s story isn’t just in the past — it’s being reimagined every day by the people who live, learn, and create here.
