Seattle to Unveil Mural Honoring Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi
The Central District community will debut a commemorative mural installation at Cherry Street Village this fall.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Civic Engagement
Community organizers in Seattle are preparing to unveil a permanent mural this fall honoring the life of activist Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi. The 26-year-old University of Washington graduate was killed in the West Bank in September 2024.
Why it matters
The project serves as a local memorial for the late graduate, reflecting the community effort to preserve her memory through collaborative public art. The installation is funded entirely through local volunteer work and private donations.
The mural measures 12 feet wide by 8 feet tall and consists of three stacked panels of marine-grade plywood. It is secured to the site at 720 25th Ave with a cantilevered rooflet designed to protect the painted surface from weather.
The players
Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi
She was a 26-year-old University of Washington graduate and activist who died in the West Bank.
James Hesketh
He is the designer responsible for the artwork featured on the community mural panels.
The details
Artist James Hesketh led the design of the mural, which was painted by more than 100 community members. The structure is anchored into cast-in-place concrete piers at Cherry Street Village to ensure long-term stability.
Timeline
Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi was killed in the West Bank in September 2024.
Organizers plan to unveil the permanent mural installation in the fall of 2026.
Political Context
The mural project follows the precedent of community-led commemorative installations gaining official recognition in the city. It aligns with the formal designation process established by The People's Wall official city landmark protection.
The installation at 720 25th Ave adds a new permanent structure to the Central District landscape. Residents should expect temporary local activity and potential gathering space adjustments around Cherry Street Village during the scheduled fall unveiling.
The takeaway
The project demonstrates how local communities use collaborative art to process collective grief and honor individuals. Future organizers can implement similar volunteer-driven models to successfully navigate municipal permitting and land-use requirements.
What happens next
Organizers are scheduled to hold the official unveiling ceremony for the permanent mural installation in the fall of 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local initiatives, visit the Seattle Civic Engagement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CHS Capitol Hill Seattle.
