Tempo of Hope 
JazzHouse Mural, Seattle 
Est. Completion 2026

Community Roots and JazzED commissioned a 120-foot-long mural for their new affordable housing, community-focused building. JazzHouse, named for the site acquisition partner and from community input, embraces its place in the neighborhood providing over 130 units of low-to-moderate income housing, street-activating resident amenities, and a history of community engagement. ​

The mural, Tempo of Hope is inspired by the African American jazz musicians around the WWII era in Seattle’s Central District.

In the mural, viewers can see Jitterbug dancers, various instrumental musicians, and a singer. Their dynamic poses create a sense of movement, joy, historical significance, and identity.

This mural activates the space in an  uplifting, playful way, and creates a memorable and timeless landmark. It reflects a sense of identity for this community and of the legacy of the organization.

The themes presented in the mural design honor the history of the area and of the art form of jazz, as well as inspire hope for the future of the youth of JazzED today.

"Tempo of Hope" mural detail

Dizzy Gillespie and his orchestra, February 19, 1949, Seattle MOHAI, Al Smith Collection, [2014.49.002-011-0034]