The event is known as Going All City and this is the Northwest Edition for 2022. It’s part of a national effort and happens in Washington State every other year.
Everett previously hosted dozens of artists in 2020 at an event called Northwest Grill and Chill that featured artists from around the west coast.
In 2021 we had a chance to talk with “Hyper” who along with two other artists, “Spawk” and “Faust” painted Rise Everett on the side of the Screen Printing Northwest building in the 2500 block of Colby.
Hyper and his GAK crew of artists have been responsible for creating or facilitating all but two aerosol murals in Everett and he’s been the driving force and founder of this year’s Going All City Northwest event. Click here to see his Instagram with links to maps and updates on events and murals as things happen this weekend.
According to organizers, all of the artists working in Everett this weekend are donating their time and paying their own expenses to be here. When they are done the value of the art they have contributed to Everett is valued at $1.5 million dollars.
“This event bridges the gap between artists and the community,” explained Hyper’s wife Brianna. (note most graffiti artists use a single name) “These are professional artists who are coming here for many reasons including to establish their legacy, receive more publicity for their work and flex their skills. These pieces aren’t commissioned so they get to do what they want and really express themselves.”
It’s very much a family affair with artist’s friends and families watching and giving encouragement and artists from around the country catching up with others they only see once a year at events like this.
There’s also a very competitive aspect. You did that, so I’ll do this. That will be on full display at the Graffiti Character Battle at the Scuttlebutt Brewery Taproom at 3314 Cedar Street Friday evening and the Burner Battle at the Apex (the former Club Broadway on Everett Avenue) on Saturday.
Brianna and Hyper are local to the area and both teach and promote art and work to bring an understanding of the graffiti artform to the community. “Studies have shown that when murals go up, tagging actually goes down in areas with artwork,” Brianna explained. “We have business owners who have several locations who invite graffiti artists to do multiple buildings once they see the results.”
This year’s event is the biggest yet and began Thursday with Artists Check-In + 1st Mural Paint Day.
Here’s the schedule for the rest of the weekend.
Friday Aug 5th : Paint Day at 30 mural locations around Everett
Saturday Aug 6 : Paint Day at 30 mural locations around Everett
Watch 45 kids ages 8 – 14 each work with an artist to create a mural. Note: participation is full but the public is encouraged to come watch the young artists in action.
All Ages welcome to come hang out at the busiest lot party in town. 4 mega murals and 4 teams of professional artists putting in work all around this party. DJs will be spinning tunes, and food trucks slinging goodies. Come snag some event gear or take a swing at the dunk tank and try your hand at some art at the Community Paint Wall!
Sunday Aug 7 : Last Paint Day at 30 mural locations around Everett
You can click here for an interactive map of artwork locations. If you visit please be respectful of the artists at work and ask before taking photos. Some are fine with photos while they work while others would prefer not to be photographed while creating.
August 5, 2022
Artwork in Everett