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Mossback's Northwest: The “Bird Woman” and an ode to ornithology

The “Bird Woman” and an ode to ornithology

A century ago, Seattle's first female principal, Adelaide Lowry Pollock, spread the gospel of birds and good citizenship to a generation of schoolkids.

Music and Family

Dave Lewis was a talented keyboardist and key player in the Pacific Northwest’s booming rhythm and blues scene of the 1950s and ’60s. Zoom forward to the 21st century, and The Black Tones, led by twins Eva and Cedric Walker, are a genre-busting rock band taking Seattle by storm.

Visual Arts and Vibrancy

On Union Street in Seattle’s historically Black Central District, two buildings speak to each other through proximity, history and art. On the north side is an affordable housing development with a facade designed by Al Doggett featuring a dancer, a saxophone player and a raised fist. Across the street is an apartment complex with a color-splashed exterior created by Seattle artist Barry Johnson, who says he drew inspiration from jazz and the rich palette of painter Jacob Lawrence. Both artists are using their skills to commemorate the history of Black art in Seattle, while at the same time making a permanent mark on the evolving cityscape.