Representatives of Sound Transit in Seattle joined state, city, and neighborhood leaders at dedication ceremonies March 24 for a mural celebrating the life and accomplishments of civil rights activist Cal Anderson at the Seattle park that now bears his name.

The transit agency commissioned the portrait by local artist Kelly Lyles as part of the ongoing public art program around the construction site for the Capitol Hill light rail station. The 11-foot x 8-foot portrait will remain on the red construction wall facing the park throughout construction. 

Anderson represented Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood in the Washington State Legislature from 1987 until his death in 1995. Earlier he had worked as an aide to Seattle City Councilmember George Benson and Mayor Charles Royer.

“Cal Anderson left a great legacy of public service in Seattle, and it’s fitting that we celebrate that legacy here in Seattle’s first Olmstead park [designed by the Olmstead brothers in 1901],” said Sound Transit Board Member and Seattle City Council Member Richard Conlin.

Sound Transit partnered with the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce, Cal Anderson Park Alliance, and Broadway Business Improvement Area on the portrait dedication.

Artist Kelly Lyles poses with her portrait of activist Cal Anderson, commissioned by Sound Transit and located near the construction site for a light rail station.