White Center is changing rapidly. But for many people in the area there's a resistance to any kind of corporate movement toward a slick gentrified neighborhood. They needn't worry. The latest mural just completed on 16th SW on the wall opposite the entrance to Taradise Cafe is an absolute street statement. It's the work of artists Kris Hews and Sam Sneke who have been partnering on similar projects for 27 years. Another mural recently finished on Roxbury is a rendition of fish and greenery. It's the work of artist Angelina Villalobos and has more of a traditional painting look. The mural by Hews and Sneke has its roots in classic graffiti styles. It works well for White Center.

This particular work is an "exercise in typography" they said against a jet black backround in shades of gray, lavendar, purple and yellow. It's hard to make out the meaning but two elements do stand out, the names of their respective wives, Holly and Molly. "It's a family affair," said Sam, "They are holding it down while we are out here."

You can catch up with Sam on Facebook here.

They have a large three piece koi fish mural on the 5th Ave bus line in SODO that transit riders will have noticed too. One more can be seen on the wall by VAIN hair salon in the Denny Regrade area on 1st Ave downtown. Burien is another location where the duo's work is displayed in the Art Alley between 154th and 6th Ave. SW. "We have pieces from Burien to Everett," said Hews.

The mural is the latest in a series being painted in White Center as part of the revitalized White Center Chamber of Commerce and their efforts to improve the community. The project is being led and overseen by Chamber President Sheryl Clinton and the White Center Community Development Manager Aaron Garcia.