By Reeve Washburn, Art Walk Coordinator

………………………………………………….

JOIN THE GROVE WEST SEATTLE INN FOR ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!

Thursday, May 12, 5pm to 7pm | West Seattle Art Walk

3512 SW Alaska St, Seattle, WA 98126

Bubbly & Nibbles | Tours of Property 

Meet Artist Kate Blairstone & View Her Custom Wallpaper

Mix & Mingle with Neighbors!

………………………………………………….

As Seattle celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Century 21 Exposition, a local business shares anniversary ties: The Grove West Seattle Inn, a motel originally built to host 1962 World’s Fair attendees, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a deep bow to its Seattle roots. This mid-century classic, at the gateway of the Alaska Junction by 35th Avenue SW, has long been part of the neighborhood’s fabric as its only destination lodging. As it marks its own milestone, The Grove wants to reintroduce itself as a uniquely local place that brings people together, showcasing all that makes West Seattle a very special destination of its own.

The Grove, managed by Columbia Hospitality, is a boutique gem with modern amenities, retro flair and nods to West Seattle landmarks and culture, as seen in the guestroom photography. The property was purchased in 2010 by the Sweeney sisters, Lynn and Lisa, who led a complete refresh before reopening as The Grove in 2011. Between the Sweeney’s targeted real estate investment experience in the same West Seattle neighborhood and Lynn’s extensive background in hospitality marketing, they have elevated The Grove to be the perfect home base for family gatherings, wedding parties and vacations of all sorts. The Grove General Manager and team members, as well as many others who work with the property, also live in West Seattle which gives the place a genuinely local feeling. 

“As a fourth-generation Seattleite, I can attest that West Seattle is one of the most unique and inviting neighborhoods in greater Seattle. The Grove offers locals and visitors alike the best of both worlds: easy access to all that Seattle has to offer and a small urban oasis to just get away from it all.” — Lynn Sweeney, Co-owner, The Grove West Seattle Inn

The Fabric of West Seattle

The best hotels, restaurants and event venues immerse guests in the story of the space, whether it’s built to a brand or seasoned over decades of hospitality. To this end, The Grove is taking their property to the next level, commemorating its 10th anniversary with the most fabulous decor update possible: custom-designed wallpaper! The Grove commissioned Kate Blairstone, a talented residential and commercial wall coverings illustrator and designer based in Portland to create a wallpaper just for The Grove. If you’ve visited the reimagined historic State Hotel in Pike Place Market, you’ve seen Kate’s suite of nine custom wall coverings, featuring, in her words, “a flamboyant mix of seafood, seasonal produce, flowers and souvenirs: a visual treasure hunt made up of hundreds of individually hand-drawn illustrations.” 

“I believe we are all deserving of color and pattern in our lives, and that they can be harnessed to tell our stories, create connection, and inspire joy in our homes, communities and around the world.”

– Kate Blairstone, Artist

Familiar and Fantastical

The Grove’s wallpaper is equally as engaging and uniquely West Seattle. After collaborative research with the Sweeneys and management, Kate developed a list of possible elements that would be most interesting and visually impactful. The results are both familiar and fantastical: A paddle boarder gliding among a pod of frolicking Orcas; a majestic totem pole, the Alki Statue of Liberty, and the Easy Street sign on a small island populated with native trees; and best of all, an octopus riding a Surrey bike. Her whimsical designs start as layered, hand-drawn illustrations which are then digitized to be completely customizable. The vintage appearance of thoroughly modern visuals adds incredible charm and flair to the cozy comfort of every guestroom.

Guests can see Kate’s work on accent walls in every guestroom of The Grove.

The Grove was inspired to join the West Seattle Art Walk to showcase Kate’s beautiful artwork as part of our vibrant arts scene. As one of our newest partners, they demonstrate their support of the small businesses like themselves that power our close-knit community. As for so many in West Seattle, The Grove’s story has evolved to meet the needs of today’s residents, while holding true the same service and character that it offered so many decades ago. The entire Grove team invites their neighbors and guests to come say hello, help them celebrate their anniversary, and see all that the property has to offer!

………………………………………………….

Meet Artist Kate Blairstone at The Grove’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, Thursday, May 12, 5pm to 7pm, as part of the West Seattle Art Walk. Kate will discuss her custom designed wallpaper as part of the event. Learn more about Kate’s work at her website and Instagram.

The Grove West Seattle Inn is located at 3512 SW Alaska St, Seattle, WA 98126. (206) 937-9920. Co-owners, Lynn Sweeney and Lisa Sweeney; General Manager, Jeff Wilson, Columbia Hospitality.