Edmonds Mural Society Names 'Winter Walk' Members' Choice Winner

Local muralist Susan Babcock's "Winter Walk" was voted Members Choice 2012 by the Edmonds Mural Society.

The award, given annually to murals raised each summer by the Society, is voted on by dues-paying members of the nonprofit organization. The mural, painted in the alley next to the Edmonds Historical Museum, features an unlikely scene: snowfall along the waterfront.

"I'm honored to receive the Members Choice Award," Babcock said. "I'm thrilled that people enjoy the mural and are interacting with it. And having their picture taken with it."

The mural was first designed to encompass a recessed doorway into the building. However, when finished, the landowners were so pleased with the results they decided to extend the dark blue of the mural by painting the doorway as well.

The unique setting makes for a natural frame for anyone who wishes to have their picture taken as if they are naturally part of the mural.

"We've already heard scores of stories of tourists posing as part of the mural," said Society municipal liaison Jeff Stilwell. "I imagine that is one of the reasons why the mural walking-tour map has become the most frequently requested document at the Visitors Center."

Babcock's mural also attracted many visitors while she was painting it, notably including a group of middle-schoolers from Edmonds' sister city Hekinan, Japan.

"One of the many thoughtful touches Sue made to her mural is the exquisite detail," Stilwell said. "For example, children love to touch the pony on the little girl's skirt in the mural because Sue painted it at their height. 'Winter Walk' is a striking addition."

Added Stilwell: "We are learning that our mural collection is gaining prominence nationally because we rely on original artistic concepts, rather than painting historical photographs, as so many others have done."

Babcock was thrilled to paint the mural. "It's wonderful to be part of a group of artists that have become a part of such an unusual process," she said.

Having moved to Edmonds three years ago, receiving the award has also changed Babcock's relationship to the city. "It makes me so much more a part of Edmonds," she said. "It was wonderful to meet all the people who helped with the mural and supported the mural process.

"And a big thank you to the people of Edmonds."

The 2010 winner was Cheryl Waale's "An Edmonds Kind of Eve."

All murals raised by the Edmonds Mural Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, are paid for through private donations by the organization's Members. For more information, visit EdmondsMuralSociety.org and Facebook.com/EdmondsMuralSociety, stop by 409 Main St. in Edmonds or call 425-776-3778.