Hot off the heels of the wildly successful Belltown Mural Festival – where I caught some amazing works (seriously, don’t miss Derek Wu’s – aka @mister_mural – towering dinosaurs at Western and Bell) – festival founder Aaron Asis is back at it.

The murals in Belltown are definitely tight. If you missed out on the fest’s big party over the weekend you can still walk around the ‘hood and check out the work by a couple of dozen muralist who created the pieces that dot the sides of buildings old and new, as well as the alley behind Base Camp 2.

If you didn’t get your fill over the weekend and you’re still in need of a mural fix, you’re in luck.  The Firestone: An Artist Takeover is once again opening its doors to the public – where you can wander through the space that is equal parts gallery, playground, and labyrinth.

Inside the Firestone

The Firestone project, co-led by Asis and Brady Black, has transformed the building inside and out. Exterior walls are covered in street murals, while the interior has been turned into a riot of creativity by more than 40 artists. We’re talking murals, sculptures, and found-object installations from floor to ceiling.

During my last visit, I spent hours combing through the four rooms, as each space had unexpected surprises to unearth. My last visit, I spied Brady Black with a sharpie in hand scribble some words on a sliding door. Upon closer inspection I noted his jotted phrase, “fortune favors the curious.”  Sure enough, when you give the door a shove upwards, artwork is revealed behind. It’s a perfect metaphor for the whole experience: art that rewards exploration.

If you missed the first two chances to check out the space, clear your calendar now. 

The Firestone: An Artist Takeover
Encore Open House
Friday, August 16 | 12 – 4 p.m.
Old Firestone Building
1145 NW Market Street