Acorn Alley and the city of Kent have become popular with painted murals this year, from the “Tosha’s Garden” painted on Townhall II to the Market Stanzas mural near Haymarket Farmers’ Market. The newly added “Hello, Kent” mural, outside of the Italian restaurant Laziza on South Depeyster Street, is no different as it is meant to beautify the city and bring the community together.

The commission of the mural began as a shared vision between Laziza co-owner Cassandra Frantz and local muralist Grace Nestor-Louie. For Kent native Nestor-Louie, it was a dream to design a mural for her hometown.

The mural is intended to attract people to downtown Kent.

“They come and take a photo in front of the mural. They come and stay, and they shop at Acorn Alley and go eat at Laziza,” Nestor-Louie said. “It’s a great way to stimulate economic activity downtown.”

Ryan Metcalf, co-owner of Laziza, hopes the new artwork will attract more people to the restaurant’s brunch. He also felt responsible, as a business owner, to give back to the area where he works. 

“Community is important to us. Yes, we are a business, we need to make one survive, but we also want to give back to the community, be involved, and be active members of the community,” Metcalf said.

Nestor-Louie completed the mural during the week of Oct. 13, and the public is now able to take photos and enjoy Kent in full bloom.

Nikki Gasiewski is the broadcast manager. Contact her at [email protected].