Beginning this August, a stroll down Bellingham’s waterfront Cornwall Street is sure to be brightened by a recent mural completed on the southern wall of Catholic Community Services (CCS) community, Francis Place. Painted by artist Joey Rose, this mural was created in collaboration with Whatcom Community Foundation and Paper Whale, who selected Francis Place for the grand prize mural location in the 2024 Noisy Waters Festival. Francis Place, an Archdiocesan Housing Authority building, provides 42 units of permanent supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness.
Joey Rose’s art is vibrant, yet familiarly symbolic; CCS staff were able to brainstorm how they could work with this style in a meaningful tribute to the Francis Place and Bellingham communities. Two key symbols appear in the mural: the raven and the huckleberry branch.
“Ravens have important meanings that cross cultures. To many indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest, ravens often serve as a guide through life and symbolize transformation and wisdom. In the Bible, they symbolize God’s provision and care of all creatures. It was important to depict the ravens flying in a flock to represent community. The main raven is carrying a native huckleberry branch, symbolizing resilience, determination, and belonging. Pathways for hope “branch” off in multiple possibilities. And so, the huckleberry branches in the background serve to represent these pathways.” – Joey Rose
This mural also memorializes a key figure in its creation, Will Rice, former vice president and agency director of CCS Northwest. Will’s initials, directly copied from his own handwriting, are subtly painted along one of the huckleberry branches. Will was a firm advocate in providing multiple pathways of hope that branch off from the organic needs of CCS communities.
We welcome Whatcom County locals, Chuckanut Drive day-trippers, and art enthusiasts alike to come view the Francis Place mural.