Goldfinches at Cedars: My First Mural Project

I’m so excited to share that I’m painting my first public mural: a 7'x7' outdoor piece on the side of Cedars, a beloved Lebanese restaurant in Seattle’s University District.

This mural is more than just a painting. It’s a personal milestone, a tribute to memory and migration, and a way to honor a story.

How it started

Last year, just after I decided to pursue art full-time, I was having lunch at Cedars with a friend. I had only met the owner, John, a couple of times before. He’s the kind of person who makes you feel at ease immediately with his warmth and stories.

He asked me what I did for work. When I told him I was an artist, his face lit up. Without hesitation, he brought out a coffee mug from a set he’d bought 50 years ago, when he first opened the restaurant. On the mug were two goldfinches. He told me they reminded him of Lebanon, his home, and then he asked me to paint them on the wall outside.

He hadn’t seen any of my work. He just believed in the idea.

Why it matters

Cedars isn’t just another restaurant - it’s a fixture of the U District community. It’s one of those places where the community gathers and feels at home. But like many small businesses in Seattle, it’s facing uncertainty. There’s a possibility the building may be taken over by a McDonald’s. That makes this mural feel even more important.

The goldfinches represent home, history, and continuity — a reflection of how deeply a place can matter to someone, and how art can hold those stories in the open.

The process

I’m painting the mural using Nova Color mural paints and the grid method to scale the original design onto the wall. I’ll be working on-site and documenting the process on Instagram and TikTok.

Limited edition prints now available

To help support the project, I’m releasing a limited edition of fine art prints based on the original goldfinch painting. You can find them here.

Want to stay in the loop?

I’m also sharing behind-the-scenes updates, future releases, and exclusive discounts through my newsletter. Subscribers will be entered into an upcoming raffle to win a free print.

Thank you for reading, and for supporting not just my art, but also the stories, people, and places behind it.

With love,
Nicole