One of the region’s most prolific muralists, David Hose, has transformed walls across the valley into rich visual narratives. His mural work can be found throughout Monroe, Sultan and Snohomish, with each piece intricately capturing slices of local life and heritage.

Hose’s first mural in Monroe—commissioned in 2004—spans 79 feet along North Lewis Street and depicts a cross-section of the Skykomish River. In Sultan, his centennial and fire station murals spotlight key community members and historical milestones. His most ambitious project is in Snohomish, where a nearly 70-foot mural pays tribute to U.S. veterans. 

Whether depicting pets, landscapes, or people, Hose’s work brings a deeply personal and emotional touch to Sky Valley’s history. You’ll find animals hidden in nearly all of his murals, including the beloved orange cat TJ at Monroe’s NAPA Auto Parts store—now memorialized with a painted halo and urn.

Downtown Monroe features two standout sculptures that capture the heart of the city’s natural and cultural identity:

• Wagner Swifts by Kevin Edwin Pettelle: Located on the northwest corner of Main Street and Lewis Street, this 12-foot bronze sculpture celebrates the Vaux’s Swifts that famously roost in the Wagner Center chimney during fall migration.
• Guardian of the Mountain Pass by Milo White and Jay Bowen: Across the street on the southeast corner, is inspired by mountain goat horns and filled with river rock, honors Monroe’s role as a gateway to the Cascades.

Nearby at Lake Tye Park, Storm Patterns by Gloria Bornstein is a cloud-like stainless steel sculpture that features Native American women from the region’s past, reflecting on local heritage and landscape.

In Sultan, the Freedom Rock at Travelers Park is Washington’s only stop on the national tour by artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen, featuring hand-painted tributes to local military veterans.

A Day at the Fair in Monroe’s Evergreen State Fair Park features colorful murals inside pedestrian tunnels that bring fair festivities to life.

Visit the Monroe Historical Society Museum to see the enduring Tile Project created by Monroe elementary students in the 1990s—a charming showcase of community and creativity.

From bronze swifts swirling above Monroe to story-rich murals along U.S. 2, Sky Valley’s public art is open-air and free to explore. Whether you're a casual visitor or an art enthusiast, the region's murals and sculptures offer a vibrant lens into the heart of the community—one colorful wall at a time.

To learn more about the art found in Monroe and the Sky Valley - click here