Cal Anderson

Washington’s first openly gay state legislator will be honored in a ceremony later this month as a portrait of Cal Anderson is unveiled on the Sound Transit light rail construction wall overlooking the park that bears his name.

Sound Transit says that the artwork is being created by muralist and illustrator (and art car creator) Kelly Lyles. You can view her creations here. We’ve included an example of her mural work from an elementary school in Kent at the bottom of this post.

Sound Transit said its STart art program is working with the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce, Broadway Improvement Area, and the Cal Anderson Park Alliance to plan the dedication ceremony. No date has been announced for the event but we have been told that Anderson’s family is expected to attend as well as state Senator Ed Murray and other dignitaries.

“Cal Anderson was a beloved Senator and activist who fought tirelessly for gay rights, campaign reform, and easier access to government,” the transit agency said in its announcement about the portrait project. Here is a little more about Anderson from a CHS post celebrating his November birthday.

The ceremony comes as Washington is still celebrating becoming the seventh state to legalize gay marriage — and as the battle has already begun over a fall referendum.

According to Sound Transit, the portrait will be placed on the temporary Sound Transit red construction wall’s park side.

A mural by Kelly Lyles (Image: kellyspot.com)