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Mind’s Eye Sketchbook: Celebrating 50 years of art and observation by John Owen

On November 18th, we celebrated long-time friend of the Department, John Owen. John – artist, urban designer, architect, planner, and storyteller – is Partner Emeritus at MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design. As a keen observer of built and natural environments, John has spent his career creating transformative urban spaces that foster healthy people and communities. Beginning with his UW thesis analyzing the evolution of Seattle’s popular housing types, John has been a leader in Pacific Northwest urban design for nearly 50 years. His sketches and renderings span the breadth of city, architecture, and natural systems observation as well as cultural critiques and celebrations over decades. This exhibit offered a rare opportunity to see John’s process and progress behind the scenes.

He dedicated the show to the Equity Fund and the students it has and will support.

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