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February is a short month, so I believe we can justify stretching the season of love and appreciation beyond the 14th of February and share a Valentine message. Wallingford is fortunate to have a talented artist, Melinda Hannah, who loves to memorialize the heritage homes found in our neighborhood and across the city. “It’s all about the legacy of this great community,” she says. You may have met Melinda at the Wallingford Farmer’s Market (Wallyhood did a feature on her artwork a couple of years ago). I understand she is now working her artistic magic several times a week in the main hallway of the Wallingford Center, and would love for you to stop by. Melinda has shared how important Wallingford has become to her, and her interactions with those she has worked with to produce paintings are significant in her life.

Melinda asked to share this message, her love letter to Wallingford:

Happy Belated Valentine’s Day, Wallingford!

I once spent a summer selling Bibles door-to-door for 14 hours a day, six days a week. It was 1980, and I was one of 80 people who started, but the only female to finish. That summer was particularly tough due to the eruption of Mount St. Helens, which caused ash to fall from the sky and darkened the sky until August. Despite the challenges, I learned many valuable lessons and skills that have proved indispensable over the past 45 years. About four years ago, I moved to Wallingford and fell in love with the charming historical homes. I took hundreds of photos on my daily walks and shared my passion for architectural illustration with the community. As an artist, I believe that the only reason to pursue art is because you must create. I set out to conquer Wallingford, using my skills and determination as a former Bible seller and current artist. Over the next three years, I achieved success and formed friendships with my customers. I was surprised by the kindness and warmth of the community, which differed from my experiences in typically aloof Seattle. Last August, Saint Bryan featured my watercolors on KING 5 TV, and we walked around Wallingford, recalling my customers and sharing stories. As a salesperson, I may have been an outsider, but not in Wallingford. Over the past three years, I have experienced joy and gratitude in creating art with and for the community, strengthening our shared love for our homes and community. My whole heart is filled with gratitude!

Learn more about Melinda in this story from KING 5 Evening.

Melinda has a milestone birthday coming soon and would like to invite the neighborhood to join her, along with Aditi Yoga|Wellness Studio, to celebrate on Friday, February 27th from 4–7 pm at the Wallingford Center. Melinda’s artwork will be on display in the main hallway, and a cake cutting will take place at 5:30 pm. This should be a fun, community building event. RSVP via text at 206-478-5250.