FACES | W Seattle
the Emerson room
Meet Emerson
From Dallas, Texas, Emerson moved to Seattle to beat the heat of the hot Lone Star State summers. Born and raised on a Texas ranch prior to living in Dallas, Emerson has always had a place in his heart for the outdoors. Although he enjoyed the busy city of Dallas, he was looking to move to a city neighborhood with a suburb feel. He stumbled upon Green Lake and knew he had found the place. Being built for the adventurer, Green Lake pleasantly surprised Emerson with biking clubs, running trails, and paddle boarding.
About green lake
Expansive water and greenery form the centerpiece of Green Lake. Built for an outdoorsy lifestyle, Green Lake is home to bikers, runners and lake goers alike. In the summertime you can catch locals pedal boating across the lake, working out at one of the many nearby fitness studios, or soaking in to the sounds of Zootunes, Woodland Park Zoo’s summer concert series.
Green Lake is near the University District, about a 15 minute drive from W Seattle. Once there, Green Lake is extremely walkable with the neighborhood being built around a three mile loop surrounding the lake. Trails, limited hills and cycle shops make Green Lake a bike friendly neighborhood. Dogs are also encouraged with access to pet friendly restaurants, trails, and a dog park just off of the Green Lake loop.
Emerson’s List
Immerse yourself in Emerson’s world. Take a day trip or afternoon to explore his favorite dining experiences, shopping, and activities in Green Lake.
Share Your Experience on Social
Tag @wseattle @morganzion_
Use the hashtags #faceswseattle #emersonslistseattle
COFFEE | ZOKA COFFEE
BRUNCH | RETREAT
HAPPY HOUR | FLINTCREEK CATTLE CO.
DINNER | EIGHTROW
DRINKS | THE OCTOPUS BAR
SHOP | LUcky Dog Clothing
LIVE MUSIC | ZOOTUNES
WALK | GREEN LAKE TRAIL
ACTIVITIES | RENT A PEDAL BOAT
SCENERY | GREEN LAKE PARK
emerson’s Seattle Playlist
Emerson’s country upbringing led him to Washington born singer-songwriter, Brandi Carlile. Having received six Grammy Awards, Brandi is known for her music spanning many genres. Her alternative country and folk rock tunes resonated with Emerson, giving him the sound of home within the Emerald City.
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As the third best city in the U.S. for music fans, the city on everyone’s list for the best live music, and the place credited with the creation of its own music genre, Seattle is a music lover’s haven. W Seattle is one of many music destinations in the city, being the first hotel in North America with a W Sound Suite, a fully equipped private recording studio and creative space for artists. W Seattle also works with local artists to host weekly DJ performances and a monthly music series, W Seattle Presents First Fridays. In partnership with KEXP, First Fridays serves as an incubator for music acts on the cusp of bursting out of the Seattle scene. The first Friday of each month, First Fridays will showcase two live bands on the W Stage in the W Seattle Living Room.
Creating Emerson
Words from the artist
“I started creating Emerson on an early Monday morning in the summer watching the sunrise from the 14th floor of W Seattle. I began my morning as I usually do with 15 minutes of meditation, followed by getting my coffee from Trace Market (black with a splash of almond milk). Once settled, I began to sketch and watch Emerson come to life.”
My creative process
“As I sketch, I think about each character's story, their life, personality, interests, friends and what they would tell a visitor about why they love their city. After I have finished the sketch and story, I begin the mural process. I usually paint at night as it is my least busy time of day.
I like to snack while I paint on nuts, hummus and veggies and sometimes a cheeky glass of wine to fuel my chill, creative vibes. Each painting is stylistically meant to look like a large crosshatch sketch, giving each a gritty and unique personality. My intent is to draw guests in through the character’s eyes. The gaze invites the viewer to feel the personality, comfort and depth of each face.”
“Tapping into my creativity isn't always easy. When it comes to creating characters and their stories I really have to immerse myself into my creative process.
I hope our guests will enjoy the company of each face knowing it was made with intent, happiness and my love for seattle.”
— Morgan zion
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS FROM THE Emerson ROOM
Share your experience in The Emerson Room! Tag @wseattle @morganzion_ and use the hashtags #faceswseattle #emersonslistseattle to be featured.
Faces Artwork
Shop original prints and hand-drawn artworks, including maps, coloring books, prints, and original drawings from Faces at W Seattle.
