FACES | W Seattle
the Stella room
Meet Stella
Growing up in Portland, Oregon, Stella flourished within the city’s famed hipster culture. Living near Seattle, she fantasized about being in a bigger city but was also torn about leaving her effervescent hometown. However, after a work trip to the Emerald City, she discovered Capitol Hill and instantly envisioned making it her home. Stella easily settled into Capitol Hill’s vibrancy, inclusive environment, and bustling restaurants and bars.
About Capitol hill
Known for its happening nightlife, hipster boutiques and LGBTQ+ establishments, the liveliness of Capitol Hill can be felt as soon as you step foot across the neighborhood’s rainbow crosswalks. Capitol Hill’s charm is significantly attributed to its boutique restaurants and nightlife. From swanky cocktail bars to energizing clubs, there’s no trouble finding things to do. Entertainment junkies will fit right in with easy access to drag shows at Queer Bar, or live music performances at Neumos.
Contributing to its activity-rich streets, Capitol Hill is home to Volunteer Park, complete with exceptional views overlooking Downtown Seattle and decorated trails alongside grassy plains. Within the park, you can explore modern art at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Capitol Hill is a 10 minute drive from W Seattle. The neighborhood is conveniently located within walking distance of Downtown and public transportation, making it a desirable neighborhood for foodies and activity-seekers.
Stella’s List
Immerse yourself in Stella’s world. Take a day trip or afternoon to explore her favorite dining experiences, shopping, and activities in Capitol Hill.
Share Your Experience on Social
Tag @wseattle @morganzion_
Use the hashtags #faceswseattle #stellaslistseattle
COFFEE | WUNDERGROUND
BRUNCH | ODDFELLOW’S
HAPPY HOUR | GEMINI ROOM
DINNER | SPINASSE
DRINKS | CANON | RUMBA & INSIDE PASSAGE
SHOP | LATE NIGHT VINTAGE MARKET
LIVE MUSIC | NEUMOS
WALK | BROADWAY
ACTIVITIES | QUEER BAR
SCENERY | VOLUNTEER PARK CONSERVATORY
stella’s Seattle Playlist
After attending a Tacocat concert at Portland, Oregon’s Aladdin Theater, the band soon became one of Stella’s go-tos. She resonates with their style and affection for 90s punk rock music. Upon moving to Seattle, Tacocat went back on tour and she quickly bought tickets to attend their concert at Capitol Hill’s beloved venue, Neumos, a popular venue amongst indie-rock lovers.
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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 stella
Words from the artist
“I started creating Stella 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 Stella 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.
While I paint, I like to snack on nuts, hummus, and veggies and sometimes a cheeky glass of wine to fuel my creativity. 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 Stella ROOM
Share your experience in The Stella Room! Tag @wseattle @morganzion_ and use the hashtags #faceswseattle #stellaslistseattle 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.
Experience Seattle like a local
Discover the Emerald City like a Seattleite. Experience each Face’s favorite hidden gems.
*Please note that each face is an artistic creation of Morgan Zion. They are not based on real people.