FACES | W Seattle
the Leigh room
Meet Leigh
Born and raised in San Francisco, Leigh was searching for a new place to call home. The expansive Seattle city views, eateries, and boutique feel of Queen Anne led her to a small townhome on the hill. She spends her free time venturing throughout the neighborhood, constantly discovering new shops, bookstores and dinner inspo at the farmers market.
About Queen anne
Known for its picturesque neighborhoods, Queen Anne is one of Seattle’s oldest residential areas, and is home to a diverse set of iconic scenery and activities. Connected to the Seattle art scene, Queen Anne has several noteworthy museums, such as the Museum of Pop Culture and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Made possible through the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, Lower Queen Anne famously hosts the Seattle Center, with the iconic Space Needle being at the heart of the attraction-rich area.
The Queen Anne neighborhood is community-centered and unique, popular amongst young professionals and families. Queen Anne Ave is a popular street in the neighborhood due to its wide variety of boutique shops and dining options, and is extremely walkable. Queen Anne is approximately a 10 minute drive from W Seattle, and is also easily accessible via public transportation.
leigh’s List
Immerse yourself in Leigh’s world. Take a day trip or afternoon to explore her favorite dining experiences, shopping, and activities in Queen Anne.
Share Your Experience on Social
Tag @wseattle @morganzion_
Use the hashtags #faceswseattle #leighslistseattle
COFFEE | COFFEEMIND QUEEN ANNE
BRUNCH | BOUNTY KITCHEN
HAPPY HOUR | TOULOUSE PETIT KITCHEN & LOUNGE
DINNER | GRAPPA
DRINKS | EDEN HILL RESTAURANT
SHOP | QUEEN ANNE FARMERS MARKET
LIVE MUSIC | CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA
WALK | KERRY PARK
ACTIVITIES | MUSEUM OF POP CULTURE
SCENERY | SPACE NEEDLE
leigh’s Seattle Playlist
Leigh’s passion for her community doesn’t stop at local eateries and activities, as she also takes pride in the music of her city. Originating from Bellingham, Odesza is one of her favorite electronic duos, having songs that have been described as atmospheric and emotional.
———
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 Leigh
Words from the artist
“I started creating Leigh 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 Leigh 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 Leigh ROOM
Share your experience in The Leigh Room! Tag @wseattle @morganzion_ and use the hashtags #faceswseattle #leighslistseattle 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.