Meet PHOENIX
Phoenix grew up in a small coastal town in Alaska, where snow-covered mountains met the ocean and solitude was a part of daily life. He moved to Seattle to study environmental science at the University of Washington, drawn by the school’s reputation and the city's connection to both nature and innovation. Phoenix is quiet but passionate, especially when it comes to climate justice and conservation. He spends his free time exploring local parks, volunteering with sustainability groups, and sipping black coffee at indie cafes near campus. The rain doesn't bother him—it reminds him of home. Seattle's gray skies, green trees, and vibrant student life make the perfect backdrop for Phoenix as he finds his voice and builds a future rooted in purpose.
About University District
The U District is the youthful heartbeat of Seattle, centered around the University of Washington’s sprawling campus. Bustling with students, artists, and academics, this neighborhood hums with intellectual energy and a laid-back, eclectic vibe. Tree-lined streets are dotted with coffee shops, vintage stores, late-night eateries, and bookstores that never seem to close. The iconic University Avenue—known as “The Ave”—offers a mix of global cuisines, from Thai noodles to Korean fried chicken to bubble tea. On Saturdays, the University District Farmers Market brings fresh produce, local crafts, and live music to the streets. Just a short walk from the UW campus lies the serene beauty of the Burke-Gilman Trail and the cherry blossoms of the Quad in spring. Whether you're catching a lecture, grabbing pho at midnight, or biking along the trail, the U District blends academic ambition with a quirky, creative charm all its own.
PHOENIX’s List
Immerse yourself in Phoenix’s world. Take a day trip or afternoon to explore his favorite dining experiences, shopping, and activities in University District.
Share Your Experience on Social
Tag @wseattle @morganzion_
Use the hashtags #faceswseattle #phoenixslistseattle
COFFEE | SIP HOUSE
BRUNCH | MR WEST
HAPPY HOUR | RACHELS GINGER BEER
DINNER | JOEY university village
DRINKS | SIP HOUSE
SHOP | UNIVERSITY VILLAGE
LIVE MUSIC | NEPTUNE THEATRE
WALK | University distrcit tree walk
ACTIVITIES | MOUNTAINEERING CLUB
PHOENIX’s Seattle Playlist
Nirvana, Heart, Odesza, Pearl Jam, Jimi Hendrix, and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis all hail from Seattle. 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.
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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, 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 Phoenix
Words from the artist
“I started creating Phoenix during my morning drawing routine from my desk on the 14th floor of W Seattle. I began my morning as I usually do with 15 minutes of meditation, followed by getting my coffee in TRACE Market (black with a splash of almond milk). Once settled, I began to sketch and watched the Faces Floor come to life.” - Morgan Zion
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 PHOENIX ROOM
Share your experience in The Phoenix Room! Tag @wseattle @morganzion_ and use the hashtags #faceswseattle #phoenixslistseattle 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.