Artist Highlight: “Under the Same Sky” by Stevie Shao and Cristina Martinez

Along the Memorial Stadium construction fencing at Seattle Center, a colorful new public artwork unfolds as you walk by. Under the Same Sky by Stevie Shao and Cristina Martinez is the latest temporary public artwork on the Seattle Center Campus. The artists reached out to students from The Center School, and the panels they painted incorporate student-inspired symbols and doodles alongside the artists’ interpretation of students’ thoughts about the campus and the animals and people who visit. The result turns the stadium’s fence into a colorful preview of the community it will serve when the redevelopment is complete in September 2027.

You can see Under the Same Sky with the artists themselves. Join the free guided Sculpture Walk on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 10:30 AM.

Read on to learn more about how two longtime friends and first-time collaborators brought their distinct styles together on one very long fence.

What is your background in the arts? Tell us more about your practice and connection to the art community here in Seattle.

Cristina Martinez:
 Art has always been a place of healing and refuge for me. I’ve been creating since I was a child, and in 2019 I took the leap to become a full-time artist. My practice includes murals, original paintings, and clothing design. I feel really lucky to be part of Seattle’s creative community and to contribute to the city’s creative energy.

Stevie Shao:
 After working as a part time illustrator through undergrad, I began painting murals during Covid-19 business closures. My practice spans illustration/design, murals, and paintings and installations.

You both are longtime friends but first-time collaborators. What was it like working together, and were there any challenges bringing together two unique art styles?

Cristina Martinez:
 I’ve been a long time fan of Stevie’s work. It was really special to see her process up close. I learned a lot. And I am grateful. I think we really created space for each of us to stay true to our authentic work and found ways to bring it together through color and storytelling.

Stevie Shao:
 I always enjoy hearing about Cristina’s work and thought there were similarities to our approach, which is rooted in place and experience. We worked together on creating an expanded palette that spanned both our bodies of work, which made the design process incorporating elements streamlined.

Can you tell us about Under the Same Sky and what the inspirations for this work were?

Cristina Martinez:
 For me, Under the Same Sky is about connection, community, and the beauty of sharing a place we all call home. I wanted the work to feel colorful and with little moments that spark curiosity. I wanted to use direct elements from the students’ input so they would see themselves in the work. I love creating art that feels inviting and gives people a chance to pause and find something that speaks to them.

Stevie Shao:
I wanted to incorporate quintessential Seattle and Washington state elements, while incorporating student ideas about the same thing. It made the tone of the artwork playful and interesting overall, and keeps your eye moving to explore everything included.

Since these works are site-responsive and installed on existing temporary fencing, were there any challenges or surprises you can tell us about when creating these works?

Cristina Martinez:
I think my biggest challenge was alignment. I painted the panels in my studio, which has slanted floors so keeping each pair of panels lined up properly was tricky. I made corrections on site once they were installed—a quick fix!

Stevie Shao:
 We worked on making our pieces varied through composition and subject matter to make the fence as interesting as possible. We were a bit worried about rain after pushing our installation date, but it didn’t end up being a problem.

What do you hope residents and visitors interacting with your work will experience when encountering Under the Same Sky?

Cristina Martinez:
 I hope the artwork brings a little joy to someone’s day. We all can use some random joy. I love the idea of people walking by and discovering new details each time they pass. More than anything, I hope it creates a moment of connection and reminds people that art can bring beauty into even the most unexpected places.

Stevie Shao:
 I hope people discover something new every time they look at it. Because it’s installed on a long construction fence, the artwork and elements unfold while you walk by.

About Cristina Martinez

Cristina Martinez is a contemporary visual artist from Tacoma, Washington, whose work celebrates strength, resilience, beauty, and personal transformation. Inspired by the powerful women who raised her, she uses vibrant portraits and abstract paintings to explore identity, growth, and self-expression. Butterflies are a recurring symbol in her art, representing transformation, beauty, and connection to Mother Earth. Her work has gained international recognition through murals, gallery exhibitions, and collaborations with many brands. Through her art, Cristina inspires others to embrace their stories and find beauty in unexpected places.

About Stevie Shao

Stevie Shao is a Seattle born-and-raised artist and muralist whose work draws inspiration from her love of plants and animals from the Pacific Northwest region and a rich history of traditional folk illustration. Since her start in 2020 Shao has quickly gained international acclaim, showing with galleries around the world, collaborating with global brands, and painting vibrant large-scale murals worldwide.

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