Seattle artist Ernesto Ybarra unveiled “The Hostess,” a banner installation at the 9th & Thomas building, celebrating the city’s role in hosting the FIFA World Cup.
SEATTLE — A new eight-story banner installation designed by Seattle artist Ernesto Ybarra now stretches across the east façade of the 9th & Thomas building in South Lake Union, bringing large-scale public art to the neighborhood ahead of a major summer of global soccer in the city.
The installation, titled “The Hostess,” was commissioned by 9th & Thomas and unveiled at 234 Ninth Ave. N. The artwork spans 36 feet by 111 feet and celebrates Seattle’s role as a host city for international soccer events this summer.
Originally hand-painted in acrylic on canvas, the piece was photographed and digitized before being scaled into a large-format printed banner. It was installed May 18 and is expected to remain on display through the end of the year.
Ybarra described “The Hostess” as a symbolic representation of Seattle rather than a literal depiction of the city.
“Not only is it visually tied to soccer, but it’s also a metaphor for a city that is sophisticated and intelligent,” Ybarra said.
In a statement about the project, Ybarra described the artwork as representing “presence, invitation and magnetism,” reflecting a city preparing to welcome visitors from around the world.
“I mean, this is a piece of art for the community, for the city, for 9th and Thomas,” Ybarra said. “It’s not just about me. It’s about this world event. It’s about people coming into the city.”
Ybarra said seeing the installation come together on the side of the building was overwhelming because of its scale.
“I was speechless just by the size,” he said. “I’ve done big murals, but this thing — piecing it together and then having workers risk their lives to rappel down the building and hang it — has just been amazing to watch.”
“The Hostess” marks Ybarra’s second collaboration with 9th & Thomas. In fall 2025, he presented a solo exhibition titled “Seattle vs Everyone” in the building’s public lobby.
The installation is the fifth banner displayed on the building’s east facade since the mixed-use development opened in 2018. It is part of a larger public art program at 9th & Thomas that includes works from more than 25 artists, 18 murals and five site-specific installations throughout the property.
The building also features rotating art shows, photography displays and murals by SODO Track artists in the garage space.
Ybarra, a contemporary painter now based in Seattle, draws inspiration from artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Pablo Picasso and Diego Rivera. His work blends portraiture and abstraction while exploring identity, culture and human connection.
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