March 18, 11:16 a.m. [Click sketch to view larger]

This empty storefront at 7615 Aurora Avenue N. will burst with new color this spring.

A mural by local artists John Osgood CQ, Zach Bohnenkamp CQ and Kevin "Sensei23" Sullivan will hang in the six large windows, featuring the theme of waking up to a new Aurora -- which means dawn in Spanish.

"It's better than looking at empty space," said property owner Andy Wang, who hopes the art will prevent graffiti and break-ins and attract new tenants

Cindy Potter, of Greenwood Alliance of Involved Neighbors -- one of the groups responsible for the project, said Columbia City did something similar in the 1990s and the locations were rented within a year.

Muralist Osgood said 90 bottles of spray paint were used to cover the six 8-by-4-foot wooden panels, which will be unveiled Tuesday.

Judging from my sneak peak, the piece looks as promising as the community effort.

More information at www.gainseattle.com