A new exhibit honoring the life, activism and artistic contributions of Vicky Hartley is now on display in the front window of Highline Heritage Museum on SW 152nd Street in downtown Burien.
The exhibit highlights Hartley’s community involvement, activism and artwork. A digital photo frame displays a slideshow containing many photos, from her childhood to her last days.
Hartley’s partner of 32 years, Vince Cottone, and long-time friend Cydney Moore assembled the display using up-cycled materials from Hartley’s home, yard and studio.
In 2023 Hartley was named Burien’s “Citizen of the Year“; in 2025 she was nominated for the Sound Generations Inspire Positive Aging Award for Activism. When featured in Burien Magazine, Vicky was described as “a community champion,” and “a model of what it looks like to be a good neighbor.”
Sadly, she passed away on April 13, 2025; as we wrote then:
“Vicky pulled people together, uniting them in efforts to care for each other, and our community. She was kind and empathetic when someone needed compassion, and firm and direct when a bold truth needed to be heard. She always extended a helping hand, anticipating how to support people even before an ask was made. Vicky had a sharp wit, a warm sense of humor, and was a collector and creator of art, expressing her creativity and inspiring others through unique crafting, DIY projects, upcycling, and the ongoing evolution of her eclectic garden.”
The exhibit will remain on display through July.
Best viewing time is evening, as window reflections may be distracting in broad daylight.
Photos courtesy Kelsey Vanhee.
