We want to share this post on the Mayor’s blog today honoring arts patron Bagley Wright.

Today is a day to remember Bagley Wright. Flags at City of Seattle facilities will fly at half-staff today to honor a man who left an indelible mark on our city and played a key role in Seattle’s rise to the cultural capital it is today. Bagley Wright, arts patron, philanthropist, civic leader and developer, died July 18 at the age of 87. Mr. Wright’s memorial service is today at 3 p.m. at St. Mark’s Cathedral.

A wonderful way to honor Mr. Wright’s memory would be simply to spend a day enjoying the cultural legacy that was his life’s work. You could begin with a matinee at the Seattle Rep, in the Bagley Wright Theatre that was so named despite his protests, at the insistence of donors. Don’t forget to stop at the Space Needle – Mr. Wright was an original investor. From there take a stroll down to the Olympic Sculpture Park, which his donations of art and capital funds helped make possible. Head back up to Mr. Wright’s beloved Seattle Art Museum for the Beauty and Bounty: American Art in an Age of Exploration exhibit. And finish off the day with an evening out at the Seattle Symphony. Mr. Wright began the fund that brought the symphony here to Seattle.

Your day wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and passion for arts that defined Bagley Wright. Remember him next time you enjoy arts anywhere in Seattle – it was his vision of Seattle as a cultural destination that helped build the vibrant and rich music, theatre and arts scene that we Seattleites enjoy every day.