Olympia to install art in more places

Posted

Olympia is planning to put up art installations in six more locations around the city.

The Olympia Community Livability and Public Safety Committee met yesterday, Feb. 23 to discuss plans to make Martin Way/Pacific Avenue SE, Harrison Avenue/Division Street NW, Capitol Boulevard SE, Deschutes Parkway, Eskridge/Henderson and East Bay Drive possible sites of artworks.

With an expected budget of around $50,000 to $100,000 for each site, the project, dubbed “Olympia Crossings,” aims to “place public art deep into Olympia’s neighborhoods” by erecting sculpture-centered landscapes on the selected locations in five to six years.

Part of the Olympia Crossing project are West Bay Drive and Eastside Street SE, which already have art installations.

West Bay Drive features two sculptures, representing People of the Water and Tree People, on both sides of the bridge, titled “Unity” and created by Squaxin Island Tribe artist Andrea Wilbur-Sigo. West Bay has stainless steel and tempered glass constructs in the shape of a heron and a fish across the street from each other, made by Lin McJunkin and Milo White and named “Guardians: Fighter and Watcher.

“Olympia loves art,” explained the art plan attached to the meeting agenda. “From murals on downtown walls to plinths for rotating art near the waterfront to the thriving music and theater scene and the exuberant creative spirit of its art walks and parades—art is infused into the city.”

Other artists who will be involved in the project have not yet been identified, but the plan mentions that local artists will be included, but not exclusively make up the entire pool of talents.

“The recommendation is to favor artists with a connection to Olympia without restrictions as to place of residence,” the plan explained. “It would allow for engaging artists in Olympia’s sister cities.”

Each site is expected to have a unique look reflective of its surrounding communities and neighborhoods, with lighting fixtures installed to make them visible at night.

“Solar or wind-powered lighting is encouraged,” the document stated.

More information on Olympia Crossings is available here.

Comments

3 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • Roberte

    Perhaps with some of your "crossings" monies you may want to repaint a CROSS WALK in this town so people won't be killed or injured venturing out to these installations. Your thoughts

    Friday, February 25, 2022 Report this

  • JW

    In a city being crushed by crime, drugs, and criminal, polluting transients, we can take solace that our leaders are focusing on the big priorities like more "art" in public spaces to get tagged with graffiti or used as a bathroom.

    Friday, February 25, 2022 Report this

  • Cobbnaustic

    I find that if you dare to explore downtown carry a zip lock bag of nickels and cigarettes so when you get swarmed by the drug zombies you can throw that in the air and they will turn on each other while you make your escape.

    Thursday, March 10, 2022 Report this