Two more projects eyed as part of Olympia Crossings initiative

The City of Olympia plans to advance two public art projects at Harrison Avenue and Division Street and Henderson Boulevard and Eskridge Boulevard, as part of the Olympia Crossings initiative.

The initiative calls for the use of public art to mark major gateways throughout the city. The projects woud be funded with $110,000 from the Olympia Municipal Art Fund and a $60,000 matching grant from National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).  

Olympia Arts Program Manager Stephanie Johnson  and Olympia Arts Commission Vice Chair Katherine Ransom presented draft calls for artists for the two Art Crossings projects and a pilot mural program at a meeting of the Community Livability & Public Safety Committee on Sept. 23.  

The committee provided feedback, but did not formally approve the draft calls for artists.  

Olympia Crossings 

The Olympia Crossings initiative grew out of the city’s 2014 comprehensive plan and identified eight locations within about 1 mile of downtown Olympia for public art installations.  

The artworks are intended to mark transition points from residential neighborhoods toward downtown.  

Three of the eight projects have been completed:  

• West Bay Drive – "Guardians/Watcher and Fighter" by Lin McJunkin and Milo White 

• Eastside Street – "Unity/Tree People and People of the Water" by Andrea Wilbur-Sigo 

• Martin Way/Pacific Avenue – "Crossroads of Connection/Roots and Fruits" by Jennifer Corio and Dave Frei 

Johnson said the NEA matching grant would let the city advance two Olympia Crossings projects at a time. Harrison Avenue and Division Street is the fourth planned project.  

Henderson Boulevard and Eskridge Boulevard was originally listed as the seventh project in the plan, but was move up because of planned construction and neighborhood interest.  

Johnson told the committee the hope is to bring concept plans forward by June 2027.  

The calls for artists have changed little since first being released in 2018, according to a staff report. Each call includes a site description developed with neighborhood representatives on selection panels. 

Committee members praised the inclusion of neighborhood representatives and a high school representative on selection panels. They encouraged artists to consider approaches beyond traditional freestanding sculptures, including vertical or overhead elements.  

Johnson said Harrison Avenue and Division Street has limited space and right-of-way constraints, which could make vertical artwork more practical.  

Henderson Boulevard and Eskridge Boulevard has more room and walking activity, potentially allowing for functional art, such as furniture.  

The committee also discussed broadening the artist eligibility language. Members supported removing the word “strong” from the requirement that artists have a connection to Olympia.

Parks mural pilot 

The city plans to spend $10,000 from the Municipal Art Fund on a mural pilot project at Yauger Park and Sunrise Park.  

The project grew out of Parks, Arts & Recreation Department’s equity, inclusion and belonging work. It aims to make parks spaces more welcoming and expand opportunities for local artists. 

The murals would be painted on boards that can be removed for repairs and provide a smoother surface than building siding.  

Johnson said discussions with the Washington Cities Insurance Authority indicated that using boards could reduce the need for artists to obtain a certificate of insurance. Working off-site would also reduce the need for artists to paint on scaffolding. 

Johnson said the parks were selected from city sites with suitable structures and few public art installations. Nearby apartment complexes and lower income neighborhoods were also considerations.  

Committee members suggested including nearby residents and regular park users in the mural process, such as sports league participants and community garden users. 

Johnson said they were considering expanding the mural selection jury and including muralist Anna Schlecht of Rainbow Community Arts.  

Following the committee’s review, the Arts Commission is expected to identify jury members and finalize a schedule.