New proposed home for Luna Girls on Alki sculpture; meeting set

A new proposed home has been found for the privately funded Luna Girls on Alki metal sculptures. We got first word via that photo from David Hutchinson. When we reported on the sculpture plan in July of last year, a site near Alki Bathhouse had just been identified, after it was determined the landscaped “island” along Alki SW at 63rd wouldn’t work out. Ground was broken last November, but the site idled and then in July, the Parks Department announced the Bathhouse-vicinity site wasn’t right either, saying it was working with Lezlie Jane, the West Seattle artist who has been involved with myriad Parks projects, to find a new spot for her creation. It now appears that site will be a grassy berm by the small pier just west of Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) – the artist’s site includes an aerial view. The sign says a public meeting is set for ~~6 pm~~ Monday, October 21st, at Marination ma kai (1660 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor). We’re checking with Parks today to find out more about the site move.

UPDATE: The subsequent city announcement sets the meeting time at 6:30 pm.

Rawkergrrrl October 10, 2013 (3:09 pm)

This looks like a wonderful spot for this amazing project!

wetone October 10, 2013 (4:53 pm)

Just curious why this large piece of art 9’h x 14’w was and now again planed to go where it blocks the best views of Seattle ? an area used by divers, sunbathers and people just enjoying the waterfront view, what will keep future art from going up and blocking more of everyone’s waterfront. Won’t it block the new camera’s view our SPD installed for port security or do they plan on moving the camera to accommodate the art work. How much time and money has gone into this from the parks department ? third move can’t honestly say none. There has to be more important things for our parks department to work on than finding a spot to put this big project. Why not use Jack Block park or put it back on the promenade in the grass area ? where they could put more art work up with out the impacts of where they keep trying to put this piece up blocking waterfront views. To big for said area.

Amrakx October 10, 2013 (7:34 pm)

Quite frankly I’m glad it wasn’t a part of the immediate Alki seascape. Unlike the Sentinels of the Sea sculpture I don’t believe it “fit in”, IMHO. I enjoy the beach daily as a semi retired native and just felt it wasn’t quite apropos and visually obstructed the northwest beach setting. After all this isn’t Coney Island…

Jan Clow October 10, 2013 (7:37 pm)

Luna Girls represents a part of West Seattle history
and is a privately funded piece of public art that most folks would be thrilled to take a picture of with the city view included. If not, they can stand in front of it and take an unobstructed photo. Public art is an asset, not a detriment to the landscape, and helps give it some human scale and interest. Lezlie Jane is to be commended for spearheading many public art projects in West Seattle such as Weather Watch Park, Cormorant Cove Park and Constellation Park. These are all unique and special additions to our community that we would not enjoy without the efforts and funding by many caring individuals. The Parks Dept. only has to authorize the site selection which is a tiny contribution on their part, and something we all help pay for with our tax dollars.

NAdams October 10, 2013 (7:45 pm)

I like the idea that it can be seen from the street (ie from one’s car). Of course it’s meant to be seen up close, but it’s nice to have another landmark on Alki.

Amrakx October 10, 2013 (8:15 pm)

I simply prefer to visually enjoy the beach landscape without having to make a calculated decision as to whether I stand in front of the “public art” or behind the “public art”, to enjoy the seascape as it was before we “civilized” it. Apparently others shared the same sentiment and it was relocated.

WSB October 10, 2013 (8:28 pm)

If you follow the link – Parks cited safety as the ultimate concern on the promenade, not view.

Amrakx October 10, 2013 (8:41 pm)

I applaud the Parks Department’s WISDOM.

LivesInWS October 10, 2013 (8:56 pm)

Nearly a century after the era depicted by this artwork, and they’re still calling women “girls.” Ugh.

Robert October 10, 2013 (10:39 pm)

I believe Luna girls attractive nature will draw much interest in both the areas past and it’s surrounding beauty. The sculptures form take these things into account. Looking forward to them.

nelson October 11, 2013 (11:12 am)

I’m thrilled that this huge sculpture isn’t going to be by the Bath house – it’s just too big. If it has to go anywhere, it should be closer to the Luna Park site it commemorates, where it is going to go.

wetone October 11, 2013 (4:11 pm)

I do not think the condo owners would allow that to happen do to the size of this art work. I agree that it should of been the first place to try and install it. How about the city property across from water (very large corner lot) a little south from the old luna park site, make it an art park ? Still curious about the port security camera view being blocked at new proposed site. Interesting note about Parks citing safety as the ultimate concern on the promenade, not view. Good PR answer only problem is they stopped the project after getting permits and started digging up area for pouring the footing along with a redesign for mounting art work to promenade. Sure seems like a lot of time and money being spent for this project.

Stacey October 11, 2013 (5:09 pm)

I am looking forward to seeing this sculpture in place. I love the its reference to our long history as the beach where Seattlites go swimming. There are some wonderful pictures in our family of vintage bathers on Alki. Buildings, trees and many other structures co-exist with the views on this long stretch of park.

enviromaven October 12, 2013 (10:58 am)

I support funding for public art and have enjoyed many of Ms. Jane’s other installations around the area. However, there’s something about this piece that seems out of place. Is there a way to get the Luna Girls offshore…maybe mounted on a platform of some sort? I’d love to see them in the water but have no idea if that’s feasible. Or what about putting the sculpture in the Admiral district or Junction where it can reference WS history without dominating the setting? I guess I need to go to the next meeting and find out!

visitor October 22, 2013 (7:15 am)

nooooo not the Junction! it doesn’t really fit in the Admiral District either, too cartoonish. For once, the city made a correct decision by not permitting this piece at Alki! The seal sculpture is more appropriate, by far….. Just because something is ART, it’s not necessarily GOOD ART.

Sorry, comment time is over.