‘Think big’: Artwork ahead for Junction Plaza Park. Want to create it?

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS culture/arts

“Think big”! That’s the invitation for artists who are interested in creating something to enhance Junction Plaza Park in the heart of the West Seattle Junction. From the Junction Association, which is heading this up with partners:

Request for Artists

(Photo by Laurel Mercury)
Project: Public Art Installation
Where: Junction Plaza Park (NW Corner of SW Alaska St & 42 Ave SW)
Deadline for submission: August 17, 2015

The West Seattle Junction Association, Junction Neighborhood Organization (J u N O), and Seattle Parks Department are seeking an artist for an exciting opportunity in Junction Plaza Park. While Junction Plaza Park’s dedication was in 2010, funding for this major art installation has only recently come to fruition.

Junction Plaza Park in located in the West Seattle Junction business district which is also the heart of the neighborhood both literally and figuratively. This pocket park acts as a respite for neighbors, is a welcome burst of green amongst much development, a gathering place for events and programming, and is highly visible from the busy vehicle and transit corridor. We are seeking a significant art installation that will have a positive impact for not only park users, but also enhance the broader area.

Art Location and Intent
It is imperative that all applicants visit the park and evaluate the site. The location of the art will be in the area of the large blank wall at the central north side of the park (see right). The intent is to have a very large, prominent, and impactful piece that has a large presence in the park and beyond. Please think big! The installation with be anchored in the ground.

Compensation
The total, all inclusive budget for the art is $25,000. This includes all material costs, tax, and any other expenses.

How to Apply
Please submit a response with qualifications by August 17, 2015 including:
· A selection of your past work that you feel is most applicable to this project. Include 5- 10 examples.
· Written letter of intent which includes what direction you’d like to take this project and general size of proposed piece. Consider including a sketch to illustrate how you’d use the space.
· Email: Susan@wsjunction.org – not to exceed 5MB and preferable in one PDF, or
· Mail: WSJA, Attn Junction Plaza Park, 4210 SW Oregon St., Seattle, WA 98116

Timeline
· Submissions due: August 17, 2015
· Finalist selected: Sept 15, 2015
· Art installation: Nov 2015 – Jan 2016

Questions
Please contact Susan Melrose, Executive Director, 206-935-0904, susan@wsjunction.org

miws July 31, 2015 (4:45 pm)

It would be nice to have something to commemorate Don Smathers….

Mike

M July 31, 2015 (8:34 pm)

Love the emphasis on public art. We need this in the Morgan Junction

becky July 31, 2015 (11:15 pm)

I think miws is correct. I had known Don for about 25 years! Also helped move him into his apartment. I wish we could rename the park to Smathers Memorial Park Complete with a Statue or some sort of plaque for him!

Chris W August 1, 2015 (9:56 am)

I’d love to see Henry’s work here in West Seattle. I miss seeing his murals after moving here from Wallingford/Fremont. Also, whoever dues the album cover murals (entirely freehand, by the way) has some mad painting skills.

Sue August 1, 2015 (9:41 pm)

Seems like a tremendous waste of money to me. I live down the block from here and enjoy the park. I don’t see why we need to clutter it and can’t enjoy it as is. Art is so subjective as to peoples’ tastes anyway.

Junction Mom too August 2, 2015 (4:28 pm)

I agree with Sue, I don’t think the park needs any more IN it. I believe art is necessary in public spaces, but this park is full. They should negotiate with that tall building on the northside and see if they can get a mural painted there, it would be a great asset, unlike the blank white wall. Maybe Don could be in it, like how folks are in the one on the post office.

miws August 3, 2015 (2:29 pm)

Junction Mom too; I like, and actually prefer, the idea of a mural especially if it is going to represent Don in some way. I almost didn’t make my first comment, due to the description that WSJA has provided.

As much as I want to see Don honored, (and think he should be), the image of “…a very large, prominent, and impactful….” Don Smathers seems a bit overwhelming, (as would a statue of anyone be). ;-) I think a much better way to depict and honor him would be with a mural. That would also fit into the mural theme that has been part of the Junction for quite some time now.

Maybe he could be depicted several times in the mural, doing the various tasks he was so known for; putting up the flags on Flag Day, hanging the flower pots. cleaning up the Junction…..

Mike

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