FOLLOWUP: Highland Park’s big bird flies in next week; celebration planned a week later

| Highland Park | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photo by artist Matthew Mazzotta, provided by City of Seattle)

First, a giant troll. Now, a giant bird. West Seattle’s next public art will be installed in a matter of days. We first reported a year ago on the public-art plan for the Highland Park Way/Holden “safety improvements” project, and now its installation – and a celebration – are almost here. Sent by the city today:

Next week, our crews will install a 17-foot-tall Steller’s jay at the intersection of Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden St. This new public artwork was created by Matthew Mazzotta and is titled Where’s the Party: Elevating Nature and Resilience. It was chosen by a community selection panel and administered by Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. We can’t wait to share it with you!

Please Join Us to Celebrate! Meet the artist, Matthew Mazzotta, hear more about the piece, ask questions, and enjoy delicious hot beverages provided by the Highland Park Corner Store.

Tuesday, November 14 from 4 – 6 PM

Meet us at the sculpture on the southwest corner of Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden St at 4 PM. From there, we’ll walk two blocks south to the Highland Park Corner Store for refreshments and further conversation.

Jennifer November 3, 2023 (2:23 pm)

One of my favorite birds!! Can’t wait to see it!

stew November 3, 2023 (4:04 pm)

apparently we cant call this bird Stellar’s jay anymore

this is the sad reality we live in

my favorite too

WSB November 3, 2023 (7:28 pm)

Its name has not been changed yet. The process of renaming birds named after people doesn’t start until next year. We’ll continue using whatever’s a bird’s official name until that changes.
- BlairJ November 4, 2023 (10:27 pm)
  
  The Lushootseed name for this bird is kay̓kay̓ (or skay̓kay̓), reflecting the sound the bird makes. It’s range is from Alaska to Central America, putting the Lushootseed speaking area in about the middle of the range. How cool would it be to get the Lushootseed name for this bird recognized?
KM November 3, 2023 (11:15 pm)

I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers, Stew.
Soup November 4, 2023 (8:19 pm)

if bird names being changed makes the present a “sad reality,” i wish i was in your shoes, Stew. some people actually have to live with hardships while you go a’postin’ complaining about change. maybe you could’ve been involved in advocating for Stella-, er Steller’s Jay when this movement started 3 years ago. or are you just recently finding out about it and having a reactionary response and want to look down your nose at others? i’d bet good money that attitude is probably what’s making this a “sad reality” for you. take care :)