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Look closer
Public art is a funny thing. If I learned anything from my last public art project, it was that time moves differently in the public art realm. It takes so long for a project to go from blueprint to grand opening that the artwork can’t be considered “done” until months or sometimes years after the artist finishes the design. In this case, I’ve been sitting on this one for quite some time—so I’m pleased as punch that I can finally reveal a glimpse or two!
This is just one part of my new piece, Droplets, which is now a permanent part of the newly-restored Old Town Dock in Tacoma. Originally built in 1873, Old Town Dock is one of the city’s oldest properties, and was an important part of Tacoma’s shipping history. It served as a public walkway until 2008, just before I moved to town, when it was closed to the public due to structural concerns.
This is how the Dock looked two years ago, when I first toured the site as a finalist for the public art commission. The place was a mess, with rotting planks, makeshift barriers and caution tape roping off unstable (or even missing!) sections of the pier, and about forty frillion dead crabs, seashell fragments, and other seafood snacks the gulls would drop on the wood. You couldn’t walk a single step without hearing/feeling a disconcerting crunch underfoot.
And here she is today, all shiny and new again. The City and Metro Parks Tacoma split the job of refurbishing the pier on its original footprint, adding benches and lampposts, and turning the place into a city park. And thanks to the One Percent for Art program, the project included funds for a public art commission.
The artwork comes with a hitch, though: you have to find it first.
I’ll be sharing more about the project in the coming days, but I want to wait until after the public unveiling to do so. In the meantime, if you’re in the area, the Dock is actually open to the public already (we had a “soft opening” and ribbon-cutting a couple of weeks ago). But I’d recommend the main event, which is a week from Sunday (bring your dad!). Here’s the skinny:
Dad’s Day at Old Town Dock
Grand Reopening & Dedication of Public Artwork
Featuring music by Pearl Django
Sunday, June 16, 2013
11 am to 1 pm, free!
Ruston Way at McCarver Street, Tacoma, WA
Be there or be … er … round?
wish i could be there sunday!
Chandler, I receive such joy from viewing your artistic success. And I love how you are such a vital part of your community – sharing your gift and bringing joy to people’s lives. Perhaps someday I’ll get to the stand on the dock! At least some of your artwork graces my walls here on Cape Cod.
Continued love, joy, success and happiness!
Joanne
How amazing Chandler! I am so impressed with how you use your talents to improve and beautify the community you love!