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(New) Old Town Dock

It’s a little hard to believe that Old Town Dock is finally open, and up-and-running for good.

Photo by Naomi Strom-Avila

Technically, we had a little ribbon-cutting and “soft opening” (in which Deputy Mayor Campbell hilariously appeared to be attacking me with the giant ceremonial scissors—oh, heck yes, we used giant ceremonial scissors!)—

—but Sunday was the big party for everybody.

The Dock is still technically a work in progress, as Phase II of the project (including a restroom and permanent wayfinding signage) won’t be completed until late fall. So for the next few months we’ve got snazzy banners up instead—big thanks to the City and Metro Parks for letting me be a total control freak and design the banners and signage.

And even more big thanks to Jessica, who whipped up these fabulous fluorescent letterpress coasters to give out at the event. It was fun to see a hundred people walking around carrying neon octopi with them.

Photos by Walter Smith

And even though I had to speak right after our lovely Mayor (left), having the audience packed with hollering friends made me forget how nervous I was. Thanks, guys.

The best part, though, was the people-watching. I can’t tell you how good it feels to see people responding to and interacting with your own artwork—

—and looking excited to do so.

In the two months since we installed the work, I’ve already lost count of the number of people (including the construction guys!) who have told me their own memories about Old Town Dock. Knowing that my little illustrations are triggering these stories is an incredible feeling.

I especially love catching folks in quiet moments, just exploring the Dock and discovering each Droplet for themselves.

Photo by Sheree Trefry

It’s all I can do not to run up to total strangers and say, “I made that!”

Thank you to everyone to came to the dedication on Sunday; to everyone who’s spent a lunch hour or coffee break counting medallions (Ric, I’m looking at you; a bucket of gold stars for finding all 24 first!); to everyone who’s got a story to share about Old Town Dock. I’m still listening.