Title
Update on Olympia East Side Art Crossing
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Informational briefing on Art Crossing project.
Staff Contact:
Marygrace Goddu, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Development, 360.480.0923
Presenter(s):
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Background and Analysis:
On July 7, 2020, the City Council approved the Arts Commission’s recommendation of Andrea Wilbur-Sigo as the project artist for the Eastside Street Art Crossings Project. The five-member jury that formed the recommendation included a member of the Planning Commission, the Eastside Neighborhood Association (ENA), and Indian Creek Neighborhood association (ICNA) in addition to one Arts Commissioner and the City’s on-call Landscape Architect.
On September 4, Ms. Wilbur-Sigo participated in a site tour, meeting with the City’s Historic Preservation Officer and Transportation Engineer, to better understand the site. On October 14, Ms. Wilbur-Sigo met with members of the adjacent neighborhoods - Eastside Neighborhood Association (ENA) and Indian Creek Neighborhood Association (ICNA) and the general public, to better understand the community around the site. She has also had the opportunity to review the Art Crossing Master Plan and the Washington State Arts Commission Materials and Fabrication Handbook.
The Arts Commission conducted a public hearing on December 10, 2020 to receive and collect feedback from the public regarding the Eastside Street Art Crossing concept plan. Ms. Wilbur-Sigo shared her concept presentation for the Eastside Street location. Entitled "Unity," the proposal of two, 10' tall cedar carvings, are reflective of the house posts of the Salish dwellings that once covered all the shores of the Salish Sea. Representing the Tree People and the People of the Water, the sculptures tell the story of community made stronger by standing together.
City Council approved the Eastside St. Art Crossing Concept Plan on January 12, 2021.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Eastside and Indian Creek Neighborhood Associations have been very involved in this project, from the Master Plan stage through to artist selection and community input. Going forward, each subsequent “crossing” will engage a different Olympia neighborhood, as the are conceived and implemented.
Options:
Receive the information.
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
None - Staff will share during presentation