Tag Archives: steel

The Guardian Stone, Poulsbo

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The Guardian Stone is Poulsbo’s newest public art installation and it is really lovely. My first thought was “oh, look, a sword in the stone! King Arthur!”, but no. It being Poulsbo, the piece is reflective of Norwegian history.  The rock, steel and glass sculpture by Lisa Stirrett was installed in February 2016 at the Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. The nine foot tall piece is a nod to Swords of the Rock in Norway, though that piece is much larger (see a photo of that too). Really, it is captivating. You should go see it!

 

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The Puyallup River Bridge needs a home

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imageThe Puyallup River Bridge isn’t over the Puyallup River. No that would be too easy. The steel tress bridge was built in 1925 and replaced in 2015 (90 years later). Now that the bridge has been relocated to an empty lot on the north side of Levee Road and the west side of Meridian (161) , the WSDOT is looking for to provide the bridge to another jurisdiction for different purpose such as a pedestrian or bicycle facility. If unsuccessful, WSDOT will recycle the steel. There is a marvelous time lapse video of the bridge being moved here.

My husband noticed the surplus bridge yesterday and just knew I’d like to see it. We parked right on the site and I walked along the side and for a short time underneath the structure.

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Puyallup River Bridge

Grant Center for the Expressive Arts

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November is Art at Work Month in Tacoma and I try to focus on places somehow connected with art. http://www.tacomaculture.org/arts/resource/ArtAtWorkTacoma/web/Overview.htm

My first place is Grant Center for the Expressive Arts at 1018 North Prospect Street in Tacoma. Their website states “At Grant, we use the expressive arts to promote excellence in all areas of academics. Students experience learning math, literacy, science and social studies through the visual arts, dance, drama and music.” The powered coated steel statue shown above was created by Mick Newham.It features four children involved with art (painting, ballet, acting and music).

Lakewood Veteran’s Memorial

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I’ve driven past this sculpture in front of the Lakewood City Hall numerous times, but today I actually got out of my vehicle and took a good look at it. There is a lot going on with this piece, nine figures representing people in the military, a large globe, five benches, signage, inscribed bricks and landscaping. The sculpture honors veterans. Among the large metal figures are a Chaplin, a medical person, a foot soldier with his gun, a mechanic and others. The figures are stylized, but it is still apparent the jobs they represent. The primary construction materials are steel and bronze and the sculpture was completed in May 2003.

Per information provided by the Washington City/County Management Association, The project was spearheaded by the Lakewood Veterans Memorial Committee and reminds us of the sacrifices and services of the local military community. It also serves as a link between Lakewood and the large number of active duty, former and retired military personnel in our community. “More than 96,000 veterans reside in Pierce County with over 10,000 living in Lakewood. The memorial is the creation of Gig Harbor artist and military veteran Jim Mattern. (http://www.wccma.org/newsletter/0304wcmanews.pdf)

Here is the link to a story about the piece.
http://www.komonews.com/news/archive/4093906.html

Jim Mattern: Sculptor
Lakewood Veteran’s Memorial
6000 Main St. SW
Lakewood, WA 98499