Olympia hires local artist for Grass Lake Nature Park public art project

The Olympia City Council has selected local artist Abe Singer to create a new public art installation project at Grass Lake Nature Park.

During a meeting on January 23, the city council approved the Arts Commission's recommendation to select Singer to repurpose a stainless-steel tank, approximately 23 feet long and 10 in diameter, which has been a permanent fixture in the park. She said the project offered the potential to redirect salvage material for creative reuse.

The project includes the creation of an approximately 6-by-10-foot-tall bird blind that will allow visitors to watch birds in the park without being seen.

Additionally, entry markers will be installed at the intersections of Harrison Avenue and Kaiser Road. These markers will be constructed from repurposed steel from an existing water tank on the property.

According to Olympia Arts Commission Chair Kathy Dorgran, they reviewed the recommendation from their artist selection jury for the Grass Lake Nature Park public art project. The jury interviewed two finalists and unanimously recommended Singer.

"Nature is an inspiration in Mr. Singer's work, and he is well versed in using repurposed materials. He articulated a strong resonance to the redevelopment vision and relationship to the environment and materials. He spoke about accessibility, ways to connect, and a strong appreciation for the tank and its possibility," Dorgan told the council.

Dorgan presented some images of Singer's previous projects, which he submitted with his application.

One of them is "Metamorphosis." It is a large-scale sculpture of a local wildflower. A caterpillar is at the base of the stem, while a butterfly is placed on the uppermost blossom. "Metamorphosis" reflects a new city finding its identity and Singer's self-discovery as an artist.

The caterpillar's face was formed from a repurposed propane tank. Its body segments were crafted from iron pipe and forged into shape by hand. Each flower petal was also hammered into its unique shape by Singer.

Councilmember Lisa Parshley lauded the project, saying it aligned with the city's climate goals. She said that by repurposing and reusing materials from the site, such as steel water tank, the need for not-repurposed materials would be reduced.

Donation of cedar sculpture by Salish carver Taylor Wily Krise

The West Bay Rotary Club donates a cedar sculpture created by Salish carver Taylor Wily Krise to Olympia to commemorate the organization's 50th …

Stephanie Johnson, Olympia's Arts Program and Planning supervisor, informed the city council of the West Bay Rotary Club's proposal to donate new artwork to the city's public art collection as part of celebrating their 50th anniversary.

According to Dorgan, the proposed donation of artwork is a cedar sculpture created by Salish carver Taylor Wily Krise from Squaxin Island Tribe.

Krise's artwork "Life is Water" represents water's importance in the city's life. It will be located at West Bay Park, with its marine exposure, view of the port, and historic location important to native tribes and their culture.

"Our club and several other local Rotary clubs helped develop the park into a destination for kayakers, canoeists, Budd Bay watchers, dog walkers, etc. We feel that installing our commissioned artwork at West Bay Park is the obvious choice as it is down the road from the Rotary Club of West Olympia's weekly meeting place at West Bay Marina and is a fitting way to celebrate our 50th anniversary," stated the organization's proposal.