This August marked the 50th anniversary of the Renton Municipal Arts Commission and the city hosted a special event Aug. 27 at Carco Theater to celebrate and to honor the many volunteers who have served as commissioners over the years.

The group gathered to reminisce, discuss past accomplishments and talk about the current issues facing arts and culture in Renton.

Of special interest were the recent relocation, directed by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, of the sculpture “Emerging” from near Carco Theater to a more visible location at Park Avenue North and Garden Avenue North; potential addition of new public art in downtown Renton; and an enlightening discussion of the sculpture located at Kiwanis Bicentennial Air Park, “Icosahedron.”

Gregory Parsons, a former arts commissioner and artist who designed “Icosahedron” in 1976, explained the significance of the subtle shadows created by the design. Also honored were organizations that further the arts in Renton, including Allied Arts of Renton, Arts Unlimited, and the 425 Theatre Project.