Soon after I moved to Renton in 2008, I discovered that one of the most interesting aspects of Renton’s artistic side is its public art. They are everywhere!
There are sculptures in various locations, including the fire stations. Paintings can be found in the public buildings. Mosaic benches are at the entrance of City Hall, and some art pieces serve as fountains.
I really appreciate the sculptures. I admit I like to play with my grandson’s Play Doh and pretend I might create something magnificent.
The first public art I discovered was while having brunch in the restaurant at the Maplewood Golf Course on Maple Valley Highway. It was a sunny day in the outside seating area where I found the Fountain 1960. It’s a bronze sculpture donated to the City of Renton by the Fred Meyer Corporation in 1995.
At the time, I knew very little about the city or its involvement in the arts. I was enjoying the ambience and weather and was very happy to be there.
Eventually, I became a Renton Municipal Arts commissioner so I could participate in the promotion, expansion and protection of local culture. I found out that through the city’s Master Plan, Renton really values the presentation and interpretation of public art. And it is appreciated by a wide range of Renton’s citizens.
Due to the 1 Percent for Art legislation, a percentage of funding for every public construction must include the addition of public art.
According to the mayor, a city’s public art collection is something that helps draw people to a city.
“In Renton, the arts are becoming increasingly important as the City grows and evolves to be a 21st century urban center,” he said. “Our public art collection improves the quality of life here and is an attraction to the creative people who are coming here to work and live.”
Last year, the Arts Commission tasked each of us with viewing a public art piece and writing about the origin and the artist. We were also to make sure it was in good shape. I drew Chief Sealth out of the hat.
Being new to the Seattle area, I had never heard of Chief Sealth. After some research and checking the city web site, I found out the art piece was a bronze-finished drinking fountain located just north of the Renton Historical Museum.
Affectionately known as “Iron Mike,” it was donated to the city by volunteer firefighters in 1910. I also learned the fascinating history of Chief Sealth, a significant tribal chief in this area, after whom Seattle was named.
All of us who visit the library at Liberty Park notice the sculpture of the little boy reading on a bench. “Homework Comes First” was created by Martha Pettigrew. The almost life-size bronze sculpture of a young boy is a reminder that work comes before play. It was dedicated in 2003 and purchased through the 1 Percent for Art fund.
“Interface” by Phillip Levine is the bronze sculpture we see when we visit Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. It was acquired in 1982.
Elizabeth Higgins is the liaison from the city to the Renton Municipal Art Commission. I asked her about city’s art collection.
“Public art is like seasoning,” she said. “At its best, it is an expression of and reflects the culture of the community, which is actually what makes a place interesting. Renton is a wonderfully diverse community and its eclectic public art collection is a response to that.”
One of my personal favorites is Summer Breeze by Jim Demetro. This sculpture is of a young girl dipping her foot in the water and is located at the Piazza in downtown Renton.
There are too many fabulous works of art here for me to mention, but it’s an adventure for a family to view as many as possible. For a full list of the city’s publicly owned and displayed art, visit http://rentonwa.gov/living/default.aspx?id=402
Also, I really recommend Play Doh as a way to find your own creative side…
