Seattle Official Visitors Guide 2008 - (Page 24) AT T R AC T I O N S & TO U R S But while you could get lost for days exploring Seattle’s galleries, they aren’t the only places to find great visual art. Some artists are bypassing galleries altogether through groups such as Art Parties Seattle, an artist-run consortium that curates shows at venues throughout the city. While Seattle is the hub of the local art scene, there are some interesting things going on beyond its borders. If you visit Bellevue, be sure to check out Open Satellite, an intrepid live/work space for visiting artists that is open to the public during exhibitions. The city of Tacoma is also a big draw for arts lovers, particularly those interested in glass art. Dale Chihuly’s Bridge of Glass, the Museum of Glass and the Tacoma Art Museum are just a few highlights of a visit. Whether you’re an aficionado or simply curious, Seattle’s dynamic art scene is sure to impress and excite. Here, art is an intrinsic part of the fabric of everyday life, and there are endless opportunities for visitors to enjoy and engage with art in the city. :: SEATTLE’S PUBLIC ART :: Public spaces have become blank canvases for Seattle’s creative community, aided by the fact that a city ordinance requires one percent of eligible capital improvement funds be set aside for the commission of artwork. As a result, there are plenty of places in Seattle to see free art. Here’s a sampling: Olympic Sculpture Park: A 2,200-foot Z-shaped path leads to more than 20 major sculptures. (2901 Western Ave.) Fremont Neighborhood: “Fremont Troll,” an 18-foot sculpture depicting the head and shoulders of a troll eating a Volkswagen Beetle. (N. 36th St. under the Aurora Bridge) “Lenin Statue,” a seven-ton Lenin, shown fleeing a sea of flames, was erected in 1988 and remains controversial today. (N. 36th St. and Fremont Pl.) “Fremont Missile,” built from the remains of a circa-1950 rocket missile fuselage and erected in 1994. (N. 35th St. and Evanston) “Waiting for the Interurban,” portraying riders waiting for the train. (N. 34th St. at Fremont Ave. N.) Capitol Hill Neighborhood: “Dance Steps,” a series of bronze footsteps set into the sidewalks along Broadway, chart out the tango and other dances. “Black Sun,” a round sculpture made out of black Brazilian granite is a favorite for framing a great view of the city. (Volunteer Park) “The Electric Lady Studio Guitar,” a representation of rock icon Jimi Hendrix, one of the city’s most famous citizens. (Broadway near Pine St.) Download public art walking tours at www.seattle.gov/arts/publicart/walking_tours.asp. Top to bottom: “Fremont Troll;” “Fremont Missile;” “The Electric Lady Studio Guitar.” Credits: ©Denise Chambers/Weaver, ©Denise Chambers/Weaver, ©James Lemass 24 WWW.VISITSEATTLE.ORG http://www.seattle.gov/arts/publicart/walking_tours.asp http://WWW.VISITSEATTLE.ORG
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