Redmond Rainbow Crosswalk

Beautiful art!  But don't stare down at it when you're in the crosswalk.  
Drivers may get distracted and not recognize it's a crosswalk. 

The Public Works Director was there.  He said they bought a thermo-applicator machine to paint this crosswalk and will use it for painting other asphalt art.  NAMI Eastside mental health art near the Together Center would be another good candidate!  Don't you think? 

Eastside LBGTQIA artists"

- photo and comment by Yoder, 9/2/2023

Utility-Box-Art -Wraps On Leary, the City Can Do Better

from sidewalk 

 

facing Leary Way

Traffic Operations and Cultural Arts doesn't seem like a good mix.  Just look at it.  IMHO, the Cultural Arts Administrator and Commission need to up their game for things to come, like Redmond Town Center and Overlake and downtown buildings with plazas. Box art can be cool (library) but the 2050 goal for equity and inclusion will require a myriad of significant cross-cultural art works. 

According to the Cultural Arts Administrator, the utility box artworks were selected from a public art call as part of a pilot program by the City (a partnership between Traffic Operations and Cultural Arts) 

The utility box artworks were selected from a public art call as part of a pilot program by the City (a partnership between Traffic Operations and Cultural Arts)

 

Info on the artist can be found on the Cultural Art web pages -- Arts & Culture | Redmond, WA

and our communications team is working on some stories and posts coming soon. We will also be adding signage next to the boxes in the coming months.

The artists were paid $250 each.  

-- Photos and opinion by Bob Yoder, 10/31/2022

   click on the photos to enlarge

ERRATIC Art Relocation Costs A Million Dollars

"As shown on the spreadsheet we provided, the total (city) cost to relocate the Erratic Artwork, including landscaping, was $486,756.  Sound Transit has agreed to pay for all the relocation costs up to $576,300."

Regards,

Tess

Tess Wilkinson

CIP Coordinator

City of Redmond

425-556-2434

8/18/2020

Total costs for the relocation is $1,060,054 including land.  The original construction cost for this ERRATIC art was  $155,000.  The art was relocated because it was built too close to the light rail easement! It's new location is south of the Matador near Leary.  Residents pay taxes to Sound Transit so there is no free lunch here.  Bob Yoder, 8/29

Redmond's privately developed art initiative

This picture is temporary art placed in the Linear Park during a So. Bazaar event. It was later relocated to the Central Connector trail by Willows Road. I feel we need both temporary and permanent art installations in the Downtown Park. Temporary art installations are flexible and would provide the most variety. Of course, performing arts will enhance the Downtown experience.

This video is narrated by Carolyn J.Hope, City Parks Planning and Cultural Arts manager. As you'll see, the City is working hard to improve privately developed public art.  It was promulgated by development of the Marymoor Village urban center. The City went out of their way to engage the public. Their "look and feel" Visual Preference survey is the best I've ever seen in my 41 years. If you'd like to give feedback on privately developed public art (or art in general) contact Chris Weber. Chris is Administrator of the influential Arts & Culture Commission.

 -- Bob Yoder, opinion

Redmond is becoming drab and needs art

According to the Project Viewer, this "LMC-Marymoor" master-plan project is still under review.  It's 5-6 stories, with 433 residential units, 41,500 commercial space and 524 parking stalls, completion 2022.  It sits in a 4.9 acre parcel with room for additional projects.  LMC-Marymoor is master-planned and should integrate public art into this development.  I certainly hope so. 

"The Mayor and Council has requested clarification of the Arts and Culture policies and procedures to more effectively encourage the integration of public art into private development. That directive has become time-sensitive as master planned developments are beginning to provide public art through the public benefit provision of their agreements and as Marymoor Village."

Councilmember Hank Myers was disturbed to find 29 pages of design regulations.

-- Source: 3/5/19 Parks Council Committee meeting & memo (edited)

The Design Review Board stated "As a primary goal for this Marymoor Village is that it become a cool/eclectic place, the architecture, and/or some of the primary elements of the development, should exude eclecticism. On the contrary, the goal of the neighborhood is that it be different from the Downtown neighborhood in that it should be funkier, cooler, eclectic, and different looking than Downtown. The Redmond Zoning Code is silent on how these goals/elements are to be achieved. Therefore, much of this will fall to the Design Review Board to establish. Thus, these ideas need a great deal of attention from the Design Review Board."  (Yes, their recommendations appear quirky.)

-- Design Review Board, 9/20/18

###

A great deal of attention is needed by more than just the Design Review Board!  For a project of this magnitude, the City hasn't sufficiently engaged the community in art selection and  other "cool and eclectic" elements for Marymoor Village. The Arts Commission and Park Planning & Cultural Arts Manager should hold 1-2 community meetings in City Hall to present their plan and ask residents for their ideas.  Councilmember Hank Margeson agrees. We need  splashes of art in the development not just buildings. 

-- Bob Yoder

Redmond Sing Along at Community Center

Eva Moon, a past city arts commissioner, writer, musician and performing artist is partnering with the City of Redmond to start a Sing Along (and play along) night! The Redmond Community Sing Along (and play along) is a monthly, all-ages gathering to sing and play your favorite songs, meet your neighbors and have fun! No singing experience is required, and all are welcome to attend this free community event.

Raise your voice and your spirits!  Bring your acoustic instrument, if you play. 

Here’s a link to the songbook: https://www.dropbox.com/s/thjxfwrz1nnw961/Redmond%20Sing%20Along%20Songbook.pdf?dl=0  We'll project your lyrics and chords.

Flagpole Plaza Park, Redmond's smallest

 "BI-CENTENNIAL FLAG, Dedication September 27, 1974.  This is a beautification Project by the City of Redmond, Jaycee's, Lion's, Kiwanis, Rotary, and Chamber of Commerce."  

When I parked on Gilman Street to buy a book at McDonald's I noticed some very interesting artwork and a brick plaza with a plaque identifying the overhead "Bicentennial Flag."  Mayor Marchione said the plaza with flag was an official city park.  Other than the Naomi Hardy Clock Tower it may be the smallest park in the city.   He said Flagpole Plaza Park it's part of the Gilman Street Design Concept study and wouldn't be demolished during possible redevelopment of Gilman.  In fact, the park may be extended to Redmond Way, and expanded.   

City Transportation engineer Angie Ventura said, "The City has no plans to rebuild Gilman St. as a public project.  The goal of the study is to develop design guidance for potential future private development if and when they occur along Gilman Street."  

Can you see the artwork in the flag photo?  (Click to enlarge.) 

"BRIDGE TO BROTHERHOOD," CHERYLL LEO-GWIN, 1993, Porcelain Enamel Mural, 1% Public Works grant for Art, King County Arts Commission, Redmond Arts Commission, Leadership Redmond

To see the plaques READ MORE:

A downtown art plan idea

Perhaps the Arts Commission can include this building into their "Downtown Art Plan."   It's located at the gateway of Cleveland St. just as you turn off of Leary.  The flat cinder block wall could be an excellent canvass for a themed mural to tie into the surrounding historic buildings.   What do you think? 

By Bob and Pam Yoder
Photo by Yoder 

City Honors 2012 Redmond Arts Awards Recipients

City Honors 2012 Redmond Arts Awards Recipients

Redmond, WA  The "2012 Redmond Arts Awards" event celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Redmond Arts Commission by honoring pioneering volunteers and city employees who established Redmond’s first arts program.  During an event held Friday, June 22, at Redmond Town Center. City Council President Pat Vache' paid tribute to the following individuals:

The First Arts Commissioners: Ceil Church, Gordon Gray, Rick Heier, Dr. Evelyn Kest (posthumous honor), Cheryll Leo-Gwin, Jacqueline Sorensen Pinch and Sam Weirbach.

Melna Skillingstead, Redmond’s first Arts Program Manager

The Honorable Doreen Marchione, former Mayor of Redmond

The Redmond Arts Commission was established in 1987 to champion arts and culture in Redmond. For a quarter century, the commission has been building community through the support of audiences, artists and arts organizations in Redmond.

“Art enhances all our lives by giving a powerful voice and reflection to our humanity. Art inspires innovation and economic vitality, fosters tourism, and gives our children the critical thinking and creative skills they need to lead in a 21st Century workplace.” Said Mayor John Marchione. “This year’s recipients reflect a legacy of creativity in Redmond and our commitment to helping all enjoy and participate in the arts."  Read More >>

LETTER: Tree Sock Art Installation


from the desk of Councilman Hank Myers....

LETTER:  You asked some interesting questions about 
"tree sock art" and I have completed some research with the help of Parks staff and assistance from a former Department of Natural Resources official.

On the issue of impact to the trees, an extensive answer is below.  These wraps have been around for years, with no apparent damage.  The only observed change was suppression of moss on the tree bark, which I am not sure is a negative. You also raised concerns about the impact on squirrels.  While it is true that the western gray squirrel is protected, it is because its habitat was overrun by the eastern gray squirrel, which is what populates Anderson Park.  The eastern gray squirrel is not protected.   Read More >>

Tree Sock Art at Anderson Park

Tree Sock Art in Anderson Park

This Tree Sock Art in Anderson Park adds color and excitement on a dreary day.  The question is, how far will the Arts Commission go?    They started off by yarning small trees behind City Hall and from there it's taken off.  The City of Sammamish stitched sock art around topped, dead trees in the corner of a busy intersection. I'm not sure why they'd want to add attention to topped trees.  This art looks pretty good in live park trees.

What do you think?

By Bob Yoder
IPhone

"Layers of Redmond Colors," By Kamal Siegel

KAMAL SIEGEL/ "Layers of Redmond Colors" 

Redmond resident and small business owner of  Double Digital.  Kamal Siegel is building a collection of  photographs to honor Redmond's 100-year birthday celebration next year.

Kamal was on the Redmond Arts Commission when Tom Flynn was Chair.  Follow Kamal's growing gallery here.

Redmond Arts Commission to entertain the art community while collecting ideas.

Oil Paintings by Jeffrey Corson
 Exhibit ends October 24  -- Old Redmond School House

 Items From The Audience Thursday, November 10 7-9 pm Soul Food Books 15748 Redmond Way 

Attention all artists, art professionals, policy makers and art enthusiasts!  “Items From The Audience” is a chance for you to come together and discuss the arts in Redmond.

The evening is presented by the Redmond Arts Commission and will feature entertainment, food and an open mic to lend your voice and help us all create a Redmond filled with arts. It’s also a great way to get to know others in the arts community. 

Not sure you want to get up and speak at a microphone? Don’t worry, there will also be several activities where participants can express their thoughts without getting up in front of the crowd. And for those who
want to speak their ideas aloud there will be plenty of opportunity to do so.

“Items From The Audience” is an effort by the Redmond Arts Commission to collect ideas and feedback from the community in a fun and comfortable way. These ideas and feedback will then be used in future planning and policy making.  Attached is a digital flyer for the event or for more information visit Items From

The Audience on the web or contact Arts Administrator Joshua Heim at 425-556-2316, jmheim@redmond.gov And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/RedmondArts

Submited by Dr. Pat Raman
Chair, Redmond Arts Commission

"Knit Sock" Tree Art

Topped urban trees, "all dressed up"

As you enter the downtown core of the City of Sammamish you'll be greeted by these outrageously colorful dressed-up trees.  They were once hazardous trees that were topped off for safety and to create "snags" for urban habitat (crows, bugs, a flicker or two?).  Since topped urban trees look pretty ugly, the artists and city came up with this creative "urban tree art" solution.  Have you seen anything like it?

Artists Suzanne Tidwell and Beth Newfeld "knitted these socks".  The exhibit was funded by 4-Culture and endorsed by the Sammamish Art Commission.  According to the exhibit plaque, "upon exhibit completion the tree stumps[snags] will be relocated for wetland habitat.".

Opinion and photo by Yoder     

UPDATED: Cultural growth spurt: Ananda Mela festival in Redmond to celebrate Indian culture, July 29 -30

PREVIEW the Anando Mela Festival
By Latha Sambamurti

 

2010 Anando Mela - Photo by Bob Yoder

 
Cultural growth spurt: Annual festival in Redmond to celebrate Indian culture - Redmond Reporter:

By Samantha Pak
Redmond Reporter


"Pat Pattabhiraman and his wife [Latha Sambamurti] moved to Redmond almost 10 years ago from Vancouver, British Columbia.

He was hired by a small local technology company and back then, the area's Indian landscape was a lot different: There were only a few Indian restaurants and grocery stores and even fewer cultural events and entertainment opportunities.

In 2011, things have changed."   Read More >> 

From The Joy of India Festival Photos by Bob Yoder, 2010

Redmond Spur railway demolition marks the end of an era.

Collage of BNSF Redmond Spur Railway Demolition, 7/20/2011

Demolition of the BNSF railway spur for the "Redmond Central Connector" has begun, marking the end of an era.   Once the rails are pulled and recycled, the city will install a huge regional stormwater pipe under the railroad bedding.   A trail and "linear park" will be built on top of the pipe.  The trail will connect to the Downtown Park.

Central Connecter video narrated by three planning commissioners, the mayor and staff directors.

By Bob Yoder
Photographed, 7/20

And the drums beat on for Arts in Redmond

Arts Commissioner Clint McCune "playing the drums" with kids

 The City of Redmond and the Redmond Arts Commission offer a variety of arts experiences for citizens of all ages.   Check out the calendar of upcoming arts happenings.

ARTS HAPPENINGS

June - September

click

Redmond Centennial Celebration Plans Are Underway - Read how you can win the $500 award!

30-year Mayor Bill Brown coined the phrase: 
"All roads lead to Redmond"

 Redmond Centennial Celebration 2012

“Redmond was founded by true pioneers, men and women who came up the Sammamish River to a beautiful, yet untamed wilderness. We have been pioneering ever since – first logging and farming, now microchips and bio-engineering, while in the future we look towards a diverse economy with businesses thriving in both the downtown and Overlake.”
  --Redmond Mayor John Marchione

Redmond Centennial Redmond incorporated as a city on December 31, 1912 when the birth of Ernest Alexander Adams brought the city’s population to 300, the number required by State law. The driving force behind incorporation was the ability to tax liquor sales – the funds of which were needed to finance a waterworks system.

Redmond’s Centennial will kick off at Redmond Lights 2011 and culminate in a special celebration at the end of 2012. Throughout the year, special new events will augment Centennial celebrations incorporated into existing community events – the manner of which to be determined by the committee.

See who's on the the Centennial Blue Ribbon Committee!  Learn how you can participate in the Centennial Logo Competition & earn $500!  READ MORE >>

Redmond musician Clint McCune to play concert on Mt. Everest next month

Clint McCune and baby May
strum his graphite mountain guitar in
 SoulFood coffee house & bookstore 

OPINION:  Clint McCune, a popular local musician in Redmond, is going global.   He's climbing to a base camp on Mt. Everest with a co-worker, 5 international musicians, a novelist and DJ to sing to the world.  Their song is a voice for truth, harmony with earth and "a serenade to the Sherpa's mountain goddess of the earth."  Their purpose is not to "trek and conquer" but to "walk consciously, tour and broadcast an awareness of climate change".  Clint says, "now is the time to make a change and take action not just talk about it".

Clint's tour with co-worker John Mower starts this Friday, March 4, 8-10) at SoulFood bookstore elevation 43 feet!  Their destination? 17,590 feet up.  SoulFood is Clint and Sara's organic coffee shop located in Redmond Square next to Ben Franklin.  A map and hours of operation are here. This may be one of Soulfood's largest events - larger than when Redmond's poet laureate performed.  It's possible NPR will attend.  Clint's father hosted an outdoor show for KOMO for 20 years.  Hello media?  

Read More >>

Abbott's Arbor

Abbott's Arbor
on NE 104th St.

Abbott's art  -- Arts Commissioner

Photo By Yoder

I-Phone