UPDATED: Exciting Art Planned for Overlake Village

In the October 1st Council Committee meeting some exciting news was reviewed about two large-scale Overlake Village art projects in the vicinity of 152nd Ave. NE.

152nd Ave NE  is planned to become the main street, pedestrian and retail focused corridor in Overlake Village that connects Bellevue, the bus transit center, two city parks and the Overlake Village Light Rail Station.  Bike/Pedestrian and Gateway art are planned.

Gateway "wall art" is planned for the corner of 152nd Ave. NE and 124th Street S.to welcome travelers coming to Redmond by light rail. Councilmember David Carson (running for re-election) recommended focusing the art on the north wall to greet the incoming light rail travelers. Parks Committee Chair Councilmember Hank Myers (also running for re-election) was concerned  the current SW and NW walls would be cut into existing properties, like Goodwill. He was re-assured the walls would remain at the same level, that it was more of a Department of Transportation issue, not affecting art. Staff assured council the art wall will be small and fit well with the landscape design.

The Bike/Pedestrian SR520 Bike/Ped "black" bridge to Microsoft has exciting large scale art in the design stage. It's a square tunnel decorated with tiles made, by a robot. with rainbow colors arched over the tunnel and two rows of palm trees leading up to the tunnel. Staff coined it "a celebration of the LGBPQ community." Staff assured Mr. Myers and Mr. Margeson tagging with graffiti wouldn't be a problem.

I was put off staff labeled and pigeonholed this art as they did. Personally, it made me feel happy like I was heading off from our dreary weather to a vacation in Florida. Council President Angela Birney (running for Mayor) thought it was cool too.  Councilmember Steve Fields asked what inspired the City to install it as is?  He referenced his knowledge of art in Santa Clara.  

Hank Meyers said he has a lesbian daughter but Redmond had many other cultural opportunities; that LGBPQ didn't represent our greater community.  Staff answered that Redmond already has a diversity of art! Can you believe it?!  He and Councilmember Steve Fields (running for mayor ) were disappointed by the poor public notice, saying community feedback was insufficient. I agree! Staff responded with a very weak response, referencing: an arts commission review, a 2013 "public process,"  a 2015 survey and a hearing in 2014.

The total budget for this public art project is $180,000, including a one percent allocation from the project. As usual, Steve Fields brought up the budget. $90,000 was spent on the tiles through a $32,000 grant and the general fund bringing the city over-budget. Councilmember Hank Margeson (running for council) said adjustments to the general fund weren't unusual. He appeared to be the go-to man for knowledge on city finances.

-- Bob Yoder

Council Studies Five Acre Marymoor Design District Project

The Marymoor Design District (MDD) is zoned as a moderately dense mixed-use neighborhood. Key features of the zone are the future Link light rail station, allowance of existing industrial uses, and the proximity to a major regional park. The City Council stressed the word “eclectic” when initiating the Marymoor Design District. The Council’s intent is to have an eclectic neighborhood through place-making and architecture.

A redevelopment of a 4.9 acre site consisting of 450 multi-family units (spread over three buildings), 41,500 square feet of commercial space (including a daycare facility), a public art program, community gardens, enhanced pedestrian amenities, and local commercial space is in the planning stages.

The  MDD design standards will likely yield familiar building forms and design mimicking those found throughout the City’s existing urban centers. (Affordable Housing and Parking was not addressed in this memo.) 

The proposal is to construct three residential buildings over ground floor commercial space facing three streets. Two of the residential buildings will be five stories tall and one of the buildings will be six stories tall.  Shallow groundwater is prevalent throughout the site and conveyance of groundwater is a challenge.

 Key goals:

1) Use entryway elements to welcome people to Redmond.  The northern most building is one of the most architecturally unique buildings within Redmond. It is not a typical rectilinear shape; rather, the building employs curves and smoother transitions around corners. Additionally, art is prominently integrated into the building to greet the public to this newly established neighborhood.

2) Provide opportunities for art.  Although the building design and the site stands by itself, the art components elevate the project as a whole. The applicant is integrating 1% of total construction costs to art installations throughout the site and the buildings. The art installations range from augmented reality murals to motion activated pedestrian path pieces to discoverable sculptures.

3) Facilitate opportunities for housing, employment, community gatherings, education, and small-scale shopping. The proposed project will provide 450 residential units across from the future Marymoor light rail station. Five percent of the units (23 units), are being proposed as much needed three-bedroom units which will provide for more housing choices for families.

4) The project also incorporates up to 37,265 square feet of commercial space. LMC is currently in the process of procuring a daycare provider to occupy some of the commercial space, and is also committing itself to provide for a minimum of 3,500 square feet for “local commercial use.” Two community gardens are proposed to be installed within the development as well to help facilitate community building.

LOCATION:  The proposed project is located within the Marymoor Design District (MDD). The site is approximately 4.9 acres in size and is bounded by NE 70th Street on the north, 176th Avenue NE on the west, the future NE 68th Street on the south, and the East Lake Sammamish Trail to the east. The project site is currently developed as a light-industrial use (custom concrete and textiles manufacturer). Lennar Multifamily Communities will be the sole owner of the development. The primary goal is for this area to become a unique neighborhood.

Source:  6/11/19 Public Works Council Committee Of The Whole Memo

UPDATED: Graffiti Wall Art in "Edge Skate Park"

Credit Bob Yoder/ Redmond Neighborhood Blog 

Is this a salmon?  Do you see bubbles?  Gills?  An Eye?  Fins?  What's the significance of the bee?  ...to guard the art?  Does the flag indicate water flow....or if the fish is not swimming?  Is the artist integrating letters into the art?  Do you see two barbed hooks?  Anything else?

The Edge Skate Park graffiti walls are open public space.  Anyone can spray or roll art as long as it's civil.  The Fire Department House is next door and firelighters keep an eye on it.

Redmond Councilmember Hank Myers says he enjoys going the Edge Skate Park (next to the Park & Ride) every six months to view the ever-changing outdoor "graffiti" art. This is just one of four painted walls.

Factoid:  The walls have been painted so many times there's over an inch of paint layers.

-- Bob Yoder

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

OPINION: Central Connector Parking Lot Art

Credit/ City of Redmond, WA,

THE CITY REMOVED PICTURES FROM THEIR WEBSITE OF ALL THEIR ICONIC OUTDOOR ART including "SKY PAINTING" where a large parking lot was painted for all to see from a helicopter. I like "SIGNALS" in the linear park but the taxpayers will have to spend $1M to relocate the "ERRATIC" from the light rail line. 

In-person discussions of public/private art

Grasslawn Park art

Redmond, WA – For several years, the City has encouraged the private sector to play a more significant role in place-making through the provision of public art in private developments.  However, the code requires some clarification to make the process easier for developers and the City to administer.  The City is seeking input from all community members, developers doing business or interested in doing business in Redmond, and artists.

Several in-person group discussions, an online presentation and poll, and opportunities to meet with staff one on one will take place in April. These activities help the City better understand the community’s thoughts about the definition of public art, the process for reviewing privately developed public art, and how best to administer the in-lieu fund for public art. 

“We are excited that many developers are already coming in with proposals for public art incorporated into their projects.” said Carolyn Hope, Park Planning and Cultural Arts Manager.

Please join one of the group meetings for an in-person discussion at Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village, Room 206 on April 15 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., April 16 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., and April 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Marymoor Park Concerts!

WEBSITE

First performance is June 1, 6:30:  "Joe Russo's Almost Dead"

Last performance is September 8th, 6:30 "Death Cab for Cutie"

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

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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

The qualities, schools and employers of Redmond, WA.

Qualities

"Known for its natural beauty, the city is unique in that residents have access to 34 parks and over 25 miles of trails, but can also reach downtown Seattle in 20 minutes. Redmond also hosts live music, film, theater and a variety of other arts for every taste. Outdoor sculpture can be seen throughout the city. 

The Redmond Arts and Culture Program includes over 100 artworks around the City of Redmond.  Explore the City of Redmond's art collection in a new way. The program currently maintains a public art mobile app for the City's permanently-installed outdoor art collection. The app is called STQRY (pronounced "story") and is available for free on iOS, Android and Windows 8 operating systems."

 -- City website excerpt

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Various video errors and omissions:  Starbucks isn't headquartered here but their barista's are-a-plenty. Of course, Microsoft is headquartered here. Nintendo, Rocket Research, Digipen and Striker/Physio-Control are headquartered here.  A division of Facebook is planning a move to Willows Road.  Amazon, Expedia and Google in Redmond?  

Schools:  Along with Rockwell El and Einstein El. other Education Hill elementary schools include:  Clara Barton, Redmond Elementary, and Horace Mann.

The City communications department is re-designing their website and some of the text may be out of date, particularly the STQRK app and the number or artworks.  This real estate video is dated.  It's the best one I could find for our community and I hope the City will make one of their own. We are due.

-- Bob Yoder

Video:  Murray Franklin 

"Icicle art"

Education Hill frozen rain-chain

Redmond's ERRATIC art installation will be re-located at an estimated cost of at least $616,300

Below are two pictures of Redmond's Centennial "ERRATIC" art installation.  It was constructed with railroad plates to recognize Redmond's status as a railroad town.  It's called ERRATIC to recognize that glaciers shaped Redmond.  Erratics are huge boulders left behind by glaciers.  

At the January 8th Council meeting Staff announced owing to light rail the ERRATIC will be moved from it's present location on 166th near Redmond Town Center to "Gilman Landing" south of the Matador near Leary Way.  Sound Transit will pay $576,000 towards its re-location.  The City will move it....a laborious job. The original cost to the City for the art was $115,000.  

A public record request (prr) in December, 2019 revealed the total estimated cost for relocation is $616,300 - though, the exact relocation cost won't be known until it's completion in June of 2020. The prr also revealed the city will contribute $40,000 via a Redmond Parks CIP.  Rumors have it the total relocation cost will be close to $1M. 

Bob Yoder

2/24/2020

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.

World-renowned chalk artists gather in Redmond

International, national, and regional artists chalked their incredible street art at Redmond Town Center August 17 - 19.  It was the second year RTC hosted the exhibit. 

Ramko van Schaik from Holland is a 3-D artist, and in my opinion, he's on par with Dale Chihuly as far as creativity.. Ramko's interactive 3-D art is displayed, along with other artists, in this video.  It's a must click!

Future artists!   

B. Yoder

Downtown Park Grand Opening set for September 15th

Jessica R, City Arts Administrator gave a presentation to City Council on the Grand Opening of the Downtown Park during a July 3rd Council committee meeting.   The Grand Opening is scheduled for Saturday, September 15th, 5PM - 10PM....hopefully without rain.  A "soft opening" is date-uncertain,

This will be a time of celebrating Redmond's first urban park...."the last major construction project for the downtown" according to the City.  It sounds like a fun time.  "Everyone's invited -- they are expecting a So Bazzar type of attendance of 5,000."

Ribbon cutting is 5-5:30 PM.  An afternoon scavenger hunt is being considered, in concert with the local business.  After the ribbon cutting there will be a community picnic with long picnic tables set along 161st....I think.  The Grand Lawn is available as well.  Restaurants will be partnering for to-go ordering. 

Redmond's first Artist in Residence will give an interactive performance, "100 years From Today."  It will have three acts with crafts and games in between.  The current Artist in Residence will present a digital art exhibit at the pavilion (the "flying saucer.")

The theme for the event is "metamorphosis" -- celebrating the rapid change from a one stoplight town to an urban center.  Caterpillar and butterfly art will be scattered around the park. The event closes at 8 PM with a digital lighting exhibition presented by Redmond's current Artist in Residence.

Source:  Council Committee of the Whole, Parks & Human Service, July 3rd video.

Note:  The Downtown Park cost $18M to build but many say it's closer to $40M when counting the land acquisition and other expenses.

  ☝   The scavenger hunt is sponsored by One Redmond and will begin at 1PM.  According to David Carson, cater-fly art won't be installed.  

B. Yoder

Source:  Council Committee of the Whole, Parks and Human Services.  

We Need More Downtown Art

2002 manhole public art 

OPINION:  Redmond is becoming a dull place to live and it will get worse.  Installing green street trees and the build out of the Downtown Park will help but Redmond needs more "punch" to make us a great city.

On May 8th council discussed a much greater emphasis of art in their budget.  Major projects like Buoyant in the Down Park need funding.  It will cost >3% of the total park construction.  The present grass and concrete downtown park is of course better than another one or two 6-8 story rental buildings.  A "landmark" art installation like Buoyant near the pavilion would make it a true park and sparkle our downtown.

"Signature" art installations are needed too.  They would cost 2-3% of total constructions costs at places like the main streets of Overlake, the Marymoor Village gateway, key public buildings or high traffic parks or trails like the Connector Trail Signals art.

Then there is the "Hallmark" public works art funded currently at 1% of construction costs. It's scattered all over the city and few probably notice it.  However, if you look hard you can't complain about the cement-colored salmon hidden under the Redmond Way bridge.  Here's the ultimate... "Rosemary Ives" leaf art on a manhole cover celebrating the installation of a traffic calming improvement on our street.  

Per the Administration, if council approves the new art ordinance  -- to make our city more livable and lively -- the average investment in public art would increase from $188,778 per biennium to approximately $370,000.  Is this asking too much?   

Redmond's downtown anomaly

Council member Angela Birney stated on social media that this art was paid for by the builder.  At first I thought it was gaudy but now I find it a pleasant change from the plethora of our downtown monotone box buildings.  "162" is located just north and across from the Downtown Park. Can we expect more to come?  

May is Arts Month for Schools

LWSD student art

May is Arts in Education Month

May is Washington State’s Art Education Month – a time to celebrate the wonderful arts education in our schools and the terrific art our students create as a result. What does art mean to you? For LWSD students, art provides a way to express themselves. It is fun, magical, creative, beautiful and awesome. 

I really like going to the school board meetings sometimes just to see the art.   At every board meeting there's a "host school" where the principal and staff explain their accomplishments and challenges.  The students from the host schools always draw art.  It's posted behind the dias and all around the room.  These kids have fun!  They are creative!  And they are good!

B. Yoder

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:

Sidewalk Tree Art on The Hill

Walking on the 116th Avenue sidewalk north of 104th you'll come upon some enchanting "sidewalk tree art" covering a diseased row of arborvitae trees. Salmon, water birds, and frogs are painted onto some kind of heavy-duty paper that can withstand the harsh weather while still holding a palette of colors.  Somebody really knew what they were doing. This art is very innovative and makes good use of recycled trees don't you think?   We sure have some creative neighbors on the Hill.  You might want to take a stroll and see it for yourself!  You'll probably find some colorful critters I missed.

B. Yoder

Redmond Town Center "Chalk Fest" drew artists from all over the west

"The Flying Car"  - Artist Remko van Schaik with arms out enjoying the ride

The "Chalk Fest and Sidewalk Sale: in Redmond Town Center drew street artists from all over the west coast. Artist Remko van Schaik is pictured here with his art. (click to enlarge)

Remko van Schaik's Biography:  

Born in Amersfoort, The Netherlands in 1967 I had an early interest in drawing.
After successfully graduating ‘The School of Decoration’, followed by a job in Stand-Design, I started working for myself in 1992. Making murals, illustrations and 3D objects from polyester and concrete was my profession. Clients were fun-parks, swimming pools and restaurants.In the summer of 2007 I witnessed a group of street painters, making street paintings in my hometown Utrecht, and immediately I got very excited about this great art form!

Since my first my first drawing in 2008 street painting has been the focal point of my work and indeed life.Initially making traditional 2d-streetpaintings! I became more and more fascinated by the technique of 3d street paintings.

After making an increasing amount of these anamorphic paintings, I now specialize in this type of street painting. My 3d paintings are done primarily for commercial assignments and Street art festivals.

Not only is 3d Painting a great challenge of creativity and skill, it is also a fantastic social happening with plenty of interaction with the public. I truly feel blessed to be given the chance to express myself in this way and hope to be able to continue to improve and push this art form for many years to come.

3D Steet Painting features Rembro's art.porfolio

PS.  the cute lady on the car is my wife!