Wondering what to do this coming weekend? Stop in and explore artist Adam Kuby’s “Quarry Rings,” a newly-installed public artwork at Thomas C. Wales Park in Queen Anne (Dexter Avenue at 2401 6th Avenue N). This Pro Parks Art Plan project transformed a 1.3-acre piece of public owned property into a neighborhood park with an artistic element.
The park officially opened for public access on Friday, October 29, 2010. Parks is planning a public celebration for the new park to be held in the spring 2011.
The Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs identified this project in the Pro Parks Art Plan, which focuses on the creation of artworks that weave together art, nature and experience. Parks selected SiteWorkshop Landscape Architects to design the site and collaborate with an artist to create a unified design which would support the artist’s work while addressing environmental issues.
In June 2008, Parks and the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs commissioned Adam Kuby to create an installation for the park. Kuby’s “Quarry Rings,” five raised gabion rings, create bird and bat nesting habitat in the park while reflecting the history of the site, which operated as a gravel pit in the early 1900s.
For more information on Thomas Wales Park or “Quarry Rings,” read the recent Parks press release or visit Parks’ project page.