Artist Jen Dixon has just finished installing artwork commissioned for the Seattle Department of Transportation offices. BunnyKid features excerpted elements from a larger commission Dixon completed for Linden Avenue in North Seattle. Upon completion of the Linden Avenue project, former Director Peter Hahn was so enthused by the creative use of salvaged SDOT signs, he asked if the Office of Arts & Culture could have the artist create artwork that would be on display at the SDOT offices. With the assistance of Dahvee Enciso at the city’s sign shop, Dixon accumulated a collection of salvaged SDOT signage to complete both projects.
The Linden Avenue project, PlayLand, reflects Bitter Lake/Broadview’s varied history and takes its name from a 12-acre amusement park that operated adjacent to the site of the artwork from 1930-1961. PlayLand pays homage to and celebrates the urban environment and the work of our City’s Department of Transportation.
This project was funded by SDOT 1% for Art and administered by the Office of Arts & Culture. Photos by Laura Becker.
Deborah Lawrence says
Jen Dixon’s Playland is such a dynamic, cunning and eloquent use of found materials, I nominate the artist for the Plein Air Punk Pulchritude Award! This is a prize that cannot be purchased or solicited, kind of like a MacArthur. Can’t wait to see her DOT installation.
We Work says
Jen Dixon’s Playland is indeed a wonderful sight! Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, it is also effective in raising the socio-cultural awareness of the people who would look at it. The 12-acre amusement park that operated adjacent to the site of the artwork from 1930-1961 played a huge part in the place’s culture and I agree that it is just fitting to pay homage to it.