Christine Bourdette, a sculptor, has been selected to create integrated public artwork and a sense of place for the Yesler Neighborhood Park Project. The park will serve as a gathering place for current and future residents of Yesler Terrace, and will have a strong connection to the surrounding neighborhoods. Bourdette will work closely with the community to solicit feedback throughout the artistic process.

Bourdette was chosen for the quality of her past work, her demonstrated ability to work with and respond to feedback from a community, as well as the elements of playfulness and humor in her work. Her Points of View project in Tempe, Arizona demonstrates her background in working with the local community, where she conducted one-on-one interviews with the public to be able to respond and respect the historical and cultural diversity. Regarding the Yesler Neighborhood Park, Bourdette writes, “I am especially excited to explore the multiple layers of this community, to meet its members and discover what fires their aspirations, to understand the fluidity of its public space.” She will join the park design team with the Office of Arts & Culture, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Housing Authority, community members and Yesler Terrace redevelopment consultants.

The Portland-based artist has public artworks sited in Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Florida, and has received numerous fellowships and awards. We look forward to the development of this public space and the artwork that will accompany it!

Image: Snails, 2013, cast bronze, The Fields Park, Portland, OR. Photo by Greg Kozawa.