A cyclists zips through the Burke-Gilman Trail’s cavernous “Ebb and Flow” mural, located in Bothell, under 96th Avenue NE.

We are thrilled to learn that our own Kristen Ramirez has been honored with an Americans for the Arts Year in Review award for her Wayne Tunnel project on the Burke-Gilman Trail, completed under the guidance of 4Culture. Ramirez, a Public Art Project Manager in the Office of Arts & Culture, is also an artist. Ramirez activated the Wayne Tunnel with a site responsive mural, Ebb & Flow. Transforming this gateway between communities and natural landmarks with an immersive experience of color and light,  Ebb & Flow combines blasts of bright yellow, orange, pink, and purple, representing the flora and the fauna of the region. The tunnel’s own architecture is used to make a playful kaleidoscope for trail users to enjoy.

Artist Kristen Ramirez was just presented with an Americans for the Arts Year in Review award for “Ebb and Flow”

Prior to joining the Office of Arts & Culture, Kristen worked at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle in a variety of capacities including: Art Faculty, Manager of Summer & External Programs, and Manager of Academic and Community Engagement. Kristen has also taught at the University of Washington, Tacoma Museum of Glass, Pratt Fine Arts Center, Edmonds Community College, and Path with Art, a non-profit that serves adults in recovery. In addition to teaching, Kristen is an artist, whose artwork explores many media, including printmaking, drawing, painting, installation and public art. Her work is often about place, conjuring an affection for disorienting urban/suburban places by appropriating signs and symbols of commerce. Her studio practice takes her increasingly into the public realm through community-based projects and murals. Ramirez earned a BA from UC Santa Cruz, a MA in Education and California Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University, and a MFA in Printmaking from the University of Washington.

Congratulations, Kristen!

Photo (top): Ebb & Flow, 2014, Photo © Ken Lambert, The Seattle Times

Photo (bottom): Kristen Ramirez in front of Ebb & Flow, 2014. Photo © Bob Suh