The Seattle Park District continues to enliven the region with more art, more events and more fun through the Arts in Parks program.
Arts in Parks is a partnership between the Office of Arts & Culture and Seattle Parks and Recreation, celebrating diversity, building community, and energizing parks while connecting with underserved communities. A feature of the program is temporary art installations in public parks throughout the city.
Beginning in June, seven artists will install temporary artwork in four parks:, Ballard Commons Park, Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park, Delridge Playfield and Pritchard Island Beach. Check out the full Arts in Parks summer schedule of events here.
June 3 to July 20
Once Upon a Time
Artist: Yeggy Michael
Delridge Playfield
4458 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106
This interactive temporary sculpture is made of five standard-sized doors that are connected in the shape of a pentagon. The interior is adorned with a paper collage that speaks to the story of immigrants from the community. The exterior is painted with a US flag where anyone is invited to sign, draw and express themselves using the provided color markers.
June 17 to August 12
Passing By
Artist: Kalina Chung
Delridge Playfield
4458 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106
This sculptural installation is comprised of wooden carpentry framing and paint. Kalina Chung, a local Delridge artist, uses a mint paint color that is representative of Cottage Grove Court, an iconic housing complex in the Delridge community. The artwork reflects the effect of Seattle’s growth on its neighborhoods, and encourages conversation about gentrification and its impact on the community’s architecture.
June 20 to July 21
Danisi, Qoob Ka, Movimiento, Sirba
Artist: Devon Midori Hale and Cheryl Delostrinos
Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park
2100 S Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98144
An installation of screen-printed flags created in collaboration with local youth of Yesler Terrace serves as a stage for dance performances in the park’s amphitheater. Smaller flags with youth self-portraits and writings stand behind audience seating.
July to August
Portraits in the Park
Artist: Michelle Lassaline
This temporary activation connects audiences to art, wildlife and neighborhood spaces. Artist Michelle Lassaline will wear her handmade animal masks while painting individual portraits for participants as an animal of their choice. These free portraits are quick, whimsical watercolors that inspire imagination in viewers of all ages.
Ballard Commons Park
August 6, Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
August 13, Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
August 20, Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
First Hill Park
July 28, Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Flo Ware Park
July 29, Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
July and August
Tumble
Artist: Carolina Silva
Ballard Commons Park
5701 22nd Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Artist Carolina Silva will install large-scale painted wooden panels in Ballard Commons Park, inspired by fabrics and patterns gathered from the community that reference different cultures. The panels fasten together like a 3D puzzle that overlaps and unfolds in space, suggestive of the need for support amid constant change within communities.
July 7 to August 19
The People’s Throne
Artist: Ari Glass and Rome Esmaili
Pritchard Island Beach
8400 55th Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98118
This project encourages the community to embrace its unique identity and actualize their power for creating positive change. Park-goers are invited to sit in an elaborate throne, providing them with a sense of empowerment.
September 1 to October 19
Immigration Signs
Artist: Michiko Tanaka
Ballard Commons Park
5701 22nd Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Attempting to increase understanding of the immigrant experience, Seattle artist Michiko Tanaka is developing a temporary installation in Ballard Commons Park. This installation will include artist-created icons, inspired by conversations with immigrant and refugee communities, that will be printed on “yield” traffic signs and attached to existing posts in Ballard Commons Park.
