Art Project Proposals Wanted In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, WA - The city is planning to install two 20-foot-tall sculptures at the entrance to the new Colonial Plaza. To complete the project, the city has solicited local artists for proposals. Interested artists need to submit their applications by April 4.

Ushering visitors to a wide variety of shopping destinations, the new sculptures will stand on either side of the entrance to Colonial Plaza, located at Gravelly Lake Drive and Motor Avenue southwest in Lakewood. City officials said the goal of the public art project is to create a "visual entrance" to the plaza, with the ideal proposal linking the city's history and its cultural heritage to the original Colonial Center.

Built in 1937 by Norton Clapp, Lakewood's Colonial Center "was the first suburban shopping center west of the Mississippi," according to a historical marker at the intersection, dedicated in 2015.

"The original Colonial Center included a theatre, grocery store, pharmacy, dental office and other shops," the marker reads. "An additional section with 11 stores was added to the central core in 1951. The final complex with 14 more stores was added in 1955 on the north side of Gravelly Lake Drive. By 1962 there were 32 stores and services in the greater Lakewood Colonial Center."

Today the area is home to bakeries, delis, and retailers. However, prospective artists are encouraged to use their creativity to develop their own themes for the new sculptures — which could very well be used at future art installations in the city.

While thinking of themes, artists are also encouraged to consider how their installations could incorporate water features, city officials said. Additionally, because the sculptures will be outside in Puget Sound weather year 'round, artists are asked to use materials that can withstand the elements, are resistant to graffiti and/or vandalism, and are easy to maintain.

All proposals should fall within a $50,000 budget for design, fabrication and installation. The final selection will be made in the first week of May.

For more information, including art proposal specifications, visit cityoflakewood.us.

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