LYNNWOOD — It’s called “Spectra” because of the colors and the way the light and water will dance off of each bit, said Doug Hansen about his glass and metal art piece that will adorn the outdoor front corner entrance of the new Lynnwood Convention Center.
Hansen’s piece was one of two artists selected out of 78 applications from the United States and Canada. The artist for the art piece set for the center’s lobby is Rick Mullarky. Both are from Seattle.
Hansen said the glass plates will start from the bottom with a reddish color and go through yellow, green, purples and then at the top, blue. “Like the sky,” he said.
Forging it is a work of art all it’s own.
“It’s like putting a jigsaw puzzle together,” Hansen said recently outside the convention center as Dean Reandeau and Mike Taylor from West Coast Fence and ornamental art worked to carefully piece and weld the metal together.
Hansen said another engaging thing about the art piece is that it has fiber optic lenses at various points and water will cascade through it.
“This needed to be an elegant piece because the building is so well designed,” he said.
According to convention center officials, Hansen has completed numerous glass and light projects over the past 30 years. Some of his public works are on display in the SeaTac airport and at St. Ignatius Church in Seattle.
“His concept for the piece outside of the Lynnwood Convention Center is to create an overall mood of harmony and constant light, movement and mood change as can be created using glass, water and light,” officials said.
Mullarky’s designs are interactive computer driven installations. His concept for the art in the lobby of the convention center is to create a piece that would be accessible to many participants at one time. This is Mullarky’s first public art piece, and a culmination of 15 years of experience as a graphic designer.
The goal of the public art program, according to convention center officials, was to feature high quality art that creates meaning and a recognizable sense of place, as well as serving functional requirements on the site.
“The ultimate goal is to create dynamic focal points for the convention center,” officials said.
The two artists were chosen by a selection panel based on their creative, innovative approach to design. Understanding of the themes, spirit and function of the site and buildings as shown in the design. Strength of past work including knowledge of materials and skill of fine craftsmanship. Willingness to work with staff project designers to integrate the art and architecture. Ability to accomplish project within given budget and time schedule and understanding of the need for low maintenance and vandal resistant finished product.
The selection panel included Lynnwood Public Facilities District board member Liz Wilson, Lynnwood Arts Commission members Ken Smith, Kristen Dill and Pat Condon, Lynnwood resident Michelle McGraw, and arts professionals Susan DiPietro and Melissa Newell.
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