New sculptures on the way for North Bend
October 28, 2009
By Tara Ballenger
By year’s end, the garbage bins and alleyways that greet drivers traveling into North Bend will scarcely be visible.Instead, the industrial areas of Bendigo Boulevard and Main Avenue by the railroad tracks will be dominated by steel and cedar slabs jutting 16 feet from the ground, in an industrial tribute to the majesty of Mount Si and the bygone logging era of the Snoqualmie Valley.
Local artist Richard Burhans, who has created several public art pieces in Snoqualmie and North Bend during his four decades as a Valley resident, designed and created the sculpture.
“The entry sculpture tells a story,” Burhans said. “It’s the story of the strength and endurance of the men and the nobility of the trees.”
The large-scale project was commissioned by North Bend, after being proposed by Councilman Ross Loudenback and Community and Economic Development Director Gina Estep. It will cost the city $27,000, and the construction should be completed by December.
Though the sculpture will serve the practical function of hiding unsightly dumpsters and is larger and more abstract than Burhans’ other works, which include paintings and murals, he said that the basic concept remains the same.
“Every painting starts as a design form,” he said. “All art starts with the black pen. The sculpture may be done with outdoor material in steel and wood, but it’s the same storyline.”
This installation is only one example of North Bend’s commitment to public art, said Burhans, who added that the words gracing his most recent mural on Bill Glazier’s Antique Building on the corner of North Bend Way and Bendigo Boulevard say it all: “The arts are alive and growing in North Bend.”
Tara Ballenger: 392-6434, ext. 248 or tballenger@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.SnoValleyStar.com.
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2 Responses to “New sculptures on the way for North Bend”
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I just want to say thank you to the Sno-Valley Star for supporting my artistic efforts! In the past your newspaper has given me great exposure and support. Thank you so much!
I wish I could understand local politics and why I was never invited to the centennial celebration in my own home-town. I feel hurt that I am ignored at times by the city of North Bend. I have been making art for and about the Snoqualmie Valley for some time now. I am well qualified to create public sculpture and have done so for towns like Duvall, WA, and Mercer Island. I am currently working on a story pole for Lake Kachess, WA.
I think it is great to see public art go up in North Bend. I just wish that a single father like myself, who needs as much continuing work as possible to support a family would at least get an invite to apply for a job like this. If there was a notice for artists to apply did I miss it? Also, I would love to know why I am not invited to show my artwork during my own home-town centennial celebration?
I am well versed in both logging history and lore, railroad development and last but not least I am a local resource for Coast Salish and Native American carving.
I didn’t see any of this cultural material at the centennial celebration. (with the exception of Audi, the German carver from down the street). I don’t understand what a French Cafe scene has to do with my home-town history. I heard comment of, “What does a French Cafe have to do with one hundred years of North Bend’s history?”.
If anyone from the city of North Bend is reading this, can you please explain this to me? I have paid taxes, my family has paid taxes in this town for over 80 years.
Sincerely,
Bob Antone – artist / historian / musician
North Bend, WA
After the fact,
glad to see local people hired to install the sculptures in North Bend. One of the contractors was my uncle. Thanks city of North Bend for including local workers and giving folks a chance to be included. Maybe my previous comments had some influence.
Something for the city to consider. The designer of the sculptures, although a talented artist and designer, is not the only creative force in town. I’m not only speaking for myself but for others who have shared with me privately. There are tons of other artists who would love to create meaningful works of art in North Bend.
I won’t say I have hurt feelings anymore, nor will I whine, but I will ask you to please make room for everyone and give a chance for other artists to participate in public artworks in the city of North Bend.
thanks
bob antone