After being held high and dry in storage since June 2009, the historic George Tsutakawa fountain is dripping again, having been re-installed to the interior of Burien’s main library.

The fountain, previously located outside of the new library/city hall building, was removed last June due to concerns of damage from children who were crawling in and around it.

The original installation of “Rain Fountain No.2,” made of stainless steel, 6-feet high, was in 1972 at the old Burien Library on 4th Ave SW (now the new Community Center), in an inner, protected courtyard.

Since its removal last year, the iconic fountain has been in storage.

The historic Tsutakawa fountain was originally installed in the protected courtyard at the old library.

According to Managing Librarian Marilee Cogswell, water volume for these first few weeks will remain low so that water levels can be tested and adjusted.

Here’s some info on Tsutakawa from the website Art Market Online:

George Tsutakawa dedicated his life to art and the freedom of expression that it granted him. Tsutakawa worked in a number of media, including paint, bronze, and clay. Born in Seattle in 1910, Tsutakawa went to live with his maternal grandmother in Japan from 1917 to 1927. Upon Tsutakawa’s return to Seattle, he began to study art and help with the family import/export business. His time spent in Japan as a child – especially the traditional tea ceremonies performed by his uncle – inform his work, as did the beauty of the Pacific Northwest region and the art of the Northwest Masters. Tsutakawa attended the University of Washington, and received his MFA in 1950.

In 1960 the City of Seattle commissioned George Tsutakawa to create Fountain of Wisdom, for the Seattle Library; this project was the first art commission by the city of Seattle since 1908. Between 1960 and 1990, the artist designed and created over 60 fountains throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. He exhibited extensively throughout Japan, the United States and Canada beginning in the 1950s.

Tsutakawa was awarded many honors throughout his career including the Order of Rising Sun Award, fourth class, from the Emperor of Japan.

A new, lighthouse-themed metal water sculpture was installed at the Burien Community Center Tuesday (June 22) by welding instructor Dale Copeland and his students from the Puget Sound Skills Center.

According to a statement:

In 2009, PSSC welding instructor Dale Copeland took on an amazing project. A temporary sculpture park (B/ IAS) was being installed on a vacant lot in Downtown Burien and he was asked to add something to the park. To the delight of the community, he and his students came up with a beautiful metal sculpture of an eagle and salmon titled “Learn and Survive.” The project so inspired and motivated the students that Dale wanted to do it again, so this year the project is “Lighthouse”, a water sculpture that was installed in the Burien Community Center atrium in June.

The students took great pride knowing that they built something that others will enjoy and that they can come back to and say “ I helped build that!”

The sculpture was created by:

• Artist and Welding Instructor Dale Copeland and his students from the Puget Sound Skills Center & Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 32 Welding Career Program:
  • Landon Abel
  • Bryan Asplund
  • Jonathon Garrison
  • Robert Griffith
  • Adam Hilmer
  • Nicholas Holme
  • Zackary Larson
  • Talus Moloney
  • Ezequiel Morales
  • Kevin Narverud
  • Ryan Northern
  • Alexander Nitchke
  • Robert Rose
  • Caleb Silver
  • Deven Smotherman
  • Salamina Tauanuu
  • Penn Wright

Materials were donated by McKinstry Company of Seattle with special thanks to Steve Frazier.

Closeup of the detail in "Lighthouse."

Puget Sound Skills Center students show off their new creation.

Bronze sculpture by Tom Jay, measuring 80″ high x 9″ in diameter.

Taken from my home the other day, which is located near Arbor Lake and the old Puget Sound Jr. High (aka Puget Sound Park).

Here’s a pic of it – have you seen this?:

If you know the whereabouts of this distinctive-yet-missing sculpture, please email Phillip Levine ASAP at:

levinepr@comcast.net

Dick "Mr. Burien" Dahlgard passed away last November, and Sal's Deli owner Jim Hughes is trying to erect a statue in his honor.

Jim Hughes, longtime Burien businessman, is having an organizational meeting at Sal’s Deli on Tuesday, July 7th at 4pm regarding erecting a statue in honor of Dick “Mr. Burien” Dahlgard, who passed away in November 2008.

Hughes is looking for volunteers to help with this project (which we first reported on June 7th), and below is a photo of a prototype sculpture, designed by local artist Phillip Levine, which depicts Dahlgard as a whimsical 35mm camera with three human legs as a tripod. A large unraveling roll of film with be place at the lower region of the piece and may include the long list of civic involvements he selflessly dedicated so much of his time towards.

The sculpture will stand over six feet high and will be crafted from brass; the location for installation is still being discussed but is proposed for the new town square development:

“I’ve never done anything like this before so I’m hoping some kind-hearted Burienites will volunteer to help,” said Hughes. “I would invite anyone who would like to help to come on Tuesday.”

The meeting will be this Tuesday, July 7th at Sal’s Deli, which is located at 15212 6th Ave SW in downtown Burien. For more information, please call Jim Hughes at (206) 246-7181.

Thursday (July 2nd), we received the following email from a BTB Reader named Jessica, inquiring about the 1972 George Tsutakawa fountain at the new library, which has been recently removed:

Hello,

Yesterday I visited the beautiful new Burien library and noticed the fountain in front was missing. I know it made it in the move as I had previously saw it at the new location.

When I asked one of the librarians what had happened to the sculpture she said it is currently in storage but was unsure as to why.

With the community so boisterous about one particular bronze sculpture I can’t imagine why they are not up in arms to protect the lovely G rated George Tsutakawa Fountain.

Is there not enough room in Burien for more than one sculpture?

Or perhaps someone complained about the environmental impact of the base of the sculpture being too small and thus causing a small amount of water to be wasted.

I thought if anyone could get to the bottom of this it would be the B-Town Blog.

Thank you,
Jessica

So we contacted our “Empress Of Information,” Marilee Cogswell, Manager of the Burien branch, who said:

Yes, it has been removed temporarily – we are looking at alternative sites for it as it was getting a bit too much attention (trash, coins, and climbing) in that space.

It was decided to pull it out and store it before any real damage happened.

We are looking at a couple of alternatives..one inside the building and one outside.

I don’t have a timeline, but will keep you posted.

George Tsutakawa's "Rain Fountain No. 2" used to be inside a protected courtyard.

The original installation of this fountain was in an inner courtyard of the old library, which was protected from human interaction.

The new location was not, hence the concerns and subsequent removal.

When we took the photos early Thursday evening three young boys were playing around in the fountain’s base, empty of everything but rocks.

“I think they moved it ‘cuz kids were playing on it,” said one young man who was literally inside the base when asked what happened. Moments later, he found a coin from under some rocks.

Here’s some info on Tsutakawa from the website Art Market Online:

George Tsutakawa dedicated his life to art and the freedom of expression that it granted him. Tsutakawa worked in a number of media, including paint, bronze, and clay. Born in Seattle in 1910, Tsutakawa went to live with his maternal grandmother in Japan from 1917 to 1927. Upon Tsutakawa’s return to Seattle, he began to study art and help with the family import/export business. His time spent in Japan as a child – especially the traditional tea ceremonies performed by his uncle – inform his work, as did the beauty of the Pacific Northwest region and the art of the Northwest Masters. Tsutakawa attended the University of Washington, and received his MFA in 1950.

In 1960 the City of Seattle commissioned George Tsutakawa to create Fountain of Wisdom, for the Seattle Library; this project was the first art commission by the city of Seattle since 1908. Between 1960 and 1990, the artist designed and created over 60 fountains throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. He exhibited extensively throughout Japan, the United States and Canada beginning in the 1950’s. Tsutakawa was awarded many honors throughout his career including the Order of Rising Sun Award, fourth class, from the Emperor of Japan.

In 1972, “Rain Fountain No.2,” made of stainless steel, 6′, was installed at the (old) Burien Library on 4th Ave SW.

We’ll keep you posted as this story develops, so check back often. You can also subscribe to our free RSS Feed here, or get the blog via email here.

Burien’s recently-installed, controversial nude female sculpture has become a local media sensation (which we first covered on Monday), and Thursday (June 25th) our B-Town Blog video production crew of Mark Neuman and Bart Bryan dared to actually go near “Paradigm Shift,” the lifelike bronze Mike Magrath statue located at the Interim Art Space, where they shot this video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you haven’t yet read our original story, it’s worth a peek since the Comments are quite interesting – click here to read ‘em.

Students from the Puget Sound Skills Center’s Welding Careers Program, in association with Plumber and Pipefitters Local 32, installed “To Be Named Later,” an original sculpture of an eagle swooping down onto a salmon at the Burien Interim Art Space on Friday, June 5th.

“This is where Puget Sound Skills Center students came to Local 32’s Weld shop to learn Welding Skills and Trade Related Confidence,” said Dale Copeland of UA Local 32. “This piece is made primarily out of steel and other materials, and we plan on letting nature create the patina that we are looking for and the movement of the piece. We started with an initial design, but the students have come up with several ideas of there own. All the students worked on the piece, with the students doing most of the work.”

More information on the project, as well as B/ IAS, available at www.interim-art-space.com.

Photos courtesy Dane Johnson.

Helios Pavilion, Burien Town Square, 2009; painted steel, laminated Bullseye art glass, cast resin, copper; 30ft high x 16ft diameter. Photos by Steven D. Lenhart.

The sculpture is meant to harness the sun, native history and the energy of place, and provide a beacon and muse for the community.

“This project is dedicated to the indomitable and generous spirit of the Duwamish people,” Harrison said. “It marks the intersection of two populations and two migrations. The sculpture is meant to put color against a gray sky, and is for the enjoyment of all people who now call this place their home.”

The large outdoor sculptural installation was commissioned by the City of Burien to function as the centerpiece of the new Town Square. During the creation of the piece, James consulted both the history of the land on which the work permanently resides and the constantly evolving cosmos overhead. The artist’s statement says:

Framing the sun, the piece encourages an interactive public to muse on the heavens in the present as they are metaphorically surrounded by the woven cultural history of the past. In spirit, the sculpture is James’ gift to the Duwamish tribe, to honor and celebrate the people whose culture infused the land long before the development of Burien was envisioned.

On Saturday, June 13th, the grand opening celebration will begin at 10am with a ribbon cuttin ceremony featuring Burien Mayor Joan McGilton. Afterwards, James will talk about his work and present it to the community, alongside fellow artists who have contributed new public work to the site. Following the ceremony, the public can tour Burien Town Square, including the new Metro Transit Center, library and City Hall. Festivities will continue  until 2pm, and will feature refreshments, prizes, musical performances in the park, and play activities for children.

James M. Harrison is a Portland-based artist who has been inspiring communities with his public art for over a decade. Part philosopher, part mad-scientist, and complete poet, James shares his storytelling via the construct of site-specific work such as light beacons, towers and other repositories of myth. He explores the realm between sculpture and architecture, and plays with scale, utility, and the human body with the aim of enlivening civic space.

For more information on Harrison, visit his website: www.jamesmharrison.com

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Installation Of “Sun Pavilion” Sculpture Underway

Here are notes from Monday night’s (April 6th) Burien City Council meeting (link to PDF agenda here):

LEVY SUPPORTS VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES:
A recent survey found that 50% of homeless men in our area are veterans. In 2005, the Veterans and Human Services levy was passed to generate funding to veterans, military personnel and their families housing and support services. The levy approved $13.3 million dollars dedicated  to help both veterans and residents in need of human services.

Two citizen boards were appointed to allocate the funds to reach specific goals within the program.

Sadikifu Akina-James from the King County of Veterans Affairs broke down the five strategies within the program;

• Enhancing services and access for veterans
• Ending homelessness through outreach, prevention, permanent supportive housing and employment
• Increasing access to behavioral health services
• Strengthening families at risk
• Increasing effectiveness of resource management and evaluation
• Beginning in 2005 the levy will remain until 2011.

For more information visit www.kingcounty.gov

CITY MANAGER MIKE MARTIN’S NEWS FLASH:
Wednesday, April 8th at Dottie Harper Park the city will celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree in memory of former mayor Dottie Harper. Bring your family and celebrate the holiday starting at Noon.

Burien is proceeding with low watt radio project for emergency broadcasts. In the case of emergency tune to AM 540. The project is projected to be complete by the end of April 2009.

After discovering that the City of Seattle is the only city with laws extending beyond the State of Washington, Burien is now looking into developing or adopting new requirements to set a higher standard for renters in the Burien area [EDITOR'S NOTE: This was an issue brought to the City Council meeting a few weeks ago by a concerned resident who wanted to be heard and it looks like the city is truly listening. It pays to speak up!].

Disputes over Puget Sound Park, located in the northern part of North Highline, cause the areas fate to up for discussion. The City of Seattle wants to sell and build low income housing and just about everyone else wants to keep the area a community park. White Center councils are not in favor of the proposed transition. A public review meeting is set for April 22nd from 4-6pm at 1000 Oaksdale Ave SW in Renton. Everyone is encouraged to attend and voice their opinion.

“Because we are so close to annexation we don’t feel this is a good idea to be making this sort of decision.” – City Manager Mike Martin

NEW SUBDIVISION AT 13032 AMBAUM BLVD. SW:
The council approved preliminary proposal 291, granting use of land in the neighborhood of 132nd to be developed into single family homes. Currently the lot is wooded and unused. The proposal includes six subdivisions, including a five-foot sidewalk and a storm water run off which current residents would be able to access to prevent drainage issues.

SEAHURST PARK AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT:
Seahurst Park Master Plan presented a restoration project including restoration efforts to return the area to a more natural environment, improve access to trails and improve natural seawall . Several options for direction area were proposed and are available at www.burienwa.gov/index.asp?NID=311.

Currently the Parks Department is seeking funding to move forward.

LIVING ROAD OF REMEMBRANCE:
Preservation efforts for Des Moines Memorial Drive and creation of a new memorial park were proposed. The NE corner of South 136th and Des Moines Way South is one suggestion for the location of a new memorial park which would include a memorial wall, seating area and more. Improvement plans would include the current memorial wall at Sunnydale Elementary, but expansion is not likely due to space restrictions.

The current wall does not include all of the Highline residents that died in World War I. The restoration project, with the help of Highline Historical Society, would include all of those names which have been compiled.

The city of Seatac would take on the majority of the cost for the new park. Some fundraising will have to be done to supplement the cost. The Burien City Council supported the efforts.

The restoration committee hopes to have the project complete by 2012. For more information visit www.roadofremembrance.org

BURIEN TO REFUND TAXES:
Due to an oversight in the wording of the Business and Operations tax bill the City of Burien collected too much in taxes from some business owners. In all about 35 people were effected to a total of $900.

The City is planning on refunding the $900 and correcting the wording of the tax measure to prevent future issues.

“It’s not only a legal, but a moral obligation to refund the money.” said council member Kathy Keene.

STUDENTS TO MAKE SCULPTURE FOR ART PARK:
A recent arts commission meeting proposed installation of a sculpture with a fish and a revolving eagle above the fish, made by the Puget Sound Skills center students and designed by a welding instructor.

The sculpture would be included in the BIAS Interum Art Space.

The city council’s next regular meeting will be held at 7pm on Monday, April 13th.

“Girlfriend’s Clay Day,” a workshop where you can learn how to make a beautiful vase out of clay will be happening at Moshier Community Arts Center on three Saturdays beginning April 18th, and here are the details:

WHAT: “Girlfriend’s Clay Day” vase-making workshop for ages 17 and older

WHEN: 3 sessions:

• Saturday, April 18th, 10am-1pm
  
• Saturday, April 25th, 10-1pm
• Sunday, May 10th, 10-1pm

WHERE: Moshier Community Arts Center, located at 430 S 156th Street (map below)

COST: $40

INFO: Register by phone: 206-988-3700, or online at: www.burienparks.net, or by foot at the Burien Parks office at 425 SW 144th Street

Treat yourself by spending a day at Moshier learning how to make a beautiful vase out of clay! Right in time for Mother’s Day, but don’t worry, you don’t have to be a mom to take this class.

Bring your girlfriends and let Janet show you how to hand build and decorate your vase using texture, colorful slips and glazes.

On last day of the workshop, Mark, a professional florist, will demonstrate different types of arrangements and how you can create a unique and wonderful flower arrangement in your very own vase.

All supplies provided.

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