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Why there will be a crashed rocket ship in Cal Anderson: Park to become outdoor studio to 6 artists

Walking through the green space in Cal Anderson on any given day is already a interesting experience given the number of yoga posers, hipster families and sun bathers but come Sunday the park will feature even more displays of cool things to look at. MadArt In the Park, a program sponsored by the Seattle Parks Department, will transform Cal Anderson into an art studio and gallery for six weeks starting this Sunday for six emerging artists who will be creating site specific sculptures.


The concept model for Jason Puccinelli’s work

Each artist will draw on a different perspective to explain the world as they experience it, according to MadArt’s website.

Jason Puccinelli draws on the future, while Stephen Rock excavates the past.  Amy Johnson tells her story based on a folk tale and Justin Lytle envisions his moment as a bird that no longer can fly. Both Casey Curran and Alex Hayden reflect the earth from mirror- like vantage points. 

Beginning August 1, the six artists will spend two weeks constructing their art pieces, allowing community members to see the creative process in action. Bryan Ohno, MadArt director said the exhibit is meant to inspire curiosity in community members, to get them to ask questions. The exhibit will run until September 12 with the official kick off being August 12 when the artists complete their sculptures. The organization was also behind last year’s window art installation in Madison Park.

Casey Curran’s grass disk concept

“Cal Anderson is in the heart of Capitol Hill. It’s high density […] precisely what we were going for,” according to Ohno, who said MadArt originally planned on using a different park before the Parks Department suggested Cal Anderson. “We wanted to bring art to the community.”

Other events offered at the exhibit will include free film screenings from IndieFlix in their “Film Festival in a Box.” Park goers will be able to view four short films at the August 12 kick off party and then vote for their favorite via text message.

Meanwhile, the art program backed by Sound Transit to bring interesting displays to the giant red sound wall surrounding the light rail construction area continues nearby.

Also, don’t forget that Friday night is the second edition of the Blonde But Not Forgotten outdoor movies in Cal Anderson Park. The Legend of Billie Jean screens at sundown.

The point of mad art, according to founder Alison Milliman, is to bring art into our lives in unexpected ways. So, don’t be alarmed if you see a giant albatross being erected in the park. Cal Anderson has just gone a bit “mad” for awhile.

After you’ve checked out the concepts for the participating artists and how they “experience” the world, maybe you can add a few ideas to the comments for art that represents how you “experience” it.

A map reveals where the artists will be creating and displaying their art pieces.

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Fandango
Fandango
13 years ago

Jason Puccinelli is a bad ass! Im excited to see his new work.

Mike with curls
Mike with curls
13 years ago

Community art in the magnifico Cal Anderson Park …. can it get any better? Perfect time of real summer ….

Keep it going, more, more.