First Avenue Project
Artist
Jack Mackie
Artist
Paul Reinhart
Artist
Deborah Rhinehart
Artist
Buster Simpson
MediumConcrete, sandstone, trees
DimensionsVarious
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineSeattle City Light 1% for Art funds, National Endowment for the Arts, community block grants, donations by neighborhood merchants and individuals
Project History: In 1978, Buster Simpson, Jack Mackie, and Paul and Deborah Rhinehart began work on what Simpson describes as the "First Avenue laboratory" to provide seating and trees in the Belltown area of First Avenue. Initial support was provided by the local community council and area merchants, and in 1985 the team received funding from the Seattle Arts Commission's "Urban Artworks" project. "Urban Artworks" also funded artists Vito Acconci, Carl Chew, Alan Finkel, Buster Simpson, Paul Sutinen, and Bill Whipple to develop artwork proposals for sites of their own choosing in downtown Seattle. A second phase of this project was funded in 1988, and was completed in 1991.
Description: Purple plum trees mark bus stops, sandstone, and rough boulder benches benches to serve as rest stops, and grates designed to protect the trees' root systems.
Description: Purple plum trees mark bus stops, sandstone, and rough boulder benches benches to serve as rest stops, and grates designed to protect the trees' root systems.
Location: (multiple) Along First Ave from Pine Street to Denny Way
