Madrona Meeting

Description: When roadwork required the removal of a significant Madrone tree, the community wished to honor the tree with a public artwork. “Madrona Meeting” takes inspiration from the original tree as well as the area’s natural beauty and rich cultural history. Julia Harrison worked through ideas for the project by carving models from the tree’s wood, then translated these sketches into steel and concrete. The colors recall madrone tree bark while the birds are based on local species, but given simplified forms that allow a viewer’s imagination to add details. “Madrona Meeting” reminds the passerby of the importance –and the joy—of paying attention.

Location: Sacajawea Elementary Playground, 20th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 95th Street, Seattle WA