RACC Press Releases
September 16, 2005
Public Art Dedication
Sullivan’s Gulch Neighborhood
September 24 th , 2005
The Sullivan’s Gulch Neighborhood Association will host a dedication for a new public art sculpture at NE 16th & Weidler on Saturday, September 24th, beginning at 3:00 p.m. “Street Twig,” a 14-ft. high forged steel sculpture by Whidbey Island based artists Nick Lyle and Jean Whitesavage is based on the big leaf maple tree found in the Sullivan’s Gulch neighborhood.
“The ‘Street Twig’ is a wonderful articulation of what makes the Gulch special,” says Harrion Pettit, Co-Chair of the Sullivan’s Gulch Neighborhood Association. “The Gulch” neighborhood exemplifies the celebrated livability of Portland; a historic, tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly, & diverse neighborhood with a dynamic commercial element. NE Broadway to the North, I-84 to the South, 33rd to the East and 13th to the West, frames this vibrant inner city neighborhood. With the termination of all through streets at 28th, the Gulch exists a bit “off the grid” and residents like it that way.
The neighborhood contracted with the Regional Arts & Culture Council to manage the selection process. The art selection committee, made up of neighborhood residents and local artists, was impressed with the elegance and timeless quality of the proposed sculpture and the artists’ impeccable craftsmanship as they turned forged steel into beautifully formed "vegetation". It’s no surprise that the artist’s work reflects the natural world as Jean Whitesavage is an avid and creative gardener.
Background
The sculpture was funded by money from Lloyd Center LP (involved in the development of the Marriott Residence Inn), which gave SGNA funds to be used for neighborhood signage in lieu of the neighborhood not contesting the modification of a zone change that eliminated the requirement for constructing a pathway along the backside of their property. The funds covered expenses for sign toppers, the artist selection process and fabrication as well as future maintenance. The sculpture will become part of the City’s public art collection and the Regional Arts & Culture Council will take over maintenance responsibilities.
Through vision, leadership and service the Regional Arts
& Culture Council works to integrate arts and culture in all aspects of
community life.
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Jeff Hawthorne
Director of Community Affairs
503.823.5258
jhawthorne@racc.org
Mary Bauer
Communications Associate
503.823.5426
mbauer@racc.org
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