If Jean Wyatt gets her way, Sequim streets will look a little different.
Wyatt, who co-founded the Sequim Humanities and Arts Alliance with Dana Hyde, Joan Consani, Elaine Caldwell and Renne Brock-Richmond, hopes to bring the work of local artists to area public gardens, parks and roundabouts.
The Art in Public Places initiative is one of the ways the creators of SHAA, which was founded this past February, want to keep Sequim artists and the community closely tied to each other.
“I think it’s a good time for our organization to start,” Wyatt said. “The city seems to be very supportive and the residents are always so supportive.”
The first project for Art in Public Places is a small garden in the QFC parking lot, just in front of Staples. The women have put a call out to Sequim artists asking for proposals for five sculptures to go in the park.
“One of our goals is to create a community legacy that is inspiring, enduring and accessible to all,” reads the SHAA description. “Art in Public Places … is intended to enhance the beauty and appeal of Sequim to residents and visitors.” Although Wyatt said they first will see how successfully the garden sculptures work, the women have their eyes on several other locations including the roundabout near Costco, various parts of the Olympic Discovery Trail and the Bank of America Park.
Wyatt said that SHAA will provide a $500 stipend for each of the five sculptures that will go in the garden and the group is looking for donations from individuals and businesses to help ease the cost. The Sequim Community Foundation has given the group a grant for the project.
“I think this is fun for the artists and fun for the community,” Wyatt said. “What we’re looking for is a real marriage between the two.”
To submit a proposal or to become a sponsor, visit www.SequimArtsAlliance.org or e-mail info@SequimArtsAlliance.org.
The women have put a call out to Sequim artists asking for proposals for five sculptures to go in the park.