Auburn’s Sculpture Gallery to feature seven outdoor art pieces

Something’s happening on and around Main Street, a little urban chic, some artistic pizazz. Seven loaned outdoor sculptures have been installed on and around Main Street as part of the City’s Downtown Sculpture Gallery. “Roadrunner” is the current frontrunner in Auburn’s Downtown Sculpture Gallery People’s Choice vote. The sculpture, by artist Dan Klennert, stands in front of Harold’s Plumbing on the corner of Main Street & B Street SW.

November 23, 2012 4:25 pm
Lin Rebolini McJunkin installs her sculpture 'Riparian Totem
Lin Rebolini McJunkin installs her sculpture 'Riparian Totem

Something’s happening on and around Main Street, a little urban chic, some artistic pizazz.

Seven loaned outdoor sculptures have been installed on and around Main Street as part of the City’s Downtown Sculpture Gallery.

“Roadrunner” is the current frontrunner in Auburn’s Downtown Sculpture Gallery People’s Choice vote. The sculpture, by artist Dan Klennert, stands in front of Harold’s Plumbing on the corner of Main Street & B Street SW.

Other pieces are Tree of Life by Kris Vermeer (1st St. NE & N. Division), Eagle Song by Leo Osborne (A St. SW & Main St.–To be installed on November 21.), Turtle Island Puget Sound (B St. NE & Main St.), Riparian Totem by Lin Rebolini McJunkin (B St. NE & Main St.), Chakra by Kenneth Hall (Auburn Way South and Main Street), and House with Round Windows by Nicky Falkenhayn (A Street SE & Main Street).

“Ask any of the artists,” said Klennert, “we’re thrilled to be able to show our sculptures in Auburn and I’m particularly happy to share Roadrunner with the community.” Klennert breathed life into the iconic bird using found objects like old tractor seats, chainsaw bars, blades for old wood planers and an old pick for the bird’s beak.

“It’s a wonderful program that showcases incredible talent and helps to bring attention not only to the art but also to Auburn’s historic downtown,” said Maija McKnight, the City’s Arts Coordinator. “All of the pieces are loaned to the Gallery and the pedestals were funded through a state revitalization program.”

The Auburn Sculpture Gallery’s opening dedication and reception is at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 26, 2012 at the Auburn Avenue Theatre. The free event is open to the public and will include remarks by Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis, a short film that will showcase the artists, and a sculpture walk with five of the seven featured artists — Lin Rebolini McJunkin, Kris Vermeer, Kenneth Hall, Dan Klennert, and Leo E. Osborne.

Ballots for the People’s Choice and additional information and photos of each of the sculptures can be found in the lobby of Auburn City Hall or online at www.auburnwa.gov/sculpture.

Roadrunner by Dan Klennert is one of seven outdoor sculptures that will be displayed throughout the year as part of Auburn’s new Downtown Sculpture Gallery.