Shoreline's Public Art Coordinator retires

Ros Bird with a Piano Time piano
at Shoreline city hall
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

By Dick Deal, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

For the past seven years Ros Bird has served as Public Arts Coordinator for the City of Shoreline. After announcing her retirement in July of this year, Ms. Bird completed her service to the City on Wednesday, October 15.

As a part time employee with a limited budget she has been the organizational force behind the creation of the City’s current public art collection. Over the years, she has worked with numerous artists to place over twenty works of art in parks and other public spaces such as the Interurban Trail bridges over 155th and Aurora Avenue.

Ms. Bird introduced the City to popular art experiences such as Piano Time, Arts al Fresco, and the Sculpture Stroll. She has also coordinated the placement of numerous  temporary art displays at the Gallery at City Hall, From the Ground Up art exhibits, and much more. Ms. Bird has been a tireless advocate for local artists, recognizing their value to the community and finding ways for them to share their craft with us.

"I continue to be amazed at Ros’s enthusiasm and knowledge of so many art forms," commented City Manager Debbie Tarry.  "From gallery art to art incorporated into major capital projects, and creative artist efforts like Piano Time, Ros has brought inspiring art to Shoreline."

In addition to what you see and enjoy, Ros has served on panels with a variety of local organizations for art selections in public buildings and facilities throughout our community.  In many ways, some big and some small, she has played a role in almost all of the public art pieces in our City.

"As Mayor and a former member of the Park Board, I have had the pleasure of working with Ros and seeing first hand her efforts to bring the arts to our community," stated Mayor Shari Winstead.  "We have been blessed to have her working is Shoreline for so many years and I wish her the best in retirement.”

Guided by the Park Board who has oversight of Shoreline’s public art fund, Ros has made limited resources stretch a long way.  Her seventeen years as Executive Director for the Shoreline / Lake Forest Park Arts Council prior to her seven years as Public Arts Coordinator for the City of Shoreline equal nearly a quarter century of impact in our City.  We wish Ros well in retirement, and hope she feels a deep sense of satisfaction knowing the City of Shoreline has been profoundly enriched through the gift of art through her efforts.

The City will be seeking to fill the Public Art Coordinator position with a qualified professional who can continue the good work already begun.