New artwork in Shorecrest High School Commons

Art installation at Shorecrest
Photo by Jerry Pickard

"Wonders"by Portland artist Suzanne Lee was recently installed in the Commons area at Shorecrest High School as part of the Washington Art Commission's Art In Public Places (AIPP).

The Washington State Legislature established AIPP in 1974 to acquire artwork for K-12 public schools, colleges, universities, and state agencies, funded by 1/2 of 1 percent of the state's portion of construction costs on new public buildings.

One of three pieces at the Shorecrest Commons
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Shorecrest's "Wonders" is now one of more than 4,500 artworks in the State Art Collection sited where people study, work, and live.

A team representing Shorecrest, the district, and the City of Shoreline met over many months to develop artistic goals, review the work of dozens of artists, interview finalists, and ultimately select Mrs. Lee to create the special piece to become a part of the new school.

The artistic goals articulated by the team, prior to the selection of an artist or a concept, included: draw people in, something that will stretch, something that will last, something you can look at multiple times and see different things, something to appeal to a broad audience of students, staff and community.

"Wonders" is a metaphor for personal growth and transformation, reflecting the energy and potential of youth," said Lee.  "Like a drop of water on a still pond, our thoughts radiate out into the universe offering infinite possibilities."

Another view
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The artwork was delivered from Mrs. Lee's studio in Portland in thousands of pieces. She and a crew of three worked ten hour days through the winter break to reassemble the three parts of the artwork and attach them into the ceiling.

Polarized glass catches the light and changes colors when viewed from different angles on each piece. The three pieces form a triangle which is very eye catching as the sunlight comes in the south facing windows of the Commons.

A formal dedication ceremony will be coordinated with the State Arts Commission at a later time.