Luther Burbank Park is a Mercer Island gem. Over a year ago, I wrote a grant proposing a plan to enhance the Luther Burbank Park Playground using mosaic installations to beautify the concrete structures that remained in the newly renovated playground. The old concrete walls seem drab in the context of the colorful organic shapes in the new play structures. I planned the project working with Seattle artist Jose Orantes. We have worked together on numerous Artist-in-Residence programs for children in Mercer Island Schools.
Mosaic art is a medium that is timeless and lasting, even in our Northwest climate. Our mosaic designs draw from the natural elements of Luther Burbank Park and the Pacific Northwest to enhance the existing play area. We feel confident that our design and process will address this goal and enhance the Luther Burbank Park playground by transforming some of the existing concrete structures in the park into works of art to be enjoyed by park visitors of all ages.
This project also includes an artist-in-residence component. José Orantes and I will lead mosaic workshops so Mercer Island students can create mosaics that will contribute to their community.
–Sandy
This project is possible because of the Mercer Island Arts Council, 1% for the Arts fund from the Mercer Island City Council. A grant from the Mercer Island Community Fund and a private donation is also helping to fund additional hands-on workshops for Mercer Island students in Grades 3 – 6.
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