(360) 943-5001 - Fax (360) 586-6838 - 415 Tumwater Blvd. SW - Tumwater, WA 98501
Reference & Information line: 704-INFO (360-704-4636) in Olympia area or toll-free 1-800-562-6022.
TRL Web site: http://www.trlib.org

Media Contacts: Christine Peck, Community Librarian, Aberdeen Timberland Library: (360) 533-2360; or Leanne Ingle, TRL Communications Specialist: (877) 284-6237, ext. 2508.

Celebrate new public art at dedication & reception

Saturday, September 24, the Aberdeen Timberland Library, the Friends of the Aberdeen Timberland Library, and the City of Aberdeen are hosting a dedication and reception to celebrate Illumination, the new, already much-loved bronze sculpture by Gerard Tsutakawa, as well as the library’s attractive new 16-space parking site.

The dedication begins at 11 a.m. in the new parking area at “I” and Wishkah Streets. Aberdeen Mayor Dorothy Voege will start the celebration with a tribute to Kathryn N. Sherk whose bequest, through the Grays Harbor Community Foundation Kathryn N. Sherk Fund, paid for the project, a magnificent gift to the community. Remarks by Tsutakawa and leaders from Timberland library and the Grays Harbor Community Foundation will follow.

At 11:30 a reception will be held in the library so that the community can meet the artist and enjoy music and refreshments. Local pianist Glory Choe will play music featuring the illuminating themes of sun, stars, light, and twilight. Models and photos of Gerard Tsutakawa’s recent and past public artwork, fountains and sculptures will be on display in the Bowers Family display cases near the front entry of the library.

Background

The site enhancement is the outcome of the vision of the Aberdeen Library Board to add—not just a parking lot—but something really special for Aberdeen, said Aberdeen Community Librarian, Chris Peck. The Board wanted something appealing for both pedestrians and drivers.

The Aberdeen Timberland Library Board and staff joined with community members who were working with the City of Aberdeen to improve sidewalks and lighting in downtown. They added landscaping and structural elements as well as color panels to an adjoining wall. “And most spectacular of all, they commissioned Illumination by Gerard Tsutakawa,” said Peck.

Tsutakawa, in his proposal for Illumination, explained the symbolic aspect of the sculpture: “Libraries promote reading and books offer access to a limitless world of ideas and knowledge of human experience: every corner of the world, every aspect of human existence; arts, literature, philosophy, history, commerce. Exposure to new concepts illuminates our minds and spirits. What better symbol for a library than the universal symbol of illumination, the Sun.”

For more information, people are welcome to call the Aberdeen Timberland Library at 533-2360.

About Gerald Tsutakawa & Illuminations

Gerald Tsutakawa is a metal and wood sculptor who has produced commissioned work in many public spaces in the Northwest and the U.S. His work is shown throughout the world. His most famous work locally is the bronze sculpture, Mitt, at Safeco Field. Tsutakawa has also taught and volunteered for many years. He lives in Seattle.

The Illumination sculpture:

• The bronze is 8 feet-6 inches tall; 9 feet-3 inches wide; and 2 feet deep at its deepest.
• The sculpture’s sun shape has nine points and rests on two of them.
• A 5 foot-6 inch-diameter inside circle invites people to sit within.
• To echo the sun setting in the ocean, the patina is tinted in red tones at the top, transitioning to golden tones, then blue-grey tones at the bottom.
• The hollow, 2,000-pound sculpture is filled with sand, which absorbs heat to make the sculpture safe to touch; keeps condensation from forming inside; and strengthens the sculpture with mass.
• Tsutakawa and his assistants installed the sculpture on July 19.

Summary of Saturday’s Program:

11 a.m. Dedication Ceremony

Welcome & Tribute to Kathryn N. Sherk:
Dorothy Voege, Mayor, City of Aberdeen

Remarks:
Jo-Ann Andrews, Timberland Regional Library Board Trustee
Erik Sandgren, Aberdeen Timberland Library Board Member
Bob Preble, Grays Harbor Community Foundation Board Member
Gerard Tsutakawa, Sculptor

Acknowledgements & Recognition:
Christine Peck, Community Librarian, Aberdeen Timberland Library

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Reception

• Meet artist Gerard Tsutakawa
• Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Aberdeen Timberland Library
• Music by local pianist Glory Choe
• Display: maquettes and photos of Gerard Tsutakawa’s recent and past public artwork, fountains and sculptures

List of contributors and others involved in the site enhancement project:

Funded by:
Kathryn N. Sherk Bequest, administered by Grays Harbor Community Foundation

• Site construction and enhancement: $270,000
• Illuminations sculpture: $45,000

Additional contributions by:
Target Zero Pedestrian Safety Grant – Corner bulb-out
City of Aberdeen Public Works Department – Parking lot signs
Foster Painting Company, Aberdeen, Washington – Parking lot striping
Bob Basich Family – Bench

Architects and Landscape Design:
Will Foster and Tom Rieger of Street, Lundgren & Foster
Gerald Mertl of Gerald G. Mertl Landscape Design & Construction

General Contractor:
Rognlin’s, Inc., Aberdeen, Washington

Sub Contractors:
Campbell Electric, Aberdeen, Washington
Lakeside Industries, Aberdeen, Washington
Root Paint Company, Hoquiam, Washington
Caliber Concrete Construction, Milton, Washington
K & A Masonry, Tenino, Washington
Smith & Losli Sheet Metal, Aberdeen, Washington

Wall Alteration Project:
Coyle Construction, Aberdeen, Washington

Aberdeen Timberland Library Board:
Robert M. Wiggins, President
Lori Berken
Dick Goodwin
Erik Sandgren
Eileen Schermer

Library Sculpture Review Committee:
Erik Sandgren, Aberdeen Library Board
Lori Berken, Aberdeen Library Board
Bob Preble, Grays Harbor Community Foundation
Annette Pinckney, Friends of the Aberdeen Timberland Library
Judy Fectzo, Aberdeen Revitalization Movement

Revised 09/20/05