Our Projects.
UP for Arts began in 2000 with a small group of volunteers interested in bringing public art to University Place. Our partnership with the City of University Place has resulted in several bronze sculptures including “Sharing” by John Jewell, “The Eagles’ Nest” by Douglas Granum and “One Step Ahead” by Georgia Gerber. In May, 2015 “Between Sea and Sky” by Michelle Gutlove was installed in the Civic/Library Atrium. A dynamic colored glass sculpture celebrating the light and native plants of the Pacific Northwest, brings changing colors, shadows and patterns every time visitors come to the atrium. In May, 2020 "Forever Friends" was installed in the Curran Apple Orchard. In recognition of the orchard’s 25 th anniversary as a community park, UP for Arts thought it was fitting to commission a sculpture to honor the orchard’s ongoing legacy to our community. Although the official dedication for “Forever Friends” has been delayed due to Covid 19 concerns, people can visit the sculpture which is visible from Grandview Drive near the central gate.
Our ongoing projects include a seasonal music and art series started in 2011. Designed to feature local performing and visual artists, our series has included classical opera, ballet, Swedish fiddle, one act plays, acrylic, glass and wood artists, and so much more!
This an exciting time to be involved with UP for Arts!
Forever Friends
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In honor of the orchard’s 25th anniversary as a park, UP for Arts commissioned a life-sized bronze sculpture of a little girl offering an apple to a horse entitled “Forever Friends” by artist John Jewell.
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The life-size bronze sculpture of a young girl offering an apple to a horse represents the deep connection between our rural past and our hope for the future. It not only triggers memories of the early days in University Place but looks forward to the new memories yet to be made.
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Installed May 2020
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Grand Piano
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To help support the arts in University Place, UP for Arts raised money for and gifted a grand piano to the city to be permanently located in the Civic/Library building atrium.
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Installed January 2017
Between Sea and Sky
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"Between Sea and Sky" is a dynamic colored glass sculpture celebrating the light and native plants of the Pacific Northwest. Visitors will discover changing colors, shadows and patterns every time they visit the atrium.
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Created by nationally renowned Artist Michele Gutlove, this dynamic artwork will enhance the atrium, creating an intriguing gathering place and destination in the city.
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Installed May 2015.
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One Step Ahead
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Visitors strolling through the Market Square Plaza in downtown University Plaza are greeted by a whimsical four and a half foot bronze duck.
The duck was created in honor of Terry D. Reim, a long time UP resident who was
instrumental in the Duck Parade, former Farmer’s Market and other community activities. Renowned Northwest sculptor Georgia Gerber was selected to create the commissioned work which is displayed in the Market Square Plaza.
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Installed October 2010.
Eagle's Nest
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Two eagles, perched atop boulders overlooking a cascading waterfall and seasonal vegetation, greets visitors to University Place. This eye-catching landmark will serve as a dramatic gateway into the City’s Town Center.
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Created by Douglas Granum.
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Installed February 2007.
Sharing
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Sharing was UP for Arts first piece of public art.
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Created by John Jewell.
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Installed
