In
1979 sculptor Richard Beyer created Seattle's most popular interactive
artwork. It commemorates the light rail Interurban line that used
to connect downtown Seattle with all of its neighborhoods. The piece
depicts five people under a shelter and a curious dog, with a human
face.
Wildly
Popular
Made
from cast aluminum, the statue has attracted the imagination, mischief
and creativity of hundreds of neighbors each year.
The Interurban has hosted costumes, displays and "art attacks" celebrating
everything from weddings, birthdays, bon voyages, congratulations,
I-love-you's, memorials, good times and friendships to popular causes,
and demonstrations. This continuous stream of interactive genius
has made the Interurban Fremont's most recognizable landmark and
a symbol of the fun and creative energy for which the neighborhood
has become famous.
Celebrate
Fun, Art, and make a little local history
Now
anyone can get in on the cheese. The only rule is no commercial
messages and everyone cleans up when their display
is done. Send a photo of your Interurban creation or drop it by
History House- down the street at 790 N. 34th St. 98103. Include
your name (for credit) and details. And if it's one of the more
imaginative examples, we'll showcase your creative genius on the
nearby information kiosk or here on the web.
About
the Artist Richard
Beyer is a prolific sculptor whose works are well known and widely
exhibited. Sponsored by the Fremont Arts Council, Beyer's intention
was to make this a public artwork that could be utilized, photographed
and enjoyed for any purpose. Richard lives in rural Pateros, in
eastern Washington.
About
the Dog
Rumor
has it that the face on the dog is that of another local legend,
Arman Napoleon Stepanian. He was the unofficial Mayor of Fremont
in the early years and the "Christopher Columbus" of curbside recycling.
Arman's tireless activism and "dogged" persistence pioneered Seattle's
highly successful recycling program that has now been copied nationwide.
year.
The Interurban has hosted costumes, displays and "art attacks" celebrating
everything from weddings, birthdays, bon voyages, congratulations,
I-love-you's, memorials, good times and friendships to popular causes,
and demonstrations. This continuous stream of interactive genius
has made the Interurban Fremont's most recognizable landmark and
a symbol of the fun and creative energy for which the neighborhood
has become famous.
is done. Send a photo of your Interurban creation or drop it by
History House- down the street at 790 N. 34th St. 98103. Include
your name (for credit) and details. And if it's one of the more
imaginative examples, we'll showcase your creative genius on the
nearby information kiosk or here on the web.
Richard
Beyer is a prolific sculptor whose works are well known and widely
exhibited. Sponsored by the Fremont Arts Council, Beyer's intention
was to make this a public artwork that could be utilized, photographed
and enjoyed for any purpose. Richard lives in rural Pateros, in
eastern Washington.