Project is the signature art piece for Riverfront Park redevelopment
311 or 509.755.2489
Friday, May 5, 2023 at 9:48 a.m.
Spokane, Wash. – Join Spokane Parks & Recreation and Spokane Arts as we cut the ribbon on Stepwell, the signature art piece for the redevelopment of Riverfront Park, on Saturday May 6 at 11 a.m.
The event includes remarks from artist J. Meejin Yoon of Höweler + Yoon, and representatives from the Spokane Park Board and Spokane Arts. Local poet Laura Read will share a poem, and there will be live music by King Jazz Quartet. Light refreshments will be served from Three Birdies Bakery, Beacon Hill Catering, and Cheeky Cookie Company. The event is free.
Video links from Spokane Arts: Putting on the final touches and Meejin’s inspiration
"We're thrilled to see Stepwell come to fruition," said Parks and Recreation director Garrett Jones. “Meejin is known for creating interactive art that reflects a community, and this beautiful Expo '74-inspired piece certainly lives up to that reputation. We can't wait for the public to be able to see, touch, and explore this new artwork."
“This sculpture is truly one of a kind,” said Spokane Arts executive director Melissa Huggins. “It’s comprised of 68 individual pieces of wood, both hand-carved and machined, precisely engineered to fit together like a puzzle. The beauty and complexity of the structure is remarkable.”
Stepwell is an interactive wood sculpture inspired by the Expo environmental theme, logo, and Riverfront’s topography. It is located just north of the Providence Playscape, and accessible off the main Howard Street Promenade that runs north/south through the park.
The Riverfront Park redevelopment bond allocated $500,000 for a signature piece and an art plan for the park. The budget for art represents 1% of the total bond, a public art allocation that is required by the city for similar projects. The total cost of Stepwell is $583,000, covered by voter-approved bond funds with in-kind support from Spokane Arts, the City of Spokane, Höweler + Yoon Architecture, and Quarra Stone.
About City of Spokane Parks & Recreation
City of Spokane Parks and Recreation stewards nearly 120 properties across 4,000 acres of park land, including manicured parks, natural lands, aquatic centers, golf courses, sports complexes, and an arboretum. We also offer hundreds of recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities to improve the health and quality of life for our community. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting spokaneparks.org. Follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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The City of Choice
509.625.6200
parks@spokanecity.org
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
