"Ember 2" by Karen Sixkiller selected for Percival Plinth Project Peoples' Choice Award
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Each year, the plinths at Percival Landing host a new selection of loaned sculptures by local & regional artists. Annually, the first month of the Percival Plinth Project exhibition is dedicated to a public vote to determine the winner of the Peoples' Choice Award, which is a purchase prize. The vote took place the month of July, through the City platform Engage Olympia. On September 10, 2024, Olympia City Council approved the purchase of Ember 2 by Karen Sixkiller, a seven foot tall sculpture of bronze and steel, as determined by public vote.
Of the sculpture Ember 2, the artist notes:
"This realistic bronze spider peers from a steel web. A red crystal sphere rests in the pot on her back, representing the legendary fire she brought to the mainland in the Cherokee traditional stories. The sculpture is designed to allow light through the red crystal orb from multiple angles and the back as in a set gem, adding interest and pop to the sculpture from all viewing angles. Often called, 'Grandmother Spider,' she is a reminder of the importance of 'the small;' to recognize and respect everyone in our community. "
Comments submitted by the public with their vote for Ember 2 include:
- "I love the story of the tiny spider bringing fire to humans. The red gem is beautiful and it shows how every creature has something to gift the world."
- "Because it's absolutely gorgeous, but also water & fire, and I love the inclusion of art by First Peoples."
- "I like how the red orb illuminates in the light and I appreciate all the things spiders do for us."
- "Clean, thought-provoking design which seems to convey a philosophy with which I relate. Well executed by a known talented artist."
Following its year-long exhibition on Percival Landing, the sculpture will move to City Hall for one year, and then out into the community.
Visit Ember 2 and the 2024-2025 project sculptures, on display on Percival Landing now until June 2025.
Application is now open for the 2025-2026 Percival Plinth Project. Information and application at the link below.
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Contact
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager
Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation
360.709.2678
[email protected]
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