Public Art

A dynamic, multicolored geometric sculpture evokes a great bird's expansive wings.

Explore more than 60 works of art in the public art collection!

Mercer Island's robust public art collection is an important avenue for engaging the community with arts, culture, and creativity. The collection features more than 60 two-dimensional and three-dimensional works. Venture outdoors to be inspired by one of the many outdoor sculptures in the collection, or stop by a public building to take in a painting or small sculpture.

We collaborate with the Mercer Island Arts Council, artists, other City staff, and the public to create high-quality works that will enrich the lives of Islanders and preserve notable creative expression. Many works in the collection have been acquired through the Mercer Island's "1% for Art in Public Places" fund, which is funding set aside from public construction projects, as well as through public donations. 

 

Two colorful tile mosaics depict scenes from Mercer Island and Seattle life, installed on a concrete wall in a park playground.

Public Art Restoration: Mosaic Murals at Luther Burbank Park

In summer 2024, the Mosaic Murals installation at Luther Burbank Park will be restored by local artist Sandy Glass. The installation is an Art in Public Places (AIPP) project completed in 2016 as part of the Luther Burbank Park playground replacement. It was created by Glass and José Orantes in collaboration with Mercer Island students and community volunteers and features four individual mosaics:

  • Birds in Flight – 38’x5’ glass tile mosaic installed on the concrete wall adjacent to the Luther Burbank play area, sport courts, and restrooms
  • Soaring – 25’x14” glass tile border installed in the play area on the low concrete wall between the slides and climbing platform
  • Flight of the Butterflies – Two 6’x3’ glass tile mosaics installed on the concrete corner wall at the far end of the play area (under the picnic table area)

The 2024 restoration effort includes repairing the expansion joints and a damaged section of Birds in Flight as well as replacing damaged elements of Soaring and Flight of the Butterflies. Work begins in July with the mosaics inside the playground area, then moves to outside the playground in August. Some playground areas will be closed during restoration, and signage will be posted on-site to alert the closures. Learn more about the creation of the mosaics here. 

A totem-like bird carved from yellow cedar emerges from the forest along a path in a green open space.

Public Art Story Map

Discover all works of art in Mercer Island’s public art collection with our Public Art Story Map! Find an artwork pinned on the map and learn details such as the materials it’s made from and how the City acquired it. Many pins also include links to STQRY, a free mobile platform that connects you to arts and culture in your area. This project expands access to the City’s robust public art collection and provides another avenue to engage community members with arts, culture, and creativity.

A black and white QR code outlined by the phrase Get the story

STQRY Mobile Platform

Get the "story" about sculptures in the Greta Hackett Outdoor Sculpture Gallery and public artworks on Mercer Island by downloading STQRY, a free mobile platform used by cultural organizations across the globe. 

To engage with art on the Island, find the City of Mercer Island in the app or on your desktop, and click on the "Stories" tab. View more than 30 art stories at any time, or use your app to scan an artwork's QR code when out exploring the collection. We add new entries periodically, so check back soon for more information about your favorite works of art!

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