Skip to content

Local Art Installation “Cranes” Lights Up Westlake Park

The artwork intends to highlight the change that's taking place in our city

By Kasee Bailey September 15, 2016

Cranes-horizontal-Seattle-Magazine

Occidental Park isn’t the only downtown spot showing off its artistic side.

Debuted this week, a new art piece in Westlake Park showcases a dozen 11-foot “cranes” that boast neon colors at night.

The cranes, which will be up until early November, are the work of artist Julia Chamberlain, who wanted an artistic way to showcase the visible change taking place in the city.

 

“There’s so much development downtown, it’s a conversation piece for visitors throughout the year,” says James Sido, senior manager of media relations for the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA), which is the organization also behind the gorgeous glowing art in Pioneer Square. “This is another way to remind people that we’re growing.”

Early last year, the DSA initiated efforts to activate the city’s downtown parks, adding furniture, games and local art installations. Since last year, it has featured about 20 exhibits, featuring the work of local artists, including both student artists and established names. 

Follow Us

A New Year of Influence

A New Year of Influence

Seattle magazine’s Most Influential list kicks off 2026 with leaders across the city.

New year, new issue! As we kick off 2026, Seattle magazine is proud to present this year’s cohort of the Most Influential list, which showcases local leaders in politics, philanthropy, arts, hospitality, and business. Determined, creative, empathetic, humble, and bold are just a few of the words you’ll see describing them—each one has achieved great…

The Queen of the Seattle World’s Fair

The Queen of the Seattle World’s Fair

With a fur coat and gold Cadillac, Gracie Hansen struck a figure. Her business savvy and whip-smart humor made her a star.

In 1960, a group of well-attired men from the Seattle World’s Fair planning committee gathered in a downtown office. With the fair only two years away, people were starting to pitch their business ideas and on this day, some lady wanted to meet with them to do the same. At the scheduled time, the door…

Cookies From Home

Cookies From Home

Seattle author Kat Lieu introduces a first-of-its-kind cookbook centered on Asian cookies.

Kat Lieu has built a career out of baking, storytelling, and standing up for what she believes in. A former doctor of physical therapy turned bestselling cookbook author, she’s based in Seattle, is the founder of the online community Subtle Asian Baking and is the author of Modern Asian Baking at Home, a book that…

Photo Essay: The Relief of the Moment

Photo Essay: The Relief of the Moment

Words and photography by Nick Ward.

Photography tricks my ADHD brain into doing something borderline miraculous: It allows me to focus on exactly one thing at a time. When I press the shutter and hear that lovely little ka-chunk, the inner chatter winks out. I feel oddly connected to the moment by being outside it, observing through the frame instead of…