Artwork copyright Ries Niemi. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Ries Niemi. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Ries Niemi. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Ries Niemi. Photo courtesy of the artist.

BirdBooks, part 2, 2010

Ries Niemi
American (born 1955)

Location: Coupeville Middle/High School, Coupeville

About the Artwork

BirdBooks, part 2 by Ries Niemi is part of a six-part artwork that portrays books as animated, curious birds. The sculptures remind young readers that books can come alive in our imaginations, making ideas take flight. The BirdBooks are scattered around the school, in unexpected places and often up high, so you do not see them all at once – discovering them is part of the artwork. Each BirdBook is unique and different from the others. The long, curved bench is shaped like the nearby shoreline and is one of two benches that are also part of the artwork.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Coupeville School District.

About the Artist

Artist and craftsman Ries Niemi creates sculptures and public installations using industrial fabrication techniques and industrial materials such as metal, wood, and plastics. He lives and works in the small town of Bow, Northwestern Washington.