Artwork copyright Béatrice Coron. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Artwork copyright Béatrice Coron. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Artwork copyright Béatrice Coron. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Artwork copyright Béatrice Coron. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Artwork copyright Béatrice Coron. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Béatrice Coron. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Artwork copyright Béatrice Coron. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Artwork copyright Béatrice Coron. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Artwork copyright Béatrice Coron. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Artwork copyright Béatrice Coron. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Artwork copyright Béatrice Coron. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Roots and Wings, 2019

Béatrice Coron
(American, born 1956)

Location: Jemtegaard Middle School and Columbia River Gorge Elementary, Washougal

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Roots and Wings are laser-cut wall sculptures created by artist Béatrice Coron. They are located in the central courtyard shared by Jemtegaard Middle School and Columbia River Gorge Elementary School.

Roots and Wings is comprised of three stainless steel panels and three small butterfly children. The panels show imaginary scenes that include local history and iconic landmarks. The artwork celebrates growing up in Washougal and the nearby Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, in Southwestern Washington. It focuses on the strong relationships between students and the unspoiled nature all around them. The local art selection committee wanted an artwork that would express the interconnectedness between their students, school, nature, and the community.

Coron notes, "Setting strong roots in the beautiful Columbia gorge, children grow wings through their education that will take them wherever they want to go."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

New York City-based artist Béatrice Coron creates papercuts, artist books, illustrations, and public artworks. Her work tell elaborate stories using cut silhouettes. She notes, "I stage narrative allegories in silhouette to create a dialogue with the viewer in playful fantasies."
Born and raised in France, Coron studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts of Lyon. She lived in Taiwan, Mexico, and Egypt before moving to New York in 1985. Her works are represented in the collections of international museums and libraries. These include the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.