ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Commenting on time and tradition, artist Gayle Bard created a variety of relief sculptures of students' faces, figures, and objects. The artwork was inspired by the history of Franklin High School, which opened in 1911 in Seattle's Mount Baker neighborhood. In the school's lobby, Bard included a reference to Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, as well as a writer, scientist, and inventor) after whom the school was named. She rescued one of the school's three original clocks and used it in the sculpture. One figure is setting her watch to the clock, and there are several references to time in the sculptures. Students were used as models for the sculptures' body casts. Bard notes, "All of the figures create the impression of emerging or receding into the school building, like ghosts who linger on throughout time and history." The artwork celebrates the continuity of collective memories and identities shared by Franklin students.
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Seattle School District.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Northwest artist Gayle Bard creates realist landscape paintings and three-dimensional works, synthesized into what the artist calls "painterly installations." She lives and works on Bainbridge Island, on Puget Sound, Western Washington.
ARTWORK DETAILS
Material Category | Sculpture - stone / ceramics / terracotta |
Medium | Hydro-stone relief sculptures |
Dimensions | Five parts, dimensions vary for each from 12 x 10 in to 5 x 13 ft |
ID Number | WSAC1989.047.001-005 |
Acquisition Method | Site responsive commission |
Artist Location | Washington, United States |
Location Information
Agency | Seattle Public Schools |
Artwork Location | Franklin High School Near lobby, stairwell, and drinking fountain |
WA County | King |
Placement | Interior |
Site Type | Public School |
Address | 3013 S. Mt. Baker Blvd Seattle, WA 98144 |
Geo. Coordinates | 47.576131, -122.292925 |
Before Visiting | Some artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access. |
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