Artwork copyright Cecilia Alvarez. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Cecilia Alvarez. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Untitled (Exterior of Student Activities Center and Bookstore), 1994

Cecilia Alvarez
American (born 1950)

Location: Seattle Central College, Seattle

About the Artwork

Artist Cecilia Alvarez worked closely with the building's architects in her design of the outside cladding for Seattle Central College's Student Activities Center and Bookstore. Made from ceramic tiles, this outer layer of the buildings reference a Salish pattern used in basket weaving. Currently, only the tiles on the bookstore remain installed. Alvarez commented on the many design elements she created for the buildings: "The ethnic patterns symbolically reference the "weave" of cultures at the college, creating a beautiful fabric. The design phase offered much discussion on how to incorporate and reference the rich cultural history of the college and its environs… I researched embroidery and weave patterns from around the world and fantasized how these patterns could be incorporated in these mediums. One of the ideas I had presented to the design team, which was utilized, is the large Salish pattern on the tile envelope of the building."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Seattle Central College.

About the Artist

Cecilia Alvarez is a Seattle-based, Chicana artist. Her public art, murals, and installations take a direct, feminist look at issues of entitlement and equity in our society. Her work questions our social norms and sparks conversation about poverty, diversity, and social justice.
Alvarez has lived and worked in Washington state since 1975. She was born in California of Mexican and Cuban descent. Her work reflects the influences and perspectives of her heritage. Alvarez exhibits and lectures nationally. Her artworks are in the collections of Seattle Art Museum and The Mexican Museum in San Francisco, California.