Artwork copyright Clark Wiegman. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Clark Wiegman. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Clark Wiegman. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Clark Wiegman. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Key Grove, 1990

Clark Wiegman
American (born 1960)

Location: Franklin High School, Seattle

About the Artwork

Artist Clark Wiegman's Key Grove sculptural installation was inspired by Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, as well as a writer, scientist, and inventor). The installation is comprised of nine larger-than-life keys. He modeled the sculptures after 18th century barrel keys like those Benjamin Franklin could have used in his experiments with electricity. Describing the ideas that Key Grove can "unlock," Wiegman asks the viewer to think about keys as symbols for discovery. He notes, "Keys to language, learning and education reside just beneath the surface. Writers utilize key words and phrases. Musicians play in a certain key or on keyboards. Artists work with keys to color and composition." In 2012, the installation was "yarn bombed" by students and teachers to surprise the school's principal. Wiegman loved this imaginative engagement with the sculptures.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Seattle Public Schools.

About the Artist

Clark Wiegman creates artworks for public spaces. His works respond to their surrounding culture and environment, and focus on collaborative placemaking. They include temporary projects, sound and light installations, and sculptures made from a variety of materials. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and art from Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1983.