The Seattle public art installation is scheduled for completion this summer in Cal Anderson Park and adjacent plaza
The AMP: AIDS Memorial Pathway, a Seattle-based public arts installation designed to take visitors through an emotional and historic journey related to the AIDS epidemic in Washington state from the early 1980s to today, announced today the scheduled installation of artworks We’re Already Here and Ribbon of Light in Cal Anderson Park from April 26 to May 31. The installations will be at the north edge of Cal Anderson Park. Construction fencing will temporarily surround two areas in the park to allow for the permanent installation of the art.
“It’s exciting that the years of planning and design by the artists are finally nearing completion, with the guidance of the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture,” said Jason Plourde, project manager for The AMP. “The artworks, and the themes of The AMP will bring even more meaning and community connections to this special public park.”
The final sculptures that are part of We’re Already Here by Civilization will be placed in the northeast corner of the park near the Chinese Scholar tree. The pieces will be similar to the protest sign groupings already installed in the adjacent plaza. The larger area in the northeast edge of the park is where Ribbon of Light by Horatio Hung-Yan Law will be installed. This work includes a series of three illuminated, laminated glass sculptures that will be placed along a landscaped pathway adjacent to the main trail of the park. The artwork is inspired by the words of poets impacted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and represent pieces of the sky that have fallen to the ground. They will create a quiet space for communal mourning and personal contemplation.
“We’re excited for the completion of The AMP and the recognition it brings to the heritage of this public convergence space,” says Don Blakeney and Taha Ebrahimi, co-chairs of the Cal Anderson Park Alliance (CAPA). “As we work with community stakeholders to ensure a vibrant, activated and welcoming Cal Anderson Park for all, this memorial will be a big part of that.”
Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 , is named for the first openly gay Washington State elected official. A decorated US army veteran, Cal was a passionate advocate for social justice. He led the fight for laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation while serving in our State House of Representatives and Senate. He died of AIDS in 1995.
The contractors working on the site for both artworks are Green Tech Excavation Company and Ashford Electric & Construction Co. The AMP is funded by community partners, public funds and private donations including the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, Seattle Parks & Recreation, and Seattle Public Utilities. The outdoor artworks of The AMP will be incorporated into The City of Seattle’s Civic Art Collection.
More information on each of the artists can be found at theamp.org.