By Tatevik Aprikyan

Acknowledging the art in the everyday life of the Eastsider, we take a look at four of the 12 art installations at The Bellevue Collection. More than just art, these pieces show the vibrancy of the city and reflect the essence of the Pacific Northwest while adding beauty to Bellevue.

Bellevue Portholes
Wood work by artist Steve Jensen

Jensen comes from a long tradition of Norwegian fishermen whose chisels for carvings have been passed down from generation to generation. The inspiration behind Jensen’s art is derived from the experiences and landscapes he encounters. In addition to creating intriguing pieces, the wood Jensen uses for his carvings are always fallen trees or unused material. In 2008 Jensen was commissioned by The Bellevue Collection to create a third porthole to complete the Bellevue Portholes piece.

Location: Bellevue Way at the Bellevue Square’s Fountain Court.

End of Day Chandelier

Glass work by artist Dale Chihuly

This piece was originally one large piece but was reworked to be made into what appears as three cohesive works. Born in Tacoma,  and a graduate of the UW, Chihuly studied the art of glass in Wisconsin, Venice and at the Rhode Island School of Design before he returned to Stanwood and founded the Pilchuck Glass School. Chihuly’s work is world renowned with his largest permanent exhibit is a the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and his two main retail stores at the MGM and Bellagio hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.

Location: Located at the atrium of Lincoln Square, this piece was installed as part of the Bellevue Collection art in 2006.

Full Circle

Wood work by artist Anna Hanson

The carving wraps around the centerpiece of the fireplace in The Lodge at Bellevue Square. The design concept was to create a waterfowl rising into flight. It is carved in four large pieces that hang from pegs in on each side of the fireplace. Hansen carved this piece from a log weighing between 5,000 – 6,000 pounds. She spent more than six months carving the piece in her studio in Gibsons, B.C. It was then shipped to Bellevue. Hansen is the granddaughter of Dudley Carter, who carved the Forest Diety, located in Bellevue Square Mall. This piece also represents the full circle history of art from one generation to the next.

Location: Located above the Lodge fireplace at at Bellevue Square.

Endless Celebration

Bronze work by artist Gesso Cocteau

This 51-foot sculpture is made of 3,000 pounds of cast bronze and 2,000 pounds of structural steel. It was created by California-based artist Gesso Cocteau who made this piece especially for the city of Bellevue. The name, Endless Celebration, comes from evoking celebratory emotions, the spirit of romanticism and joy. Cocteau said her piece is perfect for Bellevue because it reflects the city’s vibrant lifestyle.

Location: At the Southwest entrance to Bellevue Place at the corner of NE 8th Street and Bellevue Way.