Project

Preston Singletary and David Franklin, Raven's Escape

The Lumiere Group invited Tlingit artist Preston Singletary and sculptor David Franklin to create a sculptural wayfinding component to welcome visitors to Microsoft’s new campus. Extending from the roadway to the pedestrian area and executed in Singletary’s signature interpretation of Northwest formline style, the artwork consists of six ravens mounted on three vertical poles. Coordinating installation was key in the midst of one of the largest active construction sites in Western Washington.

Details

Location:
Redmond, WA
Project Type:
Outdoor Sculpture Commission
Client:
Microsoft Corporation
Services Provided:
Collections Stewardship, Curatorial Guidance, Project Management and Logistics

Highlights

  • Collaborated with the artist team to communicate the client’s vision for the finished artwork to the construction teams and created a plan for implementation  

 

  • Adhered to a detailed workback schedule and coordinated with the artist, engineers, and construction managers 

 

  • Worked on the ground at all phases of planning and installation to ensure site preparation, coordinate safe and efficient delivery of artwork, and oversee artwork installation  

 

  • Educated stakeholders about external site construction and the array of risks and dependencies related to a large site-specific artwork commission 

Overview

Microsoft tasked The Lumiere Group with curating and coordinating a three-dimensional outdoor sculpture. Understanding the challenges of external sculpture in new construction, The Lumiere Group provided the client with a selection of qualified and experienced artists. With their design of a three-part monumental outdoor sculpture, frequent collaborators Preston Singletary and David Franklin designed an artwork that met the client’s need for an illuminated wayfinding component.  

Our team ensured that all contracting mapped to fluctuating installation timelines, adjusting artist milestones as needed. We adhered to the client’s budget and worked with stakeholders from multiple industries to ensure successful installation and secure the long-term care and maintenance of this asset. Throughout the project, we worked alongside engineers, electricians, landscape designers, general contractors, and equipment coordinators to deliver the first artwork for a new campus which will be enjoyed by employees, clients, and the public for years to come.  

Raven’s Escape connects Preston Singletary’s cultural heritage and unique vision to the broader community. David Franklin’s expertise and experience with public art installations ensured that the final design was fabricated and installed as intended. Lit from within, these Raven figures exemplify Singletary’s signature interpretation of Northwest Coast formline style, leading visitors from one side of campus to another across a pedestrian bridge.  

"Working with The Lumiere Group has been a great experience. Their professionalism, great communication and insight made navigating all levels of a major construction project seem seamless and easy. Any artist or client would be in good hands with The Lumiere Group."
- David Franklin, Artist
  • 1/5: Concept model of artwork by Preston Singletary and David Franklin, courtesy of the artists and the Microsoft Art Collection.
  • 2/5: Artist team member preparing Raven for installation, courtesy of the artists and the Microsoft Art Collection.
  • 3/5: Three Ravens installed, courtesy of the artists and the Microsoft Art Collection.
  • 4/5: Three Ravens at dawn's light, courtesy of the artists and the Microsoft Art Collection.
  • 5/5: Three Ravens illuminated at night, courtesy of the artists and the Microsoft Art Collection.

Next Project:

Canadian Headquarters

Toronto, Canada | Mural Commission and Artwork Acquisition

The Lumiere Group was tasked with featuring artists from across all provinces of Canada for Microsoft’s premier Canadian operations hub, in particular artworks created by First Nations and Indigenous artists. We worked with artists who employed an array of media and materials, and the featured artwork is a brilliant mural incorporating elements of both traditional and industrial design by Mi’kmaq artist Jordan Bennett. 

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