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

  • Project Managers drove participation of stakeholders, adhering to a detailed workback schedule and coordinating with the artist, engineers, and construction managers.
  • Curatorial and Collection experts collaborated with the artist team to communicate the client’s vision for the finished artwork to the construction teams and create a plan for implementation.
  • Logistics team worked on the ground at all phases of planning and installation to ensure site preparedness, coordinate safe and efficient delivery of artwork, and oversee artwork installation.
  • Team focused on educating stakeholders about external site construction and the array of risks and dependencies related to a large site-specific artwork commission.

Overview

Frequent collaborators Preston Singletary and David Franklin met the client’s goal for an illuminated wayfinding component with their design of a three-part monumental outdoor sculpture. Visible from many vantage points, the theme of Raven 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.

Understanding the challenges of external sculpture in new construction, The Lumiere Group provided the client with a selection of artists who had strong qualifications and experience to fulfill the conceptual and practical needs of the project. Our Registrar concentrated on ensuring all contracting mapped to changing installation timelines and related Artist milestones. Nuanced communication was required in order to adhere to the client’s fixed budget. The Project Management and Logistics team worked with an array of stakeholders from multiple industries and roles to ensure successful installation and secure the long-term care and maintenance of this asset. Throughout the project, members of The Lumiere Group worked alongside engineers, electricians, landscape designers, general contractors, and equipment coordinators to deliver the first artwork for this new campus that will be enjoyed by countless people for years to come.

"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.

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