7th Annual Burien Public Art Walk-n-Talk

“Only through art can we emerge from ourselves and know what another person sees.”
– Marcel Proust

“There is a Whale Inside Me”, by Troy Pillow, 2010

In keeping with our summertime tradition, come join the 7th Annual Burien Public Art Walk-n-Talk on Sunday, August 4, as we begin the NINTH year (!) of our monthly walks.

A few years ago, the City of Burien’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, along with Burien’s Arts Commission, created a walking map and signage for 23 public art pieces around town. All walkers will receive a copy of this map, which we’ll follow to discover 20 of those art pieces.

We’ll add the art spaces at The Maverick Apartments and Merrill Gardens, which are curated in partnership with the City of Burien. (You can read more about the art spaces on the B-Town Blog HERE.)

At the end of the walk, you’re encouraged to take a stroll down “Art Alley” between SW 152nd and 153rd to see the current, very lively mural art there. Then why not stop into some of the local shops and restaurants for a drink and a bite?

Date: Sunday, August 4, 2019
Time: Meet-up at 2:00. Walking starts at 2:15.
Who: Walkers of every level and ability (dogs are welcome, too.)
Place: Meet at the Community Center Annex (Skate) Park,
at the northwest corner of SW 146th and 4th Ave. SW.
Walking Route: We will start at the Community Center Annex, walking from number 1 – 8, then to The Maverick and Merrill Gardens, then on to 9 – 20. As we come back around through town, we’ll walk through “Art Alley” between SW 152nd and 153rd Streets, from 6th Ave. to 4th Ave.
Distance: About 1.75 miles, round trip, mostly flat with sidewalks.

I had a pleasant time on this walk and discovered art in Burien that I hadn’t known about since living in the area beginning in 1992. Where are we heading on the next walk? – Rick

What is Public Art in Burien?

It stands tall on a pedestal at your side, adds pattern and color to a painted wall and is embedded in the floor at your feet. Art is creative expression made visible through metal, glass, paint, paper, concrete… any material available to the artist.

Explore this community in a different way. Art is everywhere… sculptures, murals, carvings… but also artist-designed floors, windows, water features and more. Think about what “ART” means to you as you wander through Burien. Do you see pattern in a stack of tires, or texture in the natural landscape? How is your life enriched by the art around you?

“Windvane Kiosk”, by Jim Garrett, 2004 (Stop and see how many faces you can count in this sculpture!)

“Dancer” by Philip Levine, 1979

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE MAP HERE

The City of Burien made a commitment in 1998 to bring art to the community with its 1% for Art Program. Similar to municipal projects around the country, 1% of selected city project costs are set aside to be used on public art projects. The Burien Arts Commission is a volunteer advisory board appointed by the City Council that has the responsibility to recommend artworks that can expand a viewer’s visual experience.

For further information about the artists, materials and artwork, as well as additional photos, please visit the Burien Public Art web site: