Kirkland Unveils Pandemic-Inspired Art Installation

KIRKLAND, WA — Kirkland's Park Lane is home to a brand new, four-piece art series, funding by King County's COVID-19 Response Fund and two grants from 4Culture. The pieces were created by Angie Hinojos Yusuf and Carlos Jimenez, two Mexican-American artists, and meant to "tell the story of hope, strength and resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic."

In a news release, the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission chose Park Line to showcase the city's journey from being the first epicenter of COVID-19 to becoming the "epicenter of resilience."

The new installation was unanimously approved by the Kirkland City Council earlier this year.

"This series tells our story beautifully, through vivid colors and inspiring symbolism, while embracing diversity and inclusivity," Councilmember Kelli Curtis said. "We invite you to explore this dynamic exhibit and hope that you live it as much as we do."

The sculptures can be found along Park Lane outside the Starbucks, Cactus Restaurant, Zeeks Pizza and Beijing O'Chef. All four pieces are eight feet tall, and each one meant to reflect the groups most impacted by the pandemic.

From the city:

• The message of Life is portrayed by a masked woman meant to represent the beauty of life.
• Care is the image of a farmworker that represents our state’s Latino essential workers who ensure that healthy food is on our tables even in a pandemic.
• Hope is represented by the new generation, to remind us to work toward a better future.
• Wisdom is represented by a senior citizen to remind us of the value and experience that seniors can offer in these difficult times.

The artwork will remain in place for the next two months.