Artwork copyright Tom Otterness. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Hans J. Matschukat.
Artwork copyright Tom Otterness. Photo by Toni Johnson.
Artwork copyright Tom Otterness. Photo by Toni Johnson (detail).
Artwork copyright Tom Otterness. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Hans J. Matschukat.
Artwork copyright Tom Otterness. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Hans J. Matschukat.
Opening Day, 2010
Tom Otterness
(American, born 1952)
Location: City of Connell, Connell
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Tom Otterness' "Wild Life" series consists of six whimsical, bronze sculptural groups. They invite passersby to join the animals and tiny people at picnic tables along the town's main streets. They are spread around the small, rural town of Connell (population just over 5,000), in Central Washington. Opening Day shows two hunters (a large fox and a small man) and a quail having a friendly coffee before opening day starts. A place is set at the table for visitors. Otterness says that "The sculptures commemorate and reflect on small town life. Animals from the surrounding countryside have come to Columbia Street to interact with people in their everyday activities."
The artist also created a Wild Life Coloring Book that invites children (of all ages) to write stories about and draw pictures of their favorite sculptures by Otterness. It is linked below under "Lesson Plans and Documents" as a PDF.
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of Corrections and City of Connell.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Tom Otterness is a Brooklyn-based sculptor known for his cartoonish animals and imaginary characters. The sculptures are often grouped together into small scenes and visual stories.
Otterness’s artworks are installed in public spaces around the world, including several playgrounds. In the United States, you may have seen his sculptures at the Cleveland Public Library, New York City subway stations (14th Street and 8th Avenue), Phoenix Convention Center, San Francisco General Hospital, Wichita Art Museum, and more. His art is also found in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Guggenheim Museum, among many others.
ARTWORK DETAILS
| Material Category | Sculpture - coated metals |
| Medium | Bronze, cast concrete, and stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 38 in x 66 in x 66 in (overall) |
| ID Number | WSAC2007.052.00F |
| Acquisition Method | Site responsive commission |
| Artist Location | New York, United States |
Location Information
| Agency | City of Connell |
| Artwork Location | City of Connell South Columbia Ave., Between Fir and Gum streets, In front of MandM Motel |
| WA County | Franklin |
| Placement | Exterior |
| Site Type | Other |
| Address | City Center Connell, WA 99326 |
| Geo. Coordinates | 46.653358, -118.861207 |
| Before Visiting | Some artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access. |
| Map |
Lesson Plans and Documents
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