Seattle's most popular piece of public art, Waiting for the Interurban, is cast in recycled…read morealuminum and depicts six people waiting for a train that never comes. Occasionally locals will lovingly decorate the people in outfits corresponding to a special event, the weather, someone's birthday, a Mariners win - whatever. Check out the human face on the dog; it's Armen Stepanian, once Fremont's honorary mayor, who made the mistake of objecting to the sculpture. In 1979 sculptor Richard Beyer created Seattle's most popular interactive artwork. It commemorates the light rail Interurban line that used to connect downtown Seattle with all of its neighborhoods. The piece depicts five people under a shelter and a curious dog, with a human face. About the Dog: Rumor has it that the face on the dog is that of another local legend, Arman Napoleon Stepanian. He was the unofficial Mayor of Fremont in the early years and the "Christopher Columbus" of curbside recycling. Arman's tireless activism and "dogged" persistence pioneered Seattle's highly successful recycling program that has now been copied nationwide.

Often, as I would pass by, my head would turn and I would wonder, what's that? Then, I would get…read moredistracted and forget until it happened again a week later. I've seen some fantastic decorations over the years and must admit that personally, I've only been up close about 3 times even though I'm in Fremont much more than that. I often tend to be across the way on the Peet's side of the street. This review was prompted because I was in Fremont last week (surprise) and for some reason, I felt like having a look. Okay, I lied, I was going over yonder to peer into the windows of the frozen custard shop (they were closed, thankfully, since my lactose intolerance would seek vengeance against me if they were open). Fine. The truth comes out. Wherever I live, I'm always a bit of a tourist at heart. I've heard people say that it's hard to get a picture because of traffic. True, during certain times but the traffic coming that way is fairly well timed so long as it isn't during peak hours. After all these years, I'm still waiting to catch people decorating. I never have. I still have something to look forward to.

Went to Bainbridge Island recently, we thought to come check out one of the troll statues around…read morethe Seattle area. We haven't seen this one so it was on our list while in the area. We took the ferry to come over from Seattle, we did not bring our car. It's about a 1.5 +/- mile walk from the ferry terminal, with some internet searching we were able to find one of the trailhead entrances, follow the loop trail then find Pia. It's just beyond one of the main parking lots. If you end up by the tennis courts, you've gone too far. Walking back to the main downtown strip area is about another 1.5 miles. When we got there, luckily no one was there, we had the place to ourselves for a while to get some photos, and check it out at our own pace. It's pretty cool to see, worth coming by when on Bainbridge Island. I believe this is my 4th troll statue I've seen in the Seattle area.

Pia the Peacekeeper, the 18-foot giant troll sculpture on Bainbridge Island by Danish artist Thomas…read moreDambo, took approximately seven days to two weeks to make. She was so cool to see, this is our second troll to visit while being in this beautiful state! We decided to spend our last day experiencing the ferry ride and go across to Bainbridge and enjoy the afternoon and grab lunch and visit Pea. Such a went quaint little town look forward to visiting again.

Why, Seattle? [Seattle WA]…read more The walkable Fremont neighborhood of Seattle has many artworks in easily visible outdoor settings including this statue of Vladimir Lenin located just west of Fremont Avenue. His larger-than-life statue looks over N 36th Street... can't miss it (intersection of Fremont Place North and Evanston Avenue North) Not sure if there was one but I did not see a bronze marker with a description about the statue. I did see an interpretive sign that explained about a man named Lewis Carpenter who wanted to preserve the statue (toppled during the 1989 revolution) and brought it back to his home in Issaquah... I suppose that's how it made it to a Seattle neighborhood. The statue is privately owned. The statue had some graffiti written on it and, also, a thick coating of bright red paint covered his open hand. Also, he hasn't stopped celebrating Halloween as he still has a pumpkin over his head ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Review #3621

Sort of an oddity, yet a landmark in the Fremont area. The Lenin Statue has an interesting history…read more The statue is of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, a Russian revolutionary infamous for causing much strife in the then Soviet Union. The Lenin Statue is subject to being made into a canvass for events around the year in the city as well just plain old vandalism, it isn't surprising seeing as it isn't someone to be readily idolized. The statue was made in the late 80's by a Slovakian sculptor by the name of Emil Venkov as part of a competition. Lenin was likely a figurehead at the time, so he was the subject. The statue was toppled soon after and was purchased by an Entrepeneur. A few years later, and about $30,000 shorter the statue was in Seattle. The statue changed hands at the untimely death of that Entrepeneur and went to the hands of the Fremont Chamber, ideally until a buyer was interested. (It's a headscratcher as to who would by that personally.) The property the Lenin Statue is on is privately owned and therefore it's private property. Hard to miss traversing through the main streets of Fremont the plaque near the statue reads "to serve as a reminder of an important historical period." These words presently and will continue to be very true.

I don't want to say that I was staying in a weird neighborhood while I was in Seattle, but being…read morejust over a mile away from the Bettie Page House left me no other option one early morning than to head out by wheelchair to check it out. Smack dab in the middle of Seattle's worst heatwave ever, I can still easily say it was worth the effort for a glimpse of this private residence that features an 18' Bettie Page and even more recently has added the one and only Divine. The house is located in the Ravenna district adjacent to the University District (where I was staying). Commissioned by the owner in 2006, the artwork has been vandalized once (it came back better than ever) and has been threatened by the city at one point with $100 daily fines. because of the "graffiti" on the home. Of course, no fine ever happened and Bettie Page is still alongside the home's exterior wall. Interestingly enough, the home is right across the street from a Mormon Temple. Bettie is adorned with her usual black panties and thigh-highs, a gutter conveniently crosses her chest area. The house is a little tricky to get to, though the mural is easily visible from I-5 near the 65th Street exit. As this is a private home, there is no "admission." Essentially, this is public art visible from a sidewalk or street. If you're in the Seattle area, it's definitely worth checking out and most likely a "must see" for true Bettie Page (or Divine) fans.

Add this to your list Roadside America…read more We've been to the usual Space Needle, Pike's Place Market but, if you're up for something new and unusual --- this is it. Welcome to the Bettie Page and Drag Queen Divine house! After driving around the area that Google Maps told us it was without finding it; we realized it might be across the damn freeway. So, might want to consider that if you haven't found it lol

Erasmus is the official guardian of Renton and a beloved local landmark with its own photo op…read moremarker so you can get the best shot with the dragon. I love the history of this statue, and the nod to all things whimsical, fantastical, and nerdy. If you look closely, you'll see quite a few dragon themed signs and window decor throughout the city. Once a year - usually in April, this is also the meeting spot for the annual Dragon's Landing Celebtation, where the street is closed off for a festival celebrating all things dragons and fantasy themed. There is also a fun all ages dragons egg treasure hunt during the festival.

Erasmus the Rooftop Dragon is a sculpture that is in downtown, Renton, WA. I didn't even know of…read moreit's existence until I was in downtown making a few other stops down there when I came across it. After looking it up a bit more this sculpture changes color in it's eyes and mouth and also has the capability of breathing smoke. This sculpture made it's reveal in 2019 and I am a little bit surprised it hasn't gotten a Yelp entry yet as it turns up in the Roadside America website, Instagram as well as well. I believe the name of the artist is John B. This attraction is free as you come across it and can see it from the public sidewalk and therefore you can see it anytime of the day or night. The town of Renton is very proud of their dragon sculpture and it certainly is an impressive one. But I am not biased at all in the matter despite being madly in love with dragons. lol!

This was a fun find and part of an art installation of 5 throughout WA and one in Portland…read more This is on Maury Island, connected to Vashon Island if you're doing some island hopping while in WA. You'll find Oscar next to the parking lot for the light house, another amazing attraction done by the beach. Before walking down to the beach, head to the left side and follow the path to the troll. Once you find him, you'll need to wait patiently as others will be taking lots of pictures with this art installation. While waiting, you can walk around and follow the path. Again, this is just one of six art installations in our family is looking forward to our next visit in visiting all the other trolls. Highly recommend as this is free other than the ferry ride to the island. The family especially the kids are going to love this little adventure.

Oscar the Bird King is probably my favorite troll that I have visited so far. It is a bit of an…read moreadventure to see him. I took the car ferry from Point Defiance to Vashon Island and a 20 minute drive later I finally got to see him. He is not far from the parking lot and just a short walk to get to him. He is whimsical and magical. Sitting on his throne and reaching out to touch those that come to visit him. I sat on the benches in his courtyard and was just in awe of Oscar. He is a King indeed.

My hubs and I drive through Olympic Manor 3-4 times every holiday season to see the lights and…read moredecorations. It's been a holiday tradition for us for 15+ years. Some of the residents do a fantastic job while some put up nothing or hardly anything. It's okay. You can't get 100% participation. We really appreciate the neighbors that do get into the spirit and it's a fun, free way to celebrate the Christmas and Hanukkah season.

Went see the holiday lights and did it on the night of Christmas Day to avoid the crowds leading up…read moreto the holiday. This neighborhood just north of Ballard does a great job with some houses going all out decked in lights and decorations!

Get a picture in front of this popular work of public art. In Pike Place Market there's lots to see…read morebut this is one of the best highlights. Rachel The Pig is considered the market's mascot. Actually was designed based on a real pig the artist knew. The sculpture is a piggy bank and you can actually put money in her, which is used to fund the market and services. Cool history. It was designed by Georgia Gerber and dedicated in 1986. This was to celebrate the market's birthday, and the sculpture is based on a real pig that was a prize winner. Bronze footprints are in front. There's a plaque that says it's the "Market Foundation Piggy Bank," and another one that says the money is donated to local human service organizations. Statue is a life size depiction of a sow, and weighs about 550 pounds, so it's heavy. The statue is always crowded, so it's hard to get good pictures. Has a pretty interesting story about it. It's located in the main entrance after the big sign. The sculpture is in front of the famous fish tossers.

Rachel the Pig has been at Pike Place Market since 1986. She stands nearby the fish market famous…read morefor throwing their fish to entertain the tourists. Also, she is by the top of the steps leading down to the Post Alley Gum Wall. So, prime Market Place real estate. You may be interested to know she is the creation of artist Georgia Gerber who has several animal sculptures in the Seattle area. You may also be interested to know Rachel had a cousin, Billie, 25 years younger and located in the newer section, Marketfront Plaza. Bronze pig footprints in the floor helped raise construction funds and lead to Billie. Rachel is a fund raising champ for the Pike Market Foundation. Drop your loose change (or folded dollars) into Rachel's coin slot and support local social services provided by the Market Foundation. The Market foundation was founded in 1982 to save the market from demolition. They support their community and local farmers with initiatives to keep fresh produce costs accessible to those on a fixed budget. They also support a Senior Center, Child Care center, Food Bank and healthcare access through the fund raising efforts of Rachel and her cousin Billie. Stop by to give Rachel a pat and drop some loose change to support Pike Market and all it's community services. She very friendly. ;)