Public art unveiled at Union Ridge

Ridgefield — New public art was dedicated at Union Ridge Elementary School on Oct. 7. The art was designed by Garth Edwards, a Washington-based artist, who was picked for the project by a committee made up of Ridgefield community members, teachers and school district administrators. The committee worked with Edwards throughout the last year-plus to refine the design. The art portrays flying birds and animals on tree branches. Funding for the art project came from “percent-for-art” funds from the state’s Art in Public Places program through the Washington State Arts Commission. The program allocates one-half of 1 percent of the state’s portion of the cost of new construction at state agencies and public schools be used to acquire artwork for the state. Union Ridge qualified for the program, along with South Ridge Elementary School. The art project at South Ridge is still being installed.