Sculpture Presented to City by
Westlake-Westshore Arts Council
In the spring of 2007, the WWAC coordinated the lighting of the Balazs' sculpture, providing a dramatic night view. The dedication ceremony was held in July 2005, in the park-like setting, at the southwest corner of Hilliard and Dover Center. Balazs, an internationally known sculptor and a native son, was present to receive the applause of over 200 people, including Mayor Dennis Clough, other city officials and employees, Arts Council members, classmates from his Dover High School Class of ’46 and many interested residents. Prompted by the lack public art in the West Shore area, the Arts Council commissioned Balazs for this work to be presented to the City of Westlake. The installation of the sculpture on city property culminated three years of fundraising by the WWAC. Balazs has noted works of public art in the northwest in Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California. He is known for his bold style and ability to work in many media including metal, concrete, and enamel. Balazs' works include outdoor sculpture as well as work integrated into public buildings, churches and schools. With his charismatic personality, he is known for producing varied, visually striking works. Balazs has received many honors for his work. He has been named one of Washington’s “Living Treasures.” He was a featured artist in the year 2000 Henry Gallery exhibit, “What It Meant to be Modern.” Born in Westlake in 1928, Balazs graduated from Dover High School. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Washington State University in 1951. He and his wife Rosemary have worked together and raised their family in Mead, Washington. |
Bringing
the “Arts” to the Westlake/Westshore area, the mission and
a foremost concern of the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council, took a giant
leap forward in 2005 with the installation of a work of art designed
and executed by sculptor Harold Balazs. The piece is of brushed stainless
steel, 16 feet in diameter, on a 4 foot base.