DORI MONSON

Your tax dollars at work: Art for a garbage dump

Feb 5, 2013, 12:32 PM | Updated: Feb 6, 2013, 12:31 pm

Brandi Kruse investigated a listener’s tip to the Dori Monson Show that the new state-of-the-art Seattle Public Utilities transfer station that was scheduled to open last year was still under construction.

Brandi shared her exclusive story update with Dori, and she also shared this photo of art paid for by the city that was built and installed at the new transfer station.

The artwork, titled “Cool Bear”, was made from refrigerator doors collected at the transfer station by local artist Steve Appleton. The bear stands over 15 feet high and 25 feet long. The City of Seattle art project description says Cool Bear is a temporary display.

Calandra Childers, a spokesperson from the Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs stated that it cost $30,000. She also said that the Cool Bear may or may not be temporary.

“To clarify, this has been sited at the North Transfer Station and will remain there until construction begins,” said Childers in an email. “It’s possible that it may become a permanent work at the new transfer station but we just can’t guarantee that until construction is farther along. Because we can’t guarantee that it is permanent, we’re calling it temporary for now.”

The City of Seattle describes the project:

As part of his Phase I – Residency and Temporary Artwork Project, Appleton will construct a free-standing Cool Bear polar bear sculpture created from waste brought to the transfer station. Made from recycled refrigerator doors, the Cool Bear sculpture points out ironically through its use of materials the relationship between consumption, manufacturing, waste and recycling, and its impact on nature. The dimensions of the water-jet cut and stack constructed bear will measure 14-19′ in height and 25′ in length. The Cool Bear will be sited in the grassy knoll in the NE corner of the transfer station, and will be clearly visible to visitors when they enter and exit the facility. The location and size of the sculpture will also allow the surrounding neighborhood to get a partial view the double-sided refrigerator door bear.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Your tax dollars at work: Art for a garbage dump