Arts commission working on Clyde Alley sculpture park

Beautifying Clyde Alley, the pedestrian walkway from Third to Second street, has emerged as a top priority for the Langley Arts Commission.

Beautifying Clyde Alley, the pedestrian walkway from Third to Second street, has emerged as a top priority for the Langley Arts Commission.

Chairman Frank Rose presented the group’s plans for the area during a semiannual report at Monday night’s city council meeting. The commission is already seeking applications for the construction and installation of an archway near the Third Street parking lot behind Langley Village.

In addition to the archway, the arts commission has set in motion plans to put in at least two and up to four sculptures in the immediate area. Rose said the group received an anonymous $5,000 donation to pay for the pedestals, and was in discussions with a private property owner for room for an additional pair of pedestals.

Two already exist as part of the city’s pursuit of public art on the Second Street plaza.

Also in the Clyde Alley area, the arts commission reached an agreement with Gary Piper, who owns the Piper Building, to have a mural painted on its rear wall facing Third Street. Rose said a Native American-inspired design will be painted there.

That would join a much smaller mural that was created by artist Emily Moore and installed on the side wall of Callahan’s Firehouse. The building is next to the alley, which is bracketed by The Braeburn Restaurant on the other side.