02/16/2026
Sunnyshore Studio's Artistic Director, Jason Dorsey, facilitated the work of this panel made up of members of the Stanwood-Camano area. Out of a total of 17 proposals from local and national artists, we submitted four terrific proposals to the city council for an art installation for the new Depot Park near the train station in Stanwood.
The artist the city council chooses will be awarded 50K for the creation, fabrication, and installation of this artwork. This is part of a commendable effort by the City of Stanwood to integrate art into their city planning as part of their overall beautification effort.
In 2021 the Stanwood Camano Arts Advocacy Commission - SCAAC entered into the following Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the city's work with artists.
This Memorandum of Understanding is entered into by the City of Stanwood (City) and the Stanwood Camano Art Advocacy Commission (SCAAC) for the Purpose of Establishing a Partnership to Promote Art Projects in the City of Stanwood.
WHEREAS, the City of Stanwood adopted Resolution 2020-14, City Beautification Action Plan, on December 10, 2020;
WHEREAS, the City Beautification Action Plan consists of 6 key program elements: 72nd Avenue Gateway Signage and Landscaping, Main Street Revitalization, Downtown Gateway Features, SR 532 Beautification, Wayfinding Signage, and Public Art;
WHERAS, the City is also considering adopting a future Percent for the Arts Program which would be used to fund local public art projects;
WHEREAS, the City desires to work with local community artists and/or organizations implementing projects funded under the City Beautification and Percent for the Arts programs;
WHEREAS, the Stanwood Camano Art Advocacy Commission, a non-profit 501(c)(3), has the skills and organizational structure to manage public art design and installation projects;
WHEREAS, the Stanwood Camano Art Advocacy Commission membership consists of art experts who can provide guidance on public art policies as part of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan update;
WHEREAS, this partnership is intended to facilitate the efficient implementation of public art projects in the community, but does not obligate the City nor the Stanwood Camano Art Advocacy
Commission to specific projects; and
WHEREAS, a partnership between the City of Stanwood and the Stanwood Camano Art Advoсасу Commission is in the public interest as arts programs, pieces and education are integral to building a healthy community and business environment; and
WHEREAS, the City of Stanwood and the Stanwood Camano Arts Advocacy Commission mutually wish to enter into a partnership to implement the public art component of the City Beautification Action Plan, the Percent for the Arts Ordinance, and to provide support to the city in adopting its public arts policies.
Isn't it great that Stanwood is so serious about integrating art into it's beautification plan?
