Tacoma Artist’s Work Chosen For New Shadle Park Library

Nine fused glass panels will reflect color and light, depicting Shadle places, people and activities when they are installed this fall at the new Shadle Branch Library.

Tacoma artist Mike Juetten’s proposal was selected from 16 projects. Nearly $20,000 is available to design, build and install the artwork under the city’s policy of including art in new buildings.

Juetten is a retired construction supervisor in Tacoma and a lifelong art lover.

His original passion was photography. Now he divides his time between two studios, one for pottery, one for glass.

Juetten said the moment he walked into the large, bright Shadle Library with its clerestory space, he knew it would be perfect for fused glass. He said he is honored to create the design for the branch.

“The highest compliment is to be selected and have your work installed in a public place such as a library. There is no greater compliment,” he said.

Juetten is especially interested in faces molded in glass. Five of the nine panels will feature three-dimensional faces representing various ethnic groups and cultures.

“When I create public artwork, I like it to be enjoyed by everybody. If someone is blind, they can feel the textures and shape,” he said.

The fused glass faces are especially unique.

“I think I’m the only one who does it,” said Juetten.

Colors in the panels will complement the soft, natural shades of the library. The colored glass, when hit by light, looks almost metallic, he said.

Several factors are considered in selecting an artist, including artistic merit, the artist’s proven ability to produce the projects, and the cost of maintaining the work.

Juetten has created commissioned pieces for offices and homes. One of his favorites featured glass fish.

The glass panels for Shadle will be mounted in steel frames 2 feet by 6 feet. Four panels will be installed in the clerestory area, four more in the north facing bay windows, and one in the children’s area.

The panels are scheduled to be installed in October.

“I do the work for people to enjoy it,” said Juetten.

Art selection for the Indian Trail Branch Library, now under construction, will begin in June.

, DataTimes