The Seattle Channel had a fascinating feature last night on internationally known Seattle artist Alden Mason, who designed the whimsical artwork for the entryway columns at the 6th Ave. NW Pocket Park (the locals simply call it “Our Park”) at the corner of NW 76th St. in Lower Phinney/Greenwood.
Our Park was completed in the spring of 2005. A number of local artists donated their time and expertise to the project, including Stephen McClelland, who put Mason’s designs into concrete form and who has his own studio across the street from the park.
The hour-long Seattle Channel show chronicles the 88-year-old Ballard resident’s life from an early desire to be an entomologist to his long career as a UW professor and his foray into the New York arts scene. The Seattle P.I. also had a great article about him earlier this year, detailing the large community of neighbors and younger artists who help the ailing Mason with various chores and drive him around.
The Seattle Channel feature on Mason will be shown again tonight at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m.
