Imagine peering through layers of glass. Into the Green Wood is not just an artwork. It’s an experience.
This multi-layered tempered laminated glass artwork incorporates silk-screened glass enamels. It is set within insulated glass units. The artwork is part of the architectural design. It appears in the front facade window. You can see it in the reading room. It is also visible in the study room windows of the Greenwood Branch Library.
“Into the Green Wood” was created in 2004 by Fernanda D’Agostino. It’s part of the Libraries for All project. Specifically, it enhances the Greenwood Branch. The library displays 13 panels of varying sizes. They range from 37 x 34 inches to 64 1/2 x 61 inches.
The Greenwood neighborhood has a unique history. It was once known as Woodland. This area was a bog. Building a neighborhood on a bog presented challenges. The city even deemed the soil unsuitable for construction in the early 1900s.
Despite these challenges, determined Seattleites made Greenwood home. The construction of the Seattle-Everett Interurban Railway in 1906 helped. The streetcar ran along Greenwood Avenue. This brought more people and businesses. A “Miracle Mile” was established.
In 2009, Greenwood faced arson fires. One fire destroyed several businesses. In 2016, a natural gas leak caused an explosion. It damaged buildings.
The Greenwood Branch Library has been a vital part of the neighborhood since 1928. The current building was completed in 2005. It was renovated in 2017. “Into the Green Wood” enhances the library’s atmosphere.
The artwork’s location in the Greenwood Branch Library is significant. The library stands on land that was once part of a boggy area. The Greenwood neighborhood overcame geological challenges. It transformed into a thriving community.
Consider the layers of history. The bog, the railway, the fires, and the artwork. “Into the Green Wood” captures Greenwood’s essence. It’s a reminder of the neighborhood’s resilience. The artwork reflects the community’s growth. It blends art, history, and architecture. It is a fitting tribute to Greenwood.