Three whimsical figures greet us here at the JUMs Sculpture. They stand tall and proud, inviting us into a world of imagination. JUMs, located at the Southwest Community Center in Seattle, isn’t your typical art piece. It’s an experience. Artist Ashley Thorner created these ten-foot-high sculptures in 2005. Thorner envisioned a fusion of jellyfish, umbrellas, and mushrooms, all iconic elements of the Northwest environment. Each sculpture boasts a stainless steel stem that rises to support a fiberglass cap, dotted with semi-transparent colored dots. The effect is mesmerizing. These colorful dots catch the light, creating a playful dance of color.
The JUMs Sculpture isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about community and diversity. Each sculpture is a different color, symbolizing individuality within a unified whole. Thorner aimed to create a sense of childlike wonder. She wanted viewers to feel small compared to these towering forms, invoking a touch of “Alice in Wonderland.” JUMs is a whimsical gateway to a world where imagination reigns supreme. The fiberglass caps seem to float above the stainless steel stems. They create an illusion of delicate weightlessness despite their considerable size. Thorner’s work invites us to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest through a fantastical lens. These aren’t just sculptures, they’re storytellers. They speak of a world where jellyfish drift through forests, umbrellas shield mushrooms from the rain, and the line between reality and fantasy blurs.
The JUMs Sculpture stands at the south entrance of the Southwest Community Center, a testament to the power of art to transform public spaces. Funded by the Seattle Parks and Recreation 1999 Community Center Levy 1% for Art funds, JUMs is a gift to the community, a constant reminder of the magic that exists within everyday life. So next time you’re at the Southwest Community Center, take a moment to appreciate the whimsical beauty of JUMs. Let these towering figures transport you to a world of imagination and wonder. Remember, art isn’t just something to be observed, it’s something to be experienced.