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Auburn BenchMarks

Logo BenchMarks is a community art program through the City of Auburn Arts Division which aims to build community pride and get people engaged in creating art.  The City of Auburn, in partnership with the Green River College Carpentry Division, provide benches for this recurring temporary art project. BenchMarks asks local community groups to paint, carve or otherwise artistically transform plain wooden  benches into works of sit-able art.  The benches are unveiled each summer at the City’s 4th of July Festival at Les Gove Park. Following the festival the benches are distributed throughout the community in parks, along sidewalks and in neighborhoods where people gather.

Bench

For more information about the BenchMarks program, contact us at [email protected].

The Green River College Carpentry Department fabricated the wooden benches.

Current Bench Inventory:

BenchBench by: Auburn Riverside High School Auburn School District Faculty Gina Sandland and Chris Miller          

Sit upon larger than life pencils to ponder the real meaning of art, there is even a handy cup holder for your beverage!
2019: Sunset Park - 1420 69th St.SE, Auburn, WA

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Bench by: Kiwanis Club of Auburn Afternoon
Lead artist: Mary Ellen Bowers

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time.
2019: Auburn Community and Event Center -
910 Ninth St. SE, Auburn WA

BenchBench by: Interurban Center for the Arts
with Maple Lawn Elementary          

The Interurban Center for the Arts (ICA) helps local schools bring monthly arts appreciation classes to students.
2019: Game Farm Park - 3030 R St. SE, Auburn WA

BenchBench byAuburn Mountainview High School
Auburn School District Faculty Cary Davidson

Splattered colored paint is the backdrop for inspirational sayings from figures throughout history in this bench by Mountainview High School students.
2019: Lea Hill Park - 31693 124th Ave. SE, Auburn, WA

BenchBench bySee Ya Later Foundation
Lead artist: John Curry

The "See Ya Later" Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was inspired by 12 year-old Scott Banke, who died of cancer. His courage and zest for life motivates the mission of the Foundation: Inspiring Youth ~ Encouraging Families.
2019: Roegner Park - 601 Oravetz Road SE, Auburn, WA

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Bench: Thank you Veterans
Lead artist: Suzy Fountaine

In honor of our brave Veterans!

2019: Veterans Memorial Park - 405 E St. NE, Auburn, WA

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Bench by:  White River Valley Museum
Lead artist: Rachael McAlister
Sandy has been a beloved figure in Auburn for over half a century. Originally sitting in front of Massey's supermarket on East Main Street, this ten cent ride delighted a generation of children. Sandy now resides in the White River Valley Museum (WRVM) and if you are not taller than her ears you can still enjoy a ride!
2019: Les Gove Park - 910 Ninth St. SE, Auburn
Bench Bench: Auburn's Historic Downtown
Lead artist: Michael Taskey

With inspiration taken from historic photos of Auburn’s historic main street artist Michael Taskey recreated a miniature main street. 
2019: Plaza across from City Hall -
S. Division St. and W. Main St., Auburn WA

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Bench by: Auburn Valley Humane Society

Created by the Auburn Valley Humane Society, this bench invites visitors to take a seat amongst four legged friends. Notice, that each of the pets are also licensed!

2019: Downtown Auburn -
East Main St. at D St. NE, Auburn WA

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Bench: The Auburn Food Bank
Lead artist: Mary Ellen Bowers

Olympic Middle School Builders Club participated in the painting of this bench.  Using a variety of iridescent paints, the landscape holds an overflowing basket of food, reminding the viewer that their donations to the Auburn Food Bank do make a difference.
2019: Auburn Golf Course - 29630 Green River Rd SE

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Bench by: Pacific Ballroom Dance

Dance!

When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor.  It's to enjoy each step along the way. 

2019: Auburn Library -
1102 Auburn Way South, Auburn WA

Valley Christian School BenchBench by: Valley Christian School

Created with input from the students at Valley Christian School.

2019: One Main Plaza -
E. Main St. and N. Division St., Auburn WA


Bench by Girl Scout Troop 40765Bench by: Auburn Girl Scout Troop 40765

New in 2019! Designed and created by members of Auburn Girl Scout Troop 40765. Sit and reflect on the beauty and bounty of the great outdoors.

2019: City Hall Plaza - 25 West Main, Auburn WA