Submitted by City of Olympia
“Olympia Oyster” by Colleen R. Cotey is the winner of the 2015 Percival Plinth Project People’s Choice Award, and will be purchased by the City of Olympia following exhibition on Percival Landing.
From July 31 to August 31, the public was asked to vote for which of the 15 loaned sculptures along Percival Landing they believed should be purchased by the City for permanent display. Of the 426 votes cast, Olympia Oyster received 116. Great Catch by Marilyn Murch came in as runner up with 57 votes, with The Gardener by Louise McDowell holding third with 46 votes.
Comments regarding why Olympia Oyster appealed to voters included the significance of its iconic theme and appreciation for the simplicity and elegance in its design.
City Council approved the purchase on September 22, 2015.
All remaining sculptures will remain on display until Spring 2016. Following the exhibition they will be returned to their artists and made available for private purchase. The winning sculpture will be moved to City Hall for one year before being reinstalled in its permanent location.
For more information about the Percival Plinth Project, please visit www.olympiawa.gov/plinth, or contact Stephanie Johnson at 360.709.2678 or sjohnso1@ci.olympia.wa.us.
