Dennis Box

The Courier-Herald

There has been a Sighting in Lakeland Hills.

At the corner of Lakeland Hills and Evergreen a 10 1/2 foot steel sculpture, known as Sighting, was unveiled last week by artist Brandon Zebold.

The city of Auburn and the Lakeland Hills Homeowners Association commissioned the sculpture from the Seattle-area resident.

Zebold was chosen from 19 applicants by a panel consisting of members from the Auburn Arts Commission, citizens and representatives from the homeowners association.

"Brandon was selected because his work reflects the Auburn and Lakeland Hills community," Cultural Programs Coordinator Lori Patrick said. "He went to the White River Valley Museum and researched the history of the area for the sculpture."

The sculpture is a detailed, flame-cut 50 inch sphere on a three-sided pedestal.

On the sphere are three scenes - Mount Rainier and the White River, the golden age of hops farming in the region and an oak tree with deep roots signifying the strength of community.

"In many ways pioneers banded together in times of need and high water and lived peacefully with a common strength and conviction that this was a good place to be," Zebold said. "This is symbolized as the mighty oak with its deep roots that thrive to this day."

Zebold received bachelor's degrees in visual communication and sculpture from Western Washington University. His work is included in public and corporate collections, including the Bellevue Public Library, city of Redmond, Safeco, University of Washington Medical Center and Zymogenetics.

Patrick noted the arts commission has place 17 different pieces of public art through the Auburn area.

"Our goal is to spread public art throughout the Auburn community," Patrick said. "Lakeland is a very fast growing community. We want Sighting to connects Auburn to the Lakeland Hills Residents and to their community."

Dennis Box can be reached at dbox@courierherald.com