Local Queen Anne artist Abbie Berry has transformed the tree outside Bethany Presbyterian Church on Queen Anne Ave into and outdoor art installation she hopes will bring a little warmth to the neighborhood through the generally dark and dreary winter months.
The installation is called “Peace, Peace to Those Far and Near,” and features tens of sayings, ranging from scripture to quotes from literature and historical leaders, written on gold and silver paper (laminated to shield it from the rain) dangling from the branches.
Berry, and professional artist and interior/architectural designer and member of Bethany Presbyterian, often displays work on the lawn of the church.
“I do a new installation every couple of months,” she said. “It’s kind of like my art gallery!”
And though some of the sayings are from scripture, there are sayings from “Mother Teresa and Martin Luther…St. Augustine and C.S. Lewis, so there’s kind of something for everybody,” Berry said, many of which are non-denominational.
Berry designed the sayings to flutter in the wind and catch the eyes of passersby. “I wanted it to be interactive and touch peoples’ lives,” she said.
If you haven’t stopped by to take a look yet, it’s definitely worth it. “Peace, Peace to Those Near and Far” will be up for a few more weeks – Berry hasn’t decided on a definite end date yet. As for the future, she’s planning a much bigger “guerrilla installation” in a few months time.
You can see more of Berry’s work on her website and color consulting/interior design business.