From
the heady days of an idealistic hippie dream on Seattle's Capitol
Hill in a three story abandoned building in 1969, an active artists'
community blossomed which lead to the foundation's creation in 1975.
Next came the cold reality of an attempted eviction in 2001; by accepting
a monetary settlement, the Foundation concluded its 26 year residency.
Landing
on our feet in Georgetown in JEM Arts Studio, we joined other survivors
in the new millennium including the evicted Shoe Building artists
from Pioneer Square. While sponsoring the Tenants' Union and Edward
Reed Arts and championing for the Tashiro Kaplan building to become
an artists' building, the search continued for a permanent home.
And
now on May 31, 2005, after years of hard work and mind numbing searching
for an affordable dwelling, the Foundation has moved to South Park
to reside within the house newly purchased by the president of PBF,
Anne Hagen.
We
are very happy here in South Park and welcome the wide ranging possibilities
that surround us. It is a fresh beginning for the Foundation and we
feel welcomed by our neighbors. The civic involvement in South Park
is apparent with, amongst other things,
Marra Farm, the musical sculptures of the
Cesar Chavez Park, the new City
of Seattle Library, the murals
under Highway 99, and the upcoming skateboard park.
We
hope to be an asset for South Park and we look forward to future endeavors...
Sincerely,
The
Board Members of the Pelican Bay Foundation