Bellevue's public art scene just got a significant boost thanks to local philanthropists Jerry and Charlene Lee, who have donated a Jacob Lawrence lithograph to the city, demonstrating once again their commitment to cultural philanthropy. According to a release from the City of Bellevue, the artwork titled "Builders III" will join the city's public art collection and be displayed at an indoor location, yet to be decided, but destined to be accessible to all.
The Lees aren't newcomers to the art donation game, having previously contributed a piece by Gerard Tsutakawa to Bellevue, now a feature at the City Hall, this latest addition marks another step in their ongoing support for the arts and follows their being named 2015 Outstanding Philanthropists by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Advancement, Northwest Washington. "Builders III" is a visual representation of Black construction workers, characterized by Lawrence’s iconic style that melds elements of cubism and expressionism; it also continues the artist's thematic exploration of builders as a symbol of progress, celebrating their capacity for construction over destruction, according to a statement from the City of Bellevue.
Jacob Lawrence was a visionary who documented the African American experience through his art, despite never finishing high school he took it upon himself to learn Black history, which became a central theme in his work. Lawrence's historical significance was confirmed when he became the first Black artist to be represented by a New York gallery. "To me it's a symbol of progress. It's a symbol of hope, on various levels... It's a symbol of...our capacity, the human capacity to build, to not tear down," Lawrence once said about the piece, in an artist statement highlighted by the Pennsylvania Academy of Art, as per the City of Bellevue website.
The Bellevue Arts Program aims to be a crucible for cultural exchange, integrating artworks in public spaces that spark conversation about the city's civic life and embody its diverse identities, technological influences, and the juxtaposition of nature against urbanization, the collection includes permanent commissions as well as moveable artworks with a focus on prompting dialogue about the various facets that make Bellevue unique. Even though the city generally acquires art from living artists through open calls, donations like that of the Lees' "Builders III" are sometimes the exception, enriching Bellevue's cultural narrative for present and future generations; more information can be found on the City's Arts and Culture page.
