Marina Sculpture Buoyed by the Community

The Project

A steel buoy that was once used on the construction of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge has been transformed into a walk-through sculpture that embodies the community spirit and marine soul of the town of Des Moines.

The 12-foot recycled marine buoy, envisioned and executed by renowned Des Moines glass artist George C. Scott, incorporates marine-inspired fused glass panels designed and constructed by community members and was installed at the south end of the Des Moines Marina in December.

The design and concept of the sculpture, named Marinascope, was inspired by the light-catching glass panels of a kaleidoscope and created to honor the legacy of a Des Moines icon.

Marinascope is the result of a Des Moines Legacy Foundation effort to honor the late long-time Legacy Foundation member and Des Moines City Councilwoman Carmen Scott. Carmen, a former city councilmember, historic advocate, and photographer, was interested in the natural beauty of the waterfront.

The project has been a community effort, with local students and community members working with George in his Des Moines studio to design and create the glass panels inspired by their favorite things about living in Des Moines.

The Funding

Partial funding for the project was provided by the Port of Seattle Airport Community Ecology (ACE) Fund’s Small Matching Grants Program, which offers community members of SeaTac, Burien, and Des Moines the chance to apply for Port of Seattle funding to improve the local environment. 

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, youth or athletic associations, chambers of commerce, and community groups. The Port is currently accepting applications for the Spring 20019 grant cycle.

Applications are open and available for download. The deadline is Monday, March 25 at noon.

Community members are also invited to attend an upcoming information session to ask questions and learn more about the process.

The Story

Watch Marinascope glass artist George C. Scott talk about the Puget Sound Environmental Sculpture project, how it all came together, and what’s next.