Forest Illumination

Julie Berger

Burien Transit Center

On the eastern shores of Puget Sound in Burien lies Three Tree Point—where once upon a time a tower stood around a single tall fir tree, its platform providing sweeping views of the surrounding area to prospective land buyers. Artist Julie Berger took inspiration from this history in her work Forest Illumination at King County Metro Transit's Burien Transit Center, as she sought to bring the experience of nature to the urban site.

Forest Illumination serves as a beacon for bus riders. A free-standing sculpture made of branching forms evokes the spirit of a tree, which at night appears to be bathed in the stark glow of moonlight. On the canopy and screens of a nearby shelter, a glass frit design captures the feeling of standing in a forest as dappled light filters through the foliage.

Continue Reading ›

Based in the Seattle area, Berger makes a wide range of works in metal, including furniture, lighting, gates, fountains, sculptures, and large-scale public art. Her public artworks can be seen in locations across Washington state as well as in San Diego and Los Angeles. Other 4Culture commissions include Motion Song at Metro Transit’s Atlantic/Central Base.