Click on the picture for the interview in its entirety.

enpen: Olympia needs some new public sculpture. What sort of representation do you think would be good for stirring up the imagination in downtown Oly?

bil fleming: This is a hard question. I think the imagination (mine while I'm downtown in particular) is pretty well stirred.

Having said this though, I do think Oly is in want of some new public sculpture. So much of what we end up with has minimal content (the minimalist sculpture in the traffic circle at the top of the new bridge). I don’t see this as an insult or criticism to/of the many fine artists who have work sited in Olympia. I see it as a criticism of the way the public art process is hampered by bureaucracy and the "least offensive to the most people" kind of atmosphere that has pervaded our city's past art choices. I remember reading something in one of your earlier interviews with artist baso. He was right on when he said "(p)eople need to get over hating what they don't understand." It sometimes takes time for people to get there and unless we are willing to give stuff we don"t understand a chance (a BIG ONE is necessary at times) we will miss many opportunities for positive personal and cultural growth. Olympia Arts Commission and all of us need to get some back bone and allow some controversy! People will be critical of how public money is spent no matter what you do with it!

My next submission for public art funding will be something like "Performance Dishwashing." Don't miss it! I's sure to make a big splash!

Express yourself.

The John Doe was found in the woods off of Cedar Flats Road last March. It's estimated he was there 1 to 5 years before discovery.

He was six feet tall, at least fifty, and (from The Doe Network) "The bottom eight vertebrae of his spine fused together. He may have walked bent over because of the fusion of his spine."

If anyone can think back a few years to someone who matches this description, even if you can't remember his name, even if you're not 100% sure, every little bit helps. Be aware that the artist's sketch isn't intended to be the exact likeness.

Corrections Officer in NJ fights off would be killer and former inmate.

Check it out

Learn the basics of cake decorating, including fillings, frostings, and a variety of decorating and border techniques. Please bring two eight-inch round cakes to class. A list of other required materials will be provided upon registration. To register, stop by the Information Desk or call the library at 352-0595. Sponsored by the Friends of the Olympia Timberland Library.

WASHINGTON - The House on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a four-year extension of a moratorium on state and local taxes on Internet access, despite widespread support in both parties for a permanent ban.

Read more here

Too bad it didn't become permanent though.

[via tesccrier]

Progressive speaker and actor MIKE FARRELL (B.J. Hunnicutt of M*A*S*H). will be speaking about his journey to actor and activist.

Minnaert Center for the Arts, SPSCC
2011 Mottman Road SW

This is an OUTREACH event targeting the folks who are "mad as hell" but not yet doing much about it. ALL ARE INVITED to the Minnaert Center for the Arts at SPSCC to listen to Farrell. Mike will be available to autograph his book if you buy one at the event ($20 cash or check).

Admission is FREE, and there will be drawings for marvelous free door prizes! The drawings will be held in the lobby after Mike's talk. Concessions also available after the event.

~DONATIONS TO HELP COVER THE COST OF THE EVENT ARE WELCOME!~

Stick around and talk to folks from the Thurston County Progressive Network (TC Pro-Net), SPSCC's BRICK, the Thurston County Democrats, the Green Party, Thurston County's NOW Chapter, the Obama Campaign, the Edwards campaign, Sandra Romero's County Commissioner Campaign, the local MoveOn chapter, Veterans for Peace, and other great groups!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: It's Easy! Organizing, Olympia City Council Member Jeff Kingsbury, KAOS 89.3fm Olympia Community Radio, KGY Olympia 1240AM/96.9FM, Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice, SPSCC Student Club "BRICK", The Olympian, Thurston County Democrats and Thurston County Progressive Network

Have some fun with it. Once again, she is my top candidate. Good thing I'm a single issue voter I suppose.

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