The Port of Olympia is offering plots of 1000 – 2500 square foot land for community sponsored gardens. Currently they are offering sixteen spots and will probably be offering about ten more, total. The Port will cover initial soil requirements and all irrigation needs, although a lesser water requirement is better. Sponsors agree to design, implement and maintain the agreed to plot for a minimum of three years. The application deadline for this initial round of 16 plots is October 30. Some of the initial sixteen plots do not become available until 2007, while some are available now.

I think this is an excellent opportunity for Olympia artists of all stripes and creeds to cooperatively create a public Art space. The Port’s restrictions are liberal and sensible (no invasive species, existent fauna remains and final designs must be Port approved) and this would provide local artists with greater public exposure and interactivity. I attended the Port’s first public meeting last night and tentatively signed up an as yet to exist group “Olyart Project” as having interest in a particular plot. If you too are interested, please contact me as soon as possible so as we may begin conversing and planning some more OlyArt space.

- Jason Taellious

olyartgarden@yahoo.com