Bellingham’s ‘Grace’ Sculpture: Now in Permanent Hospice, Not Returning

The sculpture known as “Grace” is no longer in Bellingham Bay. Artist Alex McLean has announced it is now in “permanent hospice.” He removed the decaying piece during low tides over the weekend.

“Grace,” a sculpture of a woman doing yoga, was made from rust-prone mild steel. McLean stated he never intended for it to be a permanent installation. He noted the sculpture was not aging well and felt it was his responsibility to remove it before it fell apart completely or posed a danger to others.

McLean originally installed the sculpture in 2011 without city permits. After a year, he removed it but brought it back in 2021 at the request of several local leaders. Unfortunately, after three more years of exposure to the elements, McLean said “Grace” is now beyond repair. He humorously added he will still clean it and remove any bird nests around it.

– How does the community in Bellingham feel about the future of “Grace” and its impact on local art culture?

Interview with Artist Alex McLean on the Future of “Grace”

By [Your Name], News Editor at newsdirectory3.com

News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Alex. Let’s start with the recent news about your sculpture, “Grace.” Can you tell us what led to your decision to remove it from Bellingham Bay?

Alex McLean: Thank you for having me. The decision to remove “Grace” wasn’t taken lightly. I first installed her in 2011, and while I was excited to contribute to the community, I never intended for her to be a permanent installation. Over the years, the mild steel has shown significant wear and tear from the elements. I felt it was my responsibility to take her down before she posed any danger or fell apart beyond recognition.

News Directory 3: You mentioned that you had her up for a short period before bringing her back in 2021. What motivated that return?

Alex McLean: Absolutely! After removing her initially, I received requests from several local leaders and community members who wanted her back. She had become a beloved figure in the area, inspiring songs, poems, and all sorts of artistic responses. It was heartwarming to see how much she mattered to the community, so I agreed to bring her back, hoping that she could endure.

News Directory 3: It sounds like you’ve had a strong connection with the community through this piece. How do you feel about her status as, in your words, the “single most adored” public art piece in Bellingham’s history?

Alex McLean: It’s incredibly humbling and affirming to hear that. “Grace” has resonated with many people, and I never expected that my simple representation of a woman in yoga could inspire such creativity and affection. It makes the decision to remove her all the more bittersweet.

News Directory 3: What will happen to “Grace” now that she is in what you call “permanent hospice”?

Alex McLean: For now, I plan to clean her up a bit and remove any bird nests that have settled in. There is a possibility she might spend some time at a local yoga studio during a commission I’m working on. However, I want to be clear: she will not return to a public space. It’s important for me and the city’s image that she does not deteriorate further.

News Directory 3: How do you think the community will react to her absence?

Alex McLean: I can’t predict the future, but I believe the community will embrace this change, just as they have through every stage of her life. “Grace” may no longer stand in Bellingham Bay, but her legacy continues through the art, expression, and connection she has fostered. Hopefully, those inspired by her will find new ways to express that creativity.

News Directory 3: Thank you for sharing your insights, Alex. We look forward to seeing how this story continues to unfold.

Alex McLean: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss “Grace.” I truly appreciate the support from everyone in Bellingham.
McLean described “Grace” as the “single most adored” public art piece in Bellingham’s history. Community members have created songs, poetry, and paintings inspired by her. Some have even sold artistic responses to her.

While “Grace” may spend some time at a yoga studio during a commission McLean is working on, he affirmed she will not return to a public space. He expressed that it is important for the city’s image that the sculpture does not disintegrate further.