Arts & Entertainment

Publicity Campaign Under Way to Get Enumclaw-based Artist on Space Needle

Ryan 'Henry' Ward's 'Deep Blue Sea' design is one of six finalists that are now up to the public to decide which will go on the roof of the Space Needle as part of the iconic Seattle landmark's 50th anniversary celebration.

Chris Smith, of Facebook's 'You Know You're From Enumclaw If You...' page is a busy guy these days. His work in social media finds him teaming up with an assortment of partners but he's devoting considerable personal time to supporting and promoting Enumclaw's finest. These days, that would come in the form of mural artist Ryan 'Henry' Ward.

Ward is one of six finalists selected by officials at the Seattle Space Needle whose 'Deep Blue Sea' design might adorn the roof of the iconic tower if the voting public wills it so. The contest is a part of this year's 50th anniversary celebration of the Space Needle.

Smith has been actively promoting Ward's design on Facebook and encouraging supporters of local artists to vote for his design. We had the pleasure of chatting with Ward last week (read this Q&A), and he's slated for a few promotional events coming up for those who want to learn more about his work:

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  • 95.7 KJR FM's Bob Rivers Show: Ward will be on at 9:30 a.m. this Friday, Oct. 12.
  • KUBE Haunted House Saturday, Oct. 13: Ward will be painting a mural on the outside wall of the Georgetown Morgue at 5000 E Marginal Way S in Seattle in the afternoon and evening, so come down and meet him. Note that Smith has also negotiated a discount day exclusively for Enumclaw residents on Thursday, Oct. 25 (Read more).

To see all the finalist designs, visit www.spaceneedle.com/topthis.html. The public has through Saturday, Oct. 20 to vote for their favorite. The winner will be announced on Sunday, Oct. 21 on the anniversary of the closing of the 1962 World's Fair and the painting would begin soon after that - weather permitting.

Officials aim to have the design on the roof through April 21, 2013.

Find out what's happening in Enumclawwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

You are free to vote as you please, but as Smith mentions on Facebook, "Please help claim bragging rights for our city and Henry and vote once a day through 10/20/12. WE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN!"


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