Several art patrons are working with art dealer John Braseth to feature a large fountain sculpture by local acclaimed artist George Tsutakawa. The fountain, originally named the Jefferson Plaza Fountain, was displayed in an office plaza in Indianapolis, Ind. before the office property changed hands and the work was placed on sale. The 3-ton fountain was eventually left in disrepair. Braseth found out about the sculpture from an eBay listing and tracked down the sellers after the listing was taken down.
Tsutakawa crafted the fountain at his backyard garage workshop in Mount Baker. A few of Tsutakawa’s fountains still stand as vital parts of the city’s landscape, including the “Safeco Fountain” at the University of Washington Tower and another on Maynard Avenue South and South Jackson Street called “Heaven, Man Earth.” He has created at least 74 other fountains in the United States, Canada, and Japan.
Braseth worked with Fabrication Specialties from Seattle’s South Park neighborhood and Tsutakawa’s son, Gerard Tsutakawa, to restore the piece. Braseth is working on a financial plan and looking for the right spot where the restored fountain can be installed in a pool. (end)