Jackson, WY — The Teton County Board of County Commissioners and Jackson Hole Public Art (JHPA) have chosen Seattle‑based artist John Grade to design a permanent public‑art installation for the newly built Justice Center. The decision follows a nationwide call for artists that attracted more than 120 applications, with three finalists invited to develop site‑specific concepts.
Local inspiration guides the design
Grade’s winning proposal takes its cue from two trees that stand near the Justice Center and the interconnected forest ecosystems that define the Tetons. The sculpture will be suspended above the interior stairs and upper landing, extending into the covered exterior space at the building’s main entry. JHPA explained that the work “examines the interior life of two individual trees through their growth rings, inviting viewers to consider the passage of time, periods of adversity and abundance, and the ways individual trees exist within a larger network.” The forms are intended to echo the surrounding mountains while also revealing the hidden root and fungal networks that bind trees together.
Artist’s background and previous work
John Grade has installed sculptures in public spaces across the United States and abroad, with a particular concentration in the Pacific Northwest. His work can also be found in Guatemala, Italy and France, where he often encourages audiences to reflect on their relationship to natural systems and the flow of time. Earlier this year, JHPA selected Grade for an outdoor installation in The Center Park at the Center for the Arts, further cementing his ties to the region’s cultural landscape.
County officials praise the project
“Mr. Grade’s use of local trees really reflects our community’s deep connection to the environment and to one another,” said Teton County Board of County Commissioners Chair Mark Newcomb. “It’s a fitting addition to the Justice Center, reminding us that we’re all connected through a shared foundation of public safety and access to justice.” The project aligns with the county’s broader commitment to integrating art, nature and civic spaces, reinforcing the sense of shared stewardship that many residents value.
What the installation means for Jackson
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the sculpture serves as a visual reminder of the region’s natural heritage and the importance of preserving those resources for future generations. By placing the artwork within a public‑service building, the county underscores the principle that justice, like the forest, thrives when its parts are interconnected and supportive of one another.
Construction of the Justice Center is proceeding on schedule, with the art piece slated for installation later this year. Residents can look forward to a new gathering point that celebrates both the rule of law and the enduring beauty of the Tetons.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
