'Come Together' for art bench walk

The city of Hayden is inviting residents to take a walk while taking a look at seats.

The project, “Come Together,” is being introduced to the public at 1 p.m. Saturday. Those interested in seeing the benches are encouraged to meet at McIntire Family Park next to Hayden City Hall. 

After opening remarks, residents can go on a self-guided bench walk tour to see the nine artist-painted benches made from retired wind-turbine blades that were installed just over a month ago along Government Way and Hayden Avenue. Residents will also have the chance to meet the artists.

The colorful benches came about after an Ohio company, Noblewins, approached Hayden about purchasing the unique benches. The city liked the idea and worked to move ahead with the art side of the project. 

One of the artists, Melissa Cole, has her bench “Birds and Bees” sitting on the corner of Government Way and Hayden Avenue.

“It took me about 40 hours to complete,” Cole said. “Working alongside the other artists was a lot of fun. Usually, we are working solo. We had a nice camaraderie by the end because we had spent hours in a designated space together.”

Five other artists were chosen with two of those artists creating two benches each. One of the benches was designed by Hayden Arts Commission members Shana Wright and Shiree Wilder to honor former longtime Hayden City Council Member Roger Saterfiel who passed away earlier this year. His wife, Stephanie, is a former Arts Commission member who was integral in securing sponsors for “Come Together.”

This project was made possible through the support of the Hayden Urban Renewal Agency, a donation from Hayden Homes for the concrete bench pads, and community sponsorships.