In 1979 sculptor Richard Beyer created Seattle’s most popular interactive artwork. It commemorates the light rail Interurban line that used to connect downtown Seattle with all of its neighborhoods. The piece depicts five people under a shelter and a curious dog, with a human face.

Wildly Popular

Made from cast aluminum, the statue has attracted the imagination, mischief and creativity of hundreds of neighbors each year. The Interurban has hosted costumes, displays and “art attacks” celebrating everything from weddings, birthdays, bon voyages, congratulations, I-love-you’s, memorials, good times and friendships to popular causes, and demonstrations. This continuous stream of interactive genius has made the Interurban Fremont’s most recognizable landmark and a symbol of the fun and creative energy for which the neighborhood has become famous.

Celebrate Fun, Art, and make a little local history

Now anyone can get in on the cheese. The only rule is no commercial messages and everyone cleans up when their display is done. Send a photo of your Interurban creation or drop it by History House- down the street at 790 N. 34th St. 98103. Include your name (for credit) and details. And if it’s one of the more imaginative examples, we’ll showcase your creative genius on the nearby information kiosk or here on the web.

About the Artist

Richard Beyer is a prolific sculptor whose works are well known and widely exhibited. Sponsored by the Fremont Arts Council, Beyer’s intention was to make this a public artwork that could be utilized, photographed and enjoyed for any purpose. Richard lives in rural Pateros, in eastern Washington.

About the Dog

Rumor has it that the face on the dog is that of another local legend, Arman Napoleon Stepanian. He was the unofficial Mayor of Fremont in the early years and the “Christopher Columbus” of curbside recycling. Arman’s tireless activism and “dogged” persistence pioneered Seattle’s highly successful recycling program that has now been copied nationwide.

Guidelines for Decorating The Interurban

1.BE POLITE

2.First come, first to decorate

2b. Remember that there are a lot of sides to the statue and decorations can be combined and done on the back

2c. If decorations look fresh, please leave them (refer to rule #1)

3.No advertising slogans or words or logos may be placed on the statue

3b. The Interurban is not to be used for advertising without specific permission of the artist – Richard Beyer

4. Decorations may be left for up to one week however heavy rains will ruin decorations and if you arrive to find the decorations beyond ruin, you may remove them to place your own. ALWAYS RETURN TO REMOVE YOUR OWN DECORATIONS (refer to rule #1)

5. Please remember – BE POLITE – the statue is intended for the pleasure of all

If anyone wants to suggest amendments to these guidelines, please advise by calling the Fremont Chamber of Commerce: 206-632-1500. Otherwise – This is it!

Research by
Kirby Lindsay, Fremont Chamber Archivist