“But it is one thing to read about dragons and another to meet them.”
― Ursula K. Le Guin, A Wizard of Earthsea
Dragons are the stuff of folklore.
And yet, one sits quietly on the banks of Lake Washington, in the City of Renton, to greet visitors from around the world.
Her name is Brienne. She is petite as dragons go. Yet, fearsome - with a regal presence beyond the physical material used for her creation.
Brienne is the brainchild of internationally renowned artist Kim Beaton, a New Zealand-based artist who usually works on big budget Hollywood films like, “The Hobbit.” In 2016, she was on an extended visit to Renton when she was asked by the leadership of the Renton City Comicon (Rencon) to create a dragon specifically for their inaugural event. At considerable financial risk to herself, Ms. Beaton agreed to do the project.
The Renton Arts Commission supported the effort greatly with a location, logistics, volunteers, transportation, promotions and liaison with Rencon. This allowed Kim to concentrate on creating a truly beautiful sculpture. Beaton set up shop in a downtown storefront, where people were invited to assist with the sculpting.
“When someone walked in, I would hand them some clay and ask them to sculpt a little space, and they would,” says Beaton.
The concept gave a big boost to the very first Rencon. And, by the time the sculpture was finished, 150 people had each helped to sculpt small portions of the dragon’s scales.
“So, when you look at Brienne,” says Beaton, “and see that glittering patchwork surface made from thousands of scales, it’s because dozens and dozens of people individually sculpted them.”
To preserve the enthusiastic efforts of all the volunteers for an outdoor location, Brienne was made from Pal Tiya Premium. This is an ultra strong, easy to use material that novices and experienced artists could work on together.
But for two years, Brienne didn’t have a permanent home. In fact, she lived at the Evergreen Market where only people 21 and older could view her. During the 2019 Renton River Days festival however, Brienne thrilled crowds by participating in the downtown parade. Little did she know there would be a big surprise waiting for her at the end.
Today, thanks to Michael Christ, Brienne has found a new home at the entrance of the beautiful Hyatt Regency Hotel at Southport on Lake Washington. According to Christ, a lot of Feng Shui went into the design of the hotel, using energy to harmonize with the surrounding environment. And, Christ believes that Brienne brings good energy with her.
Renton couldn’t agree more. This little dragon has earned a special place in the heart of this great city.
And now, there is no need to fear the dragon. Come and meet her. And you, too, shall be charmed by her magical presence.
“But it is one thing to read about dragons and another to meet them.” ― Ursula K. Le Guin, A Wizard of Earthsea
