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‘Find Every Letter’: Anacortes letters installed at ferry terminal as countywide summer art activation
Summary
Council heard a presentation on a countywide 'Find Every Letter' public‑art project. Five‑foot letters spelling Anacortes were installed at the ferry terminal as a summer attraction intended to draw ferry riders and social‑media attention; fabrication and installation involved local partners and donated work.
Council members and staff celebrated a new public‑art installation on June 8: five‑foot letters spelling "Anacortes" placed at the ferry terminal as part of a countywide "Find Every Letter" program led by Skagit Tourism and EDASC and funded in part by a Seattle Foundation grant.
Meredith Mlemo, representing the Anacortes Arts Festival and the tourism bureau, told the council the letters were fabricated quickly (Janicki donated fabrication time) and wrapped by local partners (Sign Dog) with imagery by artist Jennifer Bowman. The initial installation was timed for summer ferry traffic to maximize visibility and social‑media reach; the letters are a temporary summer installation at the port property.
Why it matters: organizers framed the project as a low‑cost promotional campaign to showcase downtown and island destinations to travelers waiting at the ferry terminal. Councilmembers emphasized collaboration among the port, chamber, downtown alliance, Sign Dog and the economic development committee in assembling the project under a tight schedule.
Council discussion noted plans for an informational sign to accompany the letters and possible future relocations or seasonal displays. City staff said public works will install a permanent interpretive sign near the letters when ready.
What’s next: the letters will be on display through the summer; organizers encouraged the public to visit the ferry terminal, take photos and use the project's hashtag. Staff will monitor installation condition and coordinate any relocations or additional signage.
