April 5, 2014 - West of Suzallo

From the steps of the University of Washington's Suzzallo Library, the profile of Lorado Taft's giant sculpture of George Washington, framed by Barnett Newman's "Broken Obelisk", appears to be watching over the I-5 traffic on the Ship Canal Bridge.  At times it can seem like the traffic moves as swiftly as the statue...

The sculpture of the first President was unveiled on June 14, 1909, just in time for the opening of the 1909 Alaska-Yukon Exposition and represents yet another legacy of this bold fair.  The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution along with school children throughout the state and the state commission of the Alaska-Yukon Exposition paid for Mr. Taft's work.  Lorado Taft grew up in Urbana Illinois and his father taught at what is now the University of Illinois at Champagn-Urbana.  He himself taught at the Chicago Art Institute and many of his sculptures are located in the greater Chicago area.

April 5, 2014 - Race Day!

A pair of UW boats lead the Varsity Four race of the Husky Open, passing under the Montlake Bridge ahead of Seattle University and a pair of Western Washington University boats.  

The Husky Open this year featured over two dozen races and rowing teams from several universities - Brown, Washington, Drexel, Oregon State, Western Washington and Seatte University - as well as local club teams.  It is one of the last events the Huskies will host this season.  The crew season is capped off by the Windermere Cup, held on the opening day of boating, the first Saturday of May.  This year the Huskies will host the national team of Great Britain on May 3rd.  Each year thousands of fans line the Montlake Cut's 2000 meter course.  The mile and a quarter length can be covered by an 8 man boat in 5 1/2 minutes!

The UW Varsity 4 A team with an open water lead as they approach the finish line.

The starting point of the race is over 1500 meters east of the Montlake Bridge near where the second point of land on the right side of the frame. 

The Washington Women's Open 8 boat cruises to an open water victory over Western Washington. 

The last stroke of the race for the number 2 seat in the Women's Open 8 team...

...and then catch your breath!

The Husky Novice 8 team nears the finish line with less than a boat's length lead on Seattle University. 

The Western Washington Varsity 8 prepares to enter the cut with a boat length lead.  They would hang on to win.

A local club team rows back under the Montlake Bridge after their race.