Public Art 4Culture is proud to announce the installation of a new artwork in the King County Courthouse. Standing Tall, by local artist Linda Beaumont, honors beloved Prosecuting Attorney Norm Maleng.  The artwork recognizes the commitment to public service to which Maleng dedicated his life, and acknowledges the public service of all King County employees.

Beaumont combines light and glass, image and text to create a narrative prism that serves as a silent sentry to all that enter the Courthouse. Named for one of Maleng’s favorite maxims, a phrase that invoked his courage and dedication, Standing Tall reveres the light-filled presence Norm Maleng embodied and inspired.

On December 15, 2010 a courtroom full of people whose lives were touched by Norm Maleng came together for the artwork dedication. A group of distinguished speakers shared heartfelt words about what Norm meant to them and to the people of King County, and expressed how they saw the artwork embodying the light and spirit of Norm’s legacy.  The speakers’ program can be viewed in its entirety on KCTV.  An additional video with interviews with artist Linda Beaumont and current Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg, who was also Norm Maleng’s chief of staff from 1990 to 2007, will be available later this month.

Distinguished speakers included:

•    Dow Constantine, King County Executive who served on the King County Council while Norm Maleng was in office from 2002 to 2007.
•    Robert S. Lasnik, Chief Judge of the US District Court in Seattle and Norm Maleng’s first Chief of Staff from 1983 to 1990.
•    Sally Bagshaw, Seattle City Councilmember and Chief of the Civil Division for the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office under Norm Maleng from 1999 to 2007.
•    Dan Satterberg, current King County Prosecuting Attorney and Norm Maleng’s Chief of Staff from 1990 to 2007.
•    Mark Maleng, son of Norm and Judy Maleng.
•    Linda Beaumont

Standing Tall was commissioned by 4Culture Public Art with 1% for Art funding from King County’s Facilities Management Division.

Photos by Spike Mafford