The City of Tacoma will host two community meetings this month to introduce the artist who has been commissioned to create artwork for the downtown Tacoma gateway intersection of South 26th Street and Pacific Avenue.

Those attending the meetings will have an opportunity to meet artist Sean Orlando, view samples of his work, provide input, and learn more about the project.

“I am very excited for this opportunity to share my work with Tacoma,” said Orlando, an Oakland, Calif. native whose work will be among the public art pieces for the Sound Transit D-to-M Streets track and signal project that extends the Seattle-Tacoma Sounder commuter rail line from the Dome District to South Tacoma and Lakewood. “I’m particularly interested in hearing about the needs of the community and learning more about this area.”

An open house will be held on Weds., Sept. 25 between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at Anthem Coffee, located at 1911 Pacific Ave., in downtown Tacoma. A “meet-the-artist” reception will be held on Weds., Sept. 25 between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at 301 Puyallup Ave., in Tacoma.

A design concept for the gateway project is under way and will be released later this year. A schedule for construction of the artwork will be established once design is complete. The City of Tacoma’s Arts Program staff is managing this project for Sound Transit’s Public Art Program.