For the last 38 years, Rainier Beach artist Mary Magenta has painted images of various parks and published them into calendars. Last year, she moved from Kentucky to Seattle and began painting images of Kubota Garden, at Renton and 55th avenues South, in Southeast Seattle. The proceeds of her calendars benefit the Kubota Garden Foundation.
“Part of the reason why I chose Kubota Gardens is because I wish there was more community support for the park,” Magenta said. “I want to let neighbors know what a gem it is.”
Also a printmaker, woodworker and avid bicyclist, Magenta has staged six solo art shows, as well as worked on multiple collaborative projects with other artists.
The 2011 calendar, “Back to the Garden,” featured prints of silkscreens from 25 years ago.
Magenta approached the Kubota Garden board to propose her philanthropic idea.
“I went before the board of directors, even though I didn’t really need permission because it’s a city park,” Magenta said. “But I wanted their blessing anyhow.”
Board members were pleased that Magenta was creating public awareness for the park — even aside from the money aspect.
“We agreed primarily for publicizing the garden, said Kubota Garden Foundation officer Mary Anne Parmeter. “That was our main interest. The fund-raiser aspect was secondary.”
Parmeter described how Magenta’s socially conscious efforts have been unprecedented within the park’s history.
“No one has done a whole project like that,” she said. “I think we will make friends for the garden and from all over the country.”
Drawn to the garden
Magenta described how her first artwork was at first rudimentary, where she only used Magic Markers and paper. Slowly, she started acquiring art supplies, until she was able to make her calendars professionally.
Aside from the calendars, Magenta also makes cards with artwork similar to that in the calendars. She also produces small sheets of art, which are semi-waterproof and can be displayed outside, on a balcony or porch.
The exact amount of money produced for the park is unknown at this time, but Magenta estimates it is around $800.
Magenta has a mailing list and website. She reported that the mailing list has been growing every year, increasing her calendar sales while nurturing a strong fan base.
Magenta has her calendars and artwork produced by Girlie Press in the Central Area.
The artist said that she feels great affinity to the park. She paints in many different places, giving her artwork variety with different plants and colors.
Magenta said she always had a fondness for Seattle, ever since she first visited in the ‘70s. Magenta had friends in Seattle whom she visited once in a while, which compelled her to keep coming back.
Once moving to Seattle last September, Magenta, who lives three blocks from the park, found the people friendly and helpful. When she started painting at Kubota, the warm reception made her feel valued.
“The workers at the park kept wanting me to go back and paint,” Magenta said.
In addition to the artwork, Magenta engages in other environment-preserving lifestyle efforts.
“I don’t have a car here,” Magenta said adding that she always rides her bicycle. Helping the environment and her health are primary for her, Magenta said.
A citywide influence
Kubota Gardens features streams, waterfalls, ponds, rock outcroppings and a collection of plant material. The park displays more than 60 years of effort and commitment by the Kubota family.
Founded in 1927, Fujitaro Kubota bought 5 acres of swampland in the Rainier Beach neighborhood to begin his garden. Kubota, a 1907 emigrant, established the Kubota Gardening Co. in 1923. He wanted to display the beauty of the Northwest in a Japanese manner and soon designed and installed gardens throughout Seattle. The gardens on the Seattle University campus and the Japanese Garden at the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island are other public examples of his work.
Kubota’s landscaping business was successful, and the Rainier Beach garden grew to include 20 acres. For several years, it was a center of social and cultural activities for the Japanese community in Seattle.
In 1981, the American-Japanese garden created by Kubota was declared to be a historical landmark in Seattle. In 1987, the City of Seattle acquired the garden from the Kubota family. It is now run and maintained by the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation.
For more information about Mary Magenta’s work, visit her website at www.marymagenta.com.
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