Sound Transit to feature glass art in Kent at Star Lake Station

When the light rail line extension opens in 2026 between SeaTac and Federal Way, riders will see a variety of artwork at the two stations in Kent and one in Federay Way.

One of those projects is decorative glass at the Star Lake Station, along South 272nd Street near Interstate 5 in Kent. Los Angeles-based Pulp Studio collaborated with Seattle sibling artists Tory and Eroyn Franklin for the artwork at the new station, part of the Sound Transit art program.

This initiative is dedicated to showcasing local and nationally recognized artists’ work into transit stations and centers to create appealing destinations for commuters and the surrounding community.

“Pulp Studio was excited to collaborate with the Franklins and the Sound Transit STart program on this energetic mural at Star Lake Station,” said Pulp Studio CEO Kirk Johnson, in an Oct. 24 company media release. “Our proprietary D2G process allowed us to bring the Franklins’ colorful and detailed artwork to life, creating an inviting environment for the transit center.”

Located on South 272nd Street near 26th Avenue, Star Lake Station is one of three new stations added as a part of the 7.8-mile Federal Way Link Extension.

Beautifully adorning the perimeter of the station is a vibrant artwork titled “Gather,” designed by the Franklins, according to the media release. The artwork features a marine flora theme with eye-catching shapes, bright flowers and plants and captivating patterns in a bright, playful design. This mural also features globally recognized edible plants, allowing visitors to connect with the artwork through familiar ingredients that evoke a feeling of home. The art perfectly embodies the definition of its name, inviting commuters into the station and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

“Eroyn and I were inspired by the prompt ‘The Light at the Edge of the Forest,’” Tory Franklin said. “We strategically focused on a design that would respond to the different lighting conditions at the station. On sunny days, the piece casts a stained glass-like glow on the station and on cloudy days, the vibrant colors are more opaque and obscure the view of the freeway.”

Pulp Studio provided six vignettes, made of 324 individual pieces of digitally printed glass, for this project. To create the intricate patterns of the artwork, every panel of glass was made with multiple complex inner patterns that filled the larger areas, heavily incorporating white ink.

The glass, measuring 3/8” thick, consisted of D2G or Digital Ceramic Frit, was tempered and laminated, and was fully framed by the glazer, Mission Glass. By utilizing D2G, which is a direct to glass digitally printed image that uses ceramic inks that are fired onto the surface of the glass, Pulp Studio was able to perfectly replicate the vivid colors and energetic motifs of the artwork and bring a colorful experience to those walking along the long transit corridors to the train platforms.

Founded in 1996, Pulp Studio passionately advocates for the creative use of glass as a building element. From the beginning, the brand’s defining mission is to fill the void in the market for innovative uses of glass in interior and façade projects. Pulp Studio combines technical prowess with design sensibility; creating products that reside at the intersection of fashion and function.

Sound Transit picked seven artists and teams in 2019 for the large-scale artwork at the three stations.

The agency will spend about $3 million for eight permanent artworks, including three at the Kent/Des Moines station, two at the Star Lake Station and three at the Federal Way Transit Center station, according to a Sound Transit spokesperson. The cost includes design, oversight, engineering, materials, fabrication and installation.

Every light rail station in the current system features artwork. Sound Transit established its art program in 1997 with renewed commitments to integrated art in its projects in Sound Move, ST2 and ST3 voter-approved measures. Sound Transit Art utilizes funds from 1% of hard construction budgets as calculated in the voter-approved capital project initiatives. The art funds are locally generated funds only, no federal funding is used.

A panel of arts and design professionals, representatives from the cities and community members selected the artists to create unique art features at the three stations. Each artist is paid a percentage of the total budget. Artists also will receive additional oversight fees during the fabrication and installation phase of the project.

Platform glass installation at Sound Transit’s Star Lake Station in Kent. COURTESY PHOTO, Tory Franklin