By Maureen Drucker

Larry Anderson’s New Beginnings, Union Station, downtown Tacoma

Wherever one wanders around Tacoma, they are likely to discover one of Larry Anderson’s bronze sculptures. Whether they are in front of Union Station and glimpse his New Beginnings or at Fireman’s Park downtown where they come upon Clearing the Way, these wonderful sculptures delights locals and visitors alike.

Larry Anderson’s work can be found throughout Tacoma as well as other Puget Sound areas, such as Bonney Lake, Bremerton, Federal Way and Orting. His work is also found outside of Washington.

Like other native sons and artists from Tacoma, Anderson has maintained his strong ties to the area since growing up and graduating from Lincoln High School. He maintains his working studio near his residence and our local history is an integral part of his work.

His pieces reflect his passion for the people, culture and history of Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest. Wright Park is the home for two of his sculptures, The Leaf and Trilogy. Nearby at the Baker Rose Garden at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital one can find A Second Touch. A few miles away at Point Defiance Zoo one finds Dub Dub the Seal while Fish Story graces the Slavonian Hall in Old Town.

Last year Anderson’s newest sculpture was unveiled in a public ceremony as Lowell Elementary School in the north end and is known as Marvin Klegman Memorial to honor Kelgman’s valor in the community. Across town on South Tacoma Way and South 56th Street is another major sculpture by Anderson titled Coming Home.

For all of us who call the greater Tacoma area home, whether or not we grew up here, it is good to know Larry Anderson’s “home sweet home” has been and will be Tacoma.