🎧 Power of Place Episode #55 | Circle of Light - Jane Orleman with Karl Schwiesow

Power of Place - Stories of the Pacific Northwest

Swing open the garden gate as we explore the vibrant, ever-evolving world of Dick and Jane's Spot. Our guest, artist Jane Orleman, will guide us through this remarkable haven, joined by her studio assistant, Karl Schwiesow. Since 1978, Jane and her late husband, Dick Elliott, worked together to transform their colorful homestead in Ellensburg, Kittitas County—a region defined by brilliant sunlight, sweeping landscapes, and the Chinook winds that blow through the mountains. Jane shares how they turned a neglected lot into a roadside attraction—a unique intersection of art and community, filled with unexpected stories and delightful details. The Spot’s vibrant sculptures, totems, and installations embody Jane and Dick’s creative vision and enduring partnership. Contributions from over 80 artists, including Richard Beyer, Justin Martin and Debbie Palmer, have made it a cultural landmark. Recognized by the Smithsonian, this space continues to attract travelers from across the globe. Jane shares how, since Dick’s passing in 2008, she has cared for and expanded this creative legacy, a testament to the enduring power of resilience and love. Jane offers insights into the distinct approaches she and Dick brought to their art: While Dick’s reflective public sculptures, such as Yakima’s Sun Dome installation, showcased his signature materials and a grand sense of scale, Jane’s figurative paintings confront deeply personal themes, including childhood abuse. Their individual works, though markedly different in media and content, collectively enrich the unique spirit of Dick and Jane’s Spot. We’ll also hear from Karl Schwiesow, an artist from Homer, Alaska, who curates, restores, and adds to the outdoor sculptures. Karl will share how his work helps this living sanctuary thrive. Completing this story are heartfelt guestbook entries inscribed by visitors. These lovelets capture moments of awe, laughter, and connection inspired by Dick and Jane’s Spot. “One morning I woke up sobbing and he looked at me and he said we've got to get out of here...He was working so hard that he was never going to be an artist. And I thought when we said we were getting married that we were going to live the life of artists, whatever that took.” ~Jane Orleman