Public Art
Public Art Background
This artwork, featured as a utility box wrap, pays tribute to two trailblazing aviators, Vivian Hicks and Gladys Buroker, whose determination and achievements helped pave the way for women in aviation. These pioneering women not only broke barriers in the skies but also inspired future generations to follow their dreams, no matter how distant or daring they may seem. Their courage and skill reflect Lacey’s spirit of innovation, exploration, and empowerment.
Titled “Pioneers,” the piece captures the bold legacy of Hicks and Buroker with vibrant color and careful detail. Their story, deeply rooted in Washington’s aviation history, serves as a reminder of the role women have played and continue to play in shaping both our local and national identity.
Location: 22nd and Ruddell
About the Artist
Name: Stella
Age When Artwork was Created: 12
Artwork Title: Pioneers
Stella is an artist with a deep love for creativity, storytelling, and self-expression. She enjoys drawing, reading books across genres, and watching early 2000s movies, activities she sees as sparks that can ignite bigger passions and future success. Drawing has long been one of Stella’s strongest skills: she began focusing on details like hair at age 7, hands at 8, and full human figures by 9. As her talent and confidence have grown, so has her interest in using art to explore and honor Washington State’s history.
Stella chose to honor Vivian Hicks and Gladys Buroker as a personal tribute, not just to history, but to her own dream of becoming a pilot. With several family members in aviation, including her dad, grandfather, and great-great uncle, flight has always been part of her story. Her artwork is a colorful, heartfelt reminder of how these pioneering women opened the skies to generations to come.
Vivian Hicks and Gladys Buroker – Utility Box Wrap
5215 22nd Ave SE Lacey, Washington
Public Art Background
This artwork, featured as a utility box wrap, pays tribute to two trailblazing aviators, Vivian Hicks and Gladys Buroker, whose determination and achievements helped pave the way for women in aviation. These pioneering women not only broke barriers in the skies but also inspired future generations to follow their dreams, no matter how distant or daring they may seem. Their courage and skill reflect Lacey’s spirit of innovation, exploration, and empowerment.
Titled “Pioneers,” the piece captures the bold legacy of Hicks and Buroker with vibrant color and careful detail. Their story, deeply rooted in Washington’s aviation history, serves as a reminder of the role women have played and continue to play in shaping both our local and national identity.
