Compass Rose

A Colorful Beacon at the Heart of the Marina

Compass Rose, a striking piece of ground-level artwork at the Des Moines Marina, reflects the region's maritime spirit and community pride. Spanning approximately 20 feet in diameter, this installation, which was created in collaboration with the Des Moines Arts Commission, features vibrant cast glass discs—each marking a cardinal direction—with a centerpiece bearing the Des Moines city logo.

The glass elements were crafted by local artist George C. Scott, who infused the piece with creativity. A two-way mirror behind the centerpiece allows light to transform the installation: by day, sunlight illuminates the colored glass; by night, backlighting brings it to life in a whole new way. Scott volunteered his time to create the piece, and was motivated as both an artist and longtime local resident of Des Moines: “I want the place I live in to be beautiful and have things of interest.”

About the Artist:
George C. Scott is one of the most well-known artists in Seattle Southside, with a studio in downtown Des Moines and multiple works of public art around the region. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and began working in glass in Laguna Beach in 1976. After moving to Seattle in 1991, he continued to explore, taking advantage of the common studio spaces at Pratt Fine Arts and the wealth of knowledge in the Seattle glass community. His work includes sculpture, art glass lighting, and a variety of architectural elements and applications. His artwork may be seen in galleries, collections, and public installations or on his website, georgecscottstudios.com.