Ionosphere Encounter Public Art Revealed

Chewelah radio station KCHW unveiled the completed version of its Ionosphere Encounter public art project on Sept. 3 at its downtown studio during the Chewelah ArtWalk. The station had originally planned to reveal the project in August but delayed the unveiling as work continued.

“We weren’t quite finished. The chaos goblins were still hard at work,” Station Manager Chuck Ritchie said. The completed installation grew from what initially began as a facade improvement project, Ritchie said.

It now incorporates mural work, sculpture, lighting, and other custom elements inspired by radio, the ionosphere, and the night sky. Contributing artists include Monika Sowinska, Larah Ritchie, Jarrett O’Neal, and Ben Talmadge, with aurora photography by KS Brooks. The project was supported by the Chewelah Creative District and ArtsWA, along with the Vinson Fund and community supporters.

“The goal from the start was to make KCHW more visible, welcoming, and interesting from the street – and to turn the station into one more reason to stop and look around downtown Chewelah,” Ritchie said.