Auburn’s city-commissioned public art piece, Crow With Fries, is taking wing.

The iconic public art piece will take its place soon at Les Gove Park along Auburn Way South on the former site of Big Daddy’s Drive-In.

In celebration of the new artwork, the city has coordinated a community art exhibition in collaboration with local artist, curator and crow lover Greg Bartol. The Auburn Community & Event Center’s crow-themed art show, Celebration of the Crow, will be on display from April 9 to July 9.

An artist opening reception for the exhibit is Wednesday, May 1, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the center, 910 Ninth St. SE, and includes guest lectures, entertainment, and light refreshments.

Crow With Fries artist Peter Reiquam speaks at 6:30 p.m., and John Marzluff, Ph.D., crow expert and University of Washington professor, shares his crow stories and research at 7 p.m.

Reiquam has been successfully creating interactive, site-specific public art for more than 30 years. Each of his studio projects are a “unique response to the special character of a given site, inspired by its history, culture, architecture and surrounding landscape.”

Inspired by the history of the site as a former drive-in, as well as the countless playful crows that frequent Les Gove Park, Reiquam has designed a large-scale sculpture titled “Crow with Fries.” The sculpture will be a visible landmark that will encourage public interaction, whether sitting on the oversized package of sculptural french fries, or posing for a selfie with this winged creature.

The artwork, currently in the fabrication phase at Reiquam’s large custom-built Georgetown studio, will be welded with precise aluminum panels and then powder coated, making this delightful sculpture incredibly durable and able to stand the test of time for the enjoyment of the Auburn community for many years to come.

Reiquam was selected by a committee and his proposed artwork was confirmed by the Auburn Arts Commission and Auburn City Council.

Tickets are free to the reception, but registration is required for Marzluff’s presentation. Tickets are available online.

Artists with work on display will include: Liz Ashley; Mary Ellen Bowers; Ricco DiStefano; Cynthia Gerdes; Mary Beth Hynes; Judy Lane; Judy Lee; Vikram Madan; Leo Osborne; Sally Penley; Steven Ray; Wendy Ray; Catherine Thompson; Judy Salas; Judith Smith; Lydia Sutton; Gretchen Van Dyke.

A Crow With Fries landing celebration is Friday, May 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Les Gove Park.

For full details, visit www.auburnwa.gov/crowwithfries.