The Los Angeles County Department of Coroner investigates 20,000 sudden, violent or unusual deaths in the County each year. The Coroner campus, just east of downtown Los Angeles includes the original 1910 General Hospital building which houses administrative functions; and two annex buildings for autopsies, investigations and medical/scientific staff. The new crypt building will provide additional cold storage.

Artist Erin Shie Palmer is creating a garden in a small, secluded exterior space adjacent to the new crypt. She is collaborating with the landscape architect to design integrated paths and seating, art elements and vegetation that offers staff and visitors a quiet, outdoor respite from the intense activities inside the Annex.

About the Artist: Seattle artist and architect Erin Shie Palmer has maintained active practices in studio art, public art and architecture for over 20 years and was a set designer for numerous theaters in Seattle. Her public art projects include a large permanent installation at the Seattle Tacoma Airport and an integrated tile entry for the downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel Symphony Hall station. She holds an MFA from Cranbrook Academy and a masters in architecture from the University of Michigan.