Introduction
In 2016, a committee was formed to initiate and facilitate the creation of public art that honors the indigenous people of Gig Harbor. Five individuals from the community (Anthropologist | Dr. Linda Pitcher, former Historic Preservationist for the City of Gig Harbor | Lita Dawn Stanton, Videographer and Cowlitz Tribal Member | Mark Anderson, and Gig Harbor Arts Commission Chair | Charlee Glock-Jackson) led by former Peninsula School District Principal and longtime resident Gary Williamson met to formalize the Honoring Project. In collaboration with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and the City of Gig Harbor, the Honoring Project (HPC) Committee announced a search for qualified Native American artists to design, create and install public art at Austin Estuary Park located at 4009 Harborview Drive. The Puyallup Tribal Council had final artwork approval authority.
Site Background
The site is highly visible and located at Austin Estuary, the original home of a Native American settlement in Gig Harbor. The site offers spectacular views of Gig Harbor Bay and Mount Rainier in the distance. Re-development of the park was completed in 2012. The public space is used regularly by walkers, joggers and visitors each day.
Design Scope
The GHHP Committee sought a range of public artwork ideas with emphasis on the cultural and historic importance of the Native American heritage of the area. Due to location constraints, the artwork was confined to not more than approximately 15-ft by 4-ft (horizontal or vertical). (See Request For Proposals) The artwork was designed to inspire the public up-close and from afar. The Honoring Project Committee identified the following qualities and characteristics to be considered when designing this public art:
Honor the Puyallup fishing heritage of the area and incorporate social, cultural, geographic and/or historical influences into the work.
Educate the public about the central role that salmon played in our cultures.
Compliment and/or incorporate existing landscape context and/or uses of the location.
Materials should be durable with minimum maintenance requirements and maximum resistance to vandalism.
In collaboration with the Tribe, Interpretive Signage will be fabricated and placed near the artwork and is not part of this proposal.
Project Location
At the water’s edge on the head of Gig Harbor Bay. The proposed location of the Artwork within the “look-out” area of Austin Park creates an exceptional land and water view that will be visually compatible with the natural habitat of the site.
Approved Public Art Proposal
In 2019, members of the Puyallup Tribe and Honoring Committee met to review a total of ?? proposals submitted for review. Guy Capoeman was awarded the contract. The 15-ft cedar carving “My Guardian My Fisherman” is currently underway.
