Unique blend of art, school kids, government and community spawns ‘Art for Salmon’ project in Snoqualmie Valley

2004 Archived News

Fifth graders from Cherry Valley Elementary in Duvall stand with the totem scuptures.

An enthusiastic crowd welcomed a new addition to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail - totem sculptures created by students from Duvall’s Cherry Valley Elementary. The artwork and the accompanying interpretive trail signage pay tribute to the area’s salmon runs and the incredible natural diversity found along the trail.

The artwork and signage were unveiled Wednesday at McCormick Park in Duvall. The dedication event included remarks from of the students who worked on the project, community leaders and King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert.

Community members check out the new sculptures at the dedication event.

Under the guidance of accomplished Duvall artist Dan Cautrell and their teacher Mandy Balsiger, students from the Cherry Valley’s 5th grade fashioned individual panels for the sculptures. The finished product stands as three totems displaying a variety of nature-related images, with an emphasis on salmon and its connection with the surrounding area.

The “Art for Salmon” project spawned a unique partnership of students, teachers, government and community leaders and artists, who over the past several months have been working together to boost awareness of and appreciation for the Snoqualmie Watershed. The end result is public artwork that conveys the importance of salmon and the environment from the students’ perspective.

Student artwork and educational signage produced by King County and the Snoqualmie Watershed Forum will be installed at other locations along the 36-mile trail later this year. Previously, kids from Tolt Middle School in Carnation unveiled their artwork – colorful clay tiles depicting salmon of all shapes and sizes.

For more information about the Art for Salmon project, or information on the Snoqualmie Watershed Forum, please contact Sandra Kilroy at 206-296-8047.