A Salish Welcome

Description: Oliver’s A Salish Welcome is a 16-foot-tall free-standing sculpture located at the gathering and viewing area in the Salmon Bay Natural Area. The cast bronze figure is draped in a Salish ceremonial robe and holds a four-foot diameter aluminum disk that features two laser-cut, powder-coated adult salmon circling four glass salmon eggs. The sculpture’s base is clad with steel plates that feature laser-cut imagery of mature salmon facing upstream from Salmon Bay, and salmon fry pointing towards Puget Sound.

A Salish Welcome honors the local Salish people and celebrates the abundant and vital life on this ecological waterway. The monumental Salish figure in ceremonial robe greets us and reminds us to preserve, protect and promote this evolving, living landscape for new generations and man alike.

Artist Statement: Salmon was the most vital resource to our Salish people. The return of the first salmon each year to the salmon stream was one of the most important events of the year. The first salmon was caught and treated with great respect for it was believed to be the scout for the entire salmon village. If it wasn’t treated with respect and care the rest of the salmon people would be offended and stay away. This is a lesson taught by our forefathers that should be carried to each new generation. A Salish Welcome figure will remind all who visit to respect the landscape and all who dwell within it.

Location: Salmon Bay Natural Viewing Area, 3419 Northwest 54th Street, Seattle WA  98107