Title
Approval of the Marj Yung Park Public Art Concept Design
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred by committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Marj Yung Park Public Art Concept Design by Andrea Wilbur Sigo.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Marj Yung Park Public Art Concept Design by Andrea Wilbur Sigo.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation
Andrea Wilbur Sigo, Northwest carver and artist (Squaxin Island and Skokomish)
Background and Analysis:
Artist Andrea Wilbur Sigo has been retained to work on a project with youth from the Squaxin Island Tribe, in the design and fabrication of 5 carved panels old growth cedar, approximately 5 feet tall x 18” wide x 3” deep. These carvings will be disbursed throughout the Marj Yung Park (formerly Kaiser Woods) bike trails, to be at first discoveries and then landmarks for park users.
At the June 9, 2026, Arts Commission meeting, Ms. Wilbur Sigo presented the concept designs for five carved cedar panels, developed in collaboration with middle school youth from the Squaxin Island Tribe, including her grandchildren. The panels illustrate the stories How the Honey Bee Got Its Stinger, Grandfather Octopus, Native Butterfly Legend, Why the Salmon Return, and Dukabal and Grandmother Frog. Each panel will feature a relief carving on the front and an adzed, painted weaving design on the reverse, similar to the Unity sculpture Ms. Wilbur Sigo created for the Art Crossing project.
During the presentation, Commissioners asked staff to explore ways to make the legends available to park visitors. Ms. Johnson will work with Park Design staff to incorporate that information into the project.
If the concept design is approved, the artist will return to the Arts Commission on September 10, 2026, with the final design, refined work plan, and technical details. Following final approval, the project will move into fabrication.
Climate Analysis:
Approval of these panel designs is not expected to impact the City’s adopted climate goals and policies.
Equity Analysis:
This project offers the opportunity to engage youth artists, storytellers and carvers in the Squaxin Island Tribe. This project is part of the continuing effort of the 5-year accord, including the Squaxin flag over City Hall, Welcome Figure and the renaming of Squaxin Park to acknowledge the original inhabitants of this area who stewarded the lands and waters since time immemorial and whose descendants are still here today.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Marj Yung Park is a well-used community park. The public art will enhance the park experience for community members by incorporating artwork and stories developed with Squaxin Island Tribal youth and reflects the City's ongoing partnership with the Squaxin Island Tribe.
Financial Impact:
$30,000 was approved in the 2026 Municipal Art Plan for Marj Yung Park (formerly Kaiser Woods) public art.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Marj Yung Park Public Art Concept Design by Andrea Wilbur Sigo.
2. Do not approve the concept design and provide feedback to the artist.
3. Do not approve the concept design.
Attachments:
Concept Plan Presentation
Marj Yung Park Trails Map (Art Locations are red dots).