Title
Approval of the Marj Yung Park Public Art Final Design
Recommended Action:
Approve the Marj Yung Park Public Art Final Design by Andrea Wilbur Sigo.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Marj Yung Park Public Art Final Design by Andrea Wilbur Sigo.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
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.
On August 11, City Council approved the concept designs for five carved cedar panels, developed in collaboration with middle school youth from the Squaxin Island Tribe, including the artist’s 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.
Ms. Sigo will return with final details including budget and timeline. If the final design is approved, 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 will be 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 Final Design by Andrea Wilbur Sigo.
2. Do not approve the final design and provide feedback to the artist.
3. Do not approve the final design.
Attachments:
Ms. Sigo will share final designs during the presentation.