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 detai...
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