Stone sculptures dedicated in new Conner Park home

Thirty hardy souls gathered at Conner Waterfront Park on a cold Saturday morning, February 10th, to recognize, again, the three stone sculptures made to honor La Conner’s history and its people’s relationship with the Swinomish people. The tugboat, racing canoe and drum wheel have a new permanent home. It is accompanied by a sign engraved in stone that tells the sculptures’ story, as well as part of LaConner’s.

Mayor Ramon Hayes welcomed the group and summed up the history of the gifts. Originally called “Crossing Point,” the project was planned and carved by Northwest Stones Sculpture Association members a dozen years ago. Placed in Gilkey Square in 2007, they symbolize “the connection between our two communities on the Swinomish Channel,” Hayes said.

He reminded the group that a swing bridge at the end of Morris Street was the route across the channel for decades before the Rainbow Bridge’s 1957 completion.

In her remarks, Kalia Gentiluomo, representing NSSA, reflected on the many cultures and the rich history of the area: Native, European, and the artists in each tradition. “All art comes from a place that is emotional, from a personal place, and a physical place.” Choosing the words on the drum wheel was a months long, group process, she recalled, saying “the Lushootseed language has many words for friend. The English translation is ‘welcome friends & relatives.’”

Likewise, the planning, design, and sculpting were months-long processes involving a team of sculptors.

Noting history provided by Dunlap Towing staff and family, Gentiluomo recounted being told that chicken-manure-soiled straw was hauled to Bainbridge Island and oats transported to feed Seattle’s horses from La Conner.

Wrapping up, she noted “We love sculpture. It is very direct. Very hands on. It is from the heart.”

Ollie Iversen, instrumental in Waterfront Park’s development, chimed in, observing there were “footprints on each of the pieces right now” and that children were making good use of the two boats.

Hayes wrapped up the dedication with hearty thanks to the group, again, and again emphasizing “the legacy and history of this place.”