Local artists Jason LaClair, Eagle Borsey, Raven Borsey, and Gretchen Leggitt have combined efforts to create a temporary 10-piece art installation named 'Honoring the Salish Sea' on the outside of the historic Boardmill Building on Bellingham's downtown waterfront.
This expansive native artwork mural was added to the second floor window bays of the Boardmill Building, which was once part of Georgia-Pacific's former Pulp and Paper Mill. The Port is currently reviewing proposals to redevelop the Boardmill Building into a hotel and conference center or alternative design concept, and the new native art installation is bringing attention and excitement to the pending reuse of this vacant industrial building.
'Honoring the Salish Sea' honors the Coast Salish ancestors of this land, from Lummi, Nooksack, Samish and Semiahmoo people. As the highway for the Coast Salish people, this body of water has served as transport and a lifeline for over 10,000 years. It is a reminder that for as long the Coast Salish Sea has taken care of us, it is our responsibility to take care of Her. The installation is located on the land of Whatcom: the place where the creeks, rivers, and waters join together.
Lummi Nation and Coast Salish artwork celebrates the unique cultural heritage of our region. For more information on native artwork in Port public spaces, visit www.portofbellingham.com/nativeart