Client: City of Walla Walla

Overview

Looking Forward, Looking Back, 2012-2013
cast bronze and cast crystal
150″ x 32″ x 32″
unique

Goals

Looking Back, Looking Forward is a contemporary monument that points to the past and generates creative thought for the future. It is an iconic image that celebrates the 150 years of Walla Walla's civic incorporation. It is a creative historical timeline with both identifiable and metaphorical markers. The sculpture honors the fullness of Walla Walla’s rich heritage and authentic traditions while identifying the values that appear to be foundational to the community: recognition of the past, vision for the future, a strong collective work ethic, love of the land and a commitment to neighbor and innovation. The town was a leading influence in the development of the Columbia Basin region in the mid 1800’s and continues to be at the forefront of many cultural and business-minded initiatives today.

Process

This sculpture was selected through a rigorous process that included extensive public and committee input. City Council, City of Walla Walla and Sherwood Trust took the recommendation of the art selection committee and moved forward with the commencement of the project. Meetings with community members, historians and the local museum director were beneficial in creating a strong sense of community connectedness to the project.