People mingle and admire the new Nathan Jackson carving after its reveal Friday at the Ketchikan Public Library.

Local artist Nathan Jackson unveiled his new public art piece, “Two King Salmon” at the Ketchikan Public Library last Friday, May 31st. The art piece is the final commissioned work for the library.

Jackson, an acclaimed Northwest Coast artist with multiple awards and honors, was pleased to present the piece. He explained various aspects of his work, and expressed gratitude to the community for the opportunity.

“I’m just going to say thank you. Thank you. Gunalchéesh.”

Jackson spoke proudly of his work. The art piece, a large wooden carving depicting two king salmon, now rests above the fireplace at the library.

“It has all the elements of Northwest Coast in it,” Jackson said. “That’s what it is. It’s king salmon.”

Jackson’s wife, Dorica, was acknowledged and thanked by her husband for helping to paint

City of Ketchikan Vice Mayor Bob Sivertsen unveils Nathan Jackson’s new carving Friday at the Ketchikan Public Library as Jackson watches.

the piece.

“Two King Salmon” joins other public art pieces in the library. The other pieces include Rhonda Green and Ann Fitzgerald’s metal depictions of marine wildlife, a fiber-art piece called the “Library Tree Ketchikan Branch” in the children’s section, and the “Trip to the Library”, seen in the building’s entryway.

Kathleen Light, executive director of the Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council, explained how the works were chosen: “All of these pieces were selected through a Ketchikan public artworks selection process – which is a public process. So, the public of Ketchikan selected these pieces, and we’re very proud to have our artists represented in our beautiful library.”

The next big art event in Ketchikan will be the Yeltatzie Salmon on Ketchikan Creek by Terry Pyles. The tile mosaic salmon will be revealed on July 4th. Light adds that a call for artists will come out, likely next month, for a new Rain Gauge.

 

Nathan Jackson’s new wooden carving, “Two King Salmon”, on display above the fireplace at the Ketchikan Public Library.