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The Navigator will be installed in a local elementary school next week.

The newest public art project funded by the Washington State Arts Commission’s (WSAC) Percent for Art Program was designed by local artist Adam McIssac to increase awareness in native art local to the area. But it is not designed with adults in mind; instead the piece will be installed next week in an elementary school in the Columbia Valley. Made of Alaskan cedar, the powerful, manlike figure entitled The Navigator is designed to introduce children to the ancient art practiced by Native Americans of the nearby Chinook Tribe. The tribe’s cultural chairman gave the piece his blessing, in part because many of the motifs and designs are borrowed from the tribe’s ancient carvings. The work incorporates the theme of water, including a five-foot-long canoe held by the figure, making it more accessible to its young audience.

The Navigator is meant to encourage dialogue among those who encounter it, both children and adults, about this native culture. “I hope my work will spawn a whole generation of Columbia River artists and give this art form some resurgence,” said the artist. The Chinook Tribe has battled over it’s recognition status with the U.S. government for 25 years. This art form comes as validation for many of the Chinook Tribe members in Washington and Oregon. Selected by members of the community to be installed in a state-owned building, the piece will keep the dialogue going about the native culture. McIsaac asks, “Had times treated the Chinook differently, where would there art form have gone?”

Washington State Arts Commission contributed nearly all of the $26,000 needed for the project through its Percent for Art Program. Funding for the program comes from the state’s capital construction budget, so that half of the Percent for Art funds can only be used for public schools, colleges and universities, and state agencies. WSAC spends a total of more than $1.5 million per year attaining new pieces for the collection and conserving the 4,600 existing works statewide. The WSAC oversees the decision-making process, but puts the power in the hands of those local constituencies involved with projects.  The Navigator was selected by the school’s leadership, Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), students, and representation from the community. The PTO aided with ensuring the project’s fruition by contributing $3,000 for the project.