Ecosystem Story Pole
Dear Editor: On Saturday, Dec. 15, the Sitka Sound Science Center was honored to celebrate the installation of a 12-foot Ecosystem Story Pole carved by Tlingit artist Tommy Joseph.
The carving depicts many of the marine animals and habitats important in Sitka Sound, from bull kelp, to herring, rockfish, halibut, and marine mammals. Tommy included sea cucumbers, an invertebrate that plays an important role in the ecosystem and also is an important food. It was also a species studied by Dr. Molly O Alhgren, a professor at Sheldon Jackson College and the founder of our aquarium. Thank you, Tommy, for not only providing us a visible link to our marine world but also to Molly, who left this earth too soon.
This project was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the incredible artistry of Tommy Joseph. As part of this project we had an advisory committee to help develop the concept that included KathyHope Erickson, Lauren Bell, Lauren Wild, Janet Clarke, Lisa Busch, and Lisa Teas Conaway. Steve Clayton, Blake Conaway, Chance Gray, and Mike Litman worked with Tommy to create a unique installation and Precision Boatworks crafted the inner post that allows the Story Pole to rotate. Madison Kosma, Mark Guillory, Steve Clayton and the staff of Sitka Sound Science Center helped install the pole. Kristina Cranston served as the carving apprentice on the project and helped in so many ways to keep us on task and on a timeline. To the many members of the community, including Mt. Edgecumbe High School students, who attended the celebration in the storm force winds, we thank you.
Forgive us if we have forgotten to thank an individual involved, everyone’s efforts are greatly appreciated. The Joseph Ecosystem Story Pole is a gift to all of us and will be a reminder of the important links between science, art and culture for decades to come.
Tory O’Connell Curran,
Research Director,
Sitka Sound Science Center
