Billy Frank Jr. Statue Project: March update

"We're the advocates for the salmon, the animals, the birds, the water. We're the advocates for the food chain. We're an advocate for all of society. So what you do is, you do what you can in your lifetime. Then that'll go on to another lifetime. Then another lifetime. Then another." - Billy Frank Jr.

March, 2024 | View as Webpage

Haiying Wu's statue design approved by the Joint Committee on the Library

The Joint Committee of Congress on the Library approved Haiying Wu's small-scale statue, called a "maquette", earlier this month. This approval clears the way for Mr. Wu to sculpt the full-scale statue design.

Mr. Wu will complete this phase at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) over the coming months.

The final clay sculpture will be cast in bronze before installation in Washington, D.C., and Olympia.

Photo by Jack George, Nisqually Communications & Media Services.

Watch: New video profile of Haiying Wu

In this new video, travel with Haiying from his beginnings in China to the life-changing 2023 phone call that connected him forever to one of Washington’s most beloved and consequential citizens. Produced by Children of the Setting Sun Productions, with additional footage by Ray Whitehouse and the Architect of the Capitol.

Watch the new video

Billy Frank Jr. statue to be completed at SPSCC in newly announced partnership

ArtsWA and the Nisqually Indian Tribe have partnered with South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) to host artist Haiying Wu as he completes a statue of Billy Frank Jr. for National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C.

Wu will work on the 9′-tall statue of the late Nisqually leader and treaty rights activist in the scene shop of SPSCC’s Drama program, where students and members of the community will be invited to watch the artist at work.

“I am making a historical piece, and I want to make it the best that it can be,” said artist Haiying Wu, who was selected for the project in 2023. “It’s important for Nisqually, it’s important for the Washington State Arts Commission, and it’s important for the state of Washington.”

Photo by Debbie Preston, Nisqually Communications & Media Services.

Read the full announcement

Share This Email