Golden Black Heron sculpture to be dedicated in Washougal

A 3-foot tall metal sculpture of a heron is the newest addition of public art in Washougal.

A dedication ceremony for “Golden Back Heron” will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m., near the main parking lot at Washougal City Hall, 1701 “C” St.

Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance will host the event.

The sculpture, created by Portland metal artist Tom Jackson, has been placed outside in a rain garden on the east side of City Hall.

“We feel the heron has special significance to Washougal and this spot,” said Janice Ferguson, WACA president. “The rain garden was created by the city as a part of their storm water management which has a role in protecting the wildlife at nearby Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge where herons flourish.

“And the heron was created with recycled metals,” she added. “It’s a win-win for the environment.”

The rain garden project was created three years ago through the city parks department, with design help from the Clark County Watershed Stewards program.

Proceeds from the Washougal Art Festival, sponsored by WACA in August, raised money to purchase the $1,951 heron sculpture.

Jackson was a participating artist at the event, and “Golden Back Heron” caught the eye of WACA members. The sculpture was donated to the city by the alliance.

For more information about WACA and its efforts to bring public art to Washougal, visit www.washougalarts.org.