Dedication for ‘Dreaming’ sculpture set for Saturday

Washougal officials and members of the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance (WACA) will soon unveil the city’s newest piece of public art.

The community is invited to attend a dedication ceremony for “Dreaming,” a large, life-like bronze bear sculpture created by Heather Soderberg of Cascade Locks, Oregon, at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 7, at the sculpture’s location on the corner of “A” Street and Pendleton Way in downtown Washougal.

WACA will host a community reception and membership meeting immediately following the unveiling at the nearby 2 Rivers Bar and Grill.

Installed in downtown Washougal in January, the “Dreaming” sculpture is the latest artwork to be added to Washougal’s growing collection of public art. Valued at $30,000, the sculpture was funded by WACA’s fundraising efforts and substantial contributions by Jim and Betty Cooper of Washougal as well as the city of Washougal’s tourism fund.

Soderberg, the bear’s creator, and Washougal Mayor Molly Coston will speak at the March 7 dedication ceremony.

“We are delighted and proud to welcome this outstanding piece art to Washougal,” WACA President Kelli Rule stated in a news release. “We love that we are already seeing so much public interaction with it. The bear is so cute and perfect for a fun selfie.”

This is the third piece of artwork Soderberg has created for Washougal. Her other sculptures include “Seaman,” the Newfoundland dog at Reflection Plaza, and “Chak’Chak,” the eagle at the Washougal Waterfront Park.

WACA members will celebrate Wes and Diane Hickey, the Alliance’s “Art Patrons of the Year,” and Angela Ridgway, WACA’s “Local Artist of the Year,” at the reception following the art dedication.

To learn more about WACA or become a member, visit washougalarts.org.