“Every day there was a fish-in -- on the Puyallup, the Green, the Nisqually, whenever the fish were running. One day we were drift-fishing along the Puyallup and there were these potato farmers, and they were cursing us and throwing potatoes at us. But we were never gonna quit. We were gonna stay here and fish.” - Billy Frank Jr.

May, 2024 | View as Webpage

New project video: The Maquette

But how can an artist capture—in one statue—the character of a man who represents so much to so many? In this video, learn why artist Haiying Wu chose to let Billy rest after decades of hard work on the front lines of treaty rights and environmental stewardship.

Billy on tour: see the maquette in Chewelah June 5-8!

The Billy Frank Jr. statue maquette will be on display at the Trail's End Gallery in Chewelah, Washington from June 5-8,2024.

Reminder: Visiting hours at Haiying Wu's workspace

South Puget Sound Community College welcomes the public to visit Haiying Wu's workspace during visiting hours. Visitors can enter the space where Haiying is working on the full-scale statue of Billy Frank Jr.

Public visiting hours:

Thursdays & Fridays

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

SPSCC Scene Shop

Building 21, Room 271

Photo courtesy of Washington State Archives.

Artist Haiying Wu begins applying clay to the statue

Haiying Wu recently began the process of applying clay to the exterior of the 3D-printed Styrofoam base. Over the next few months, Haiying will cover the entire surface of this base with clay. The clay allows the artist to make final details that will be carried over to the final bronze statue.

Photo courtesy of Nisqually Communications Services.