Did you ever hear about a sculpture spanning three city blocks? Here at the Seattle waterfront, we stand before Oscar Tuazon’s “Now We Are One” statue. This impressive artwork stretches from Columbia Street to Spring Street. “Now We Are One” isn’t just a statue. It’s a tribute to Coast Salish heritage. It’s a blend of art and architecture, inspired by the tradition of carved house posts. The artist, Oscar Tuazon, a Seattle native, collaborated with the Suquamish and Muckleshoot Indian Tribes on this project. Carvers Randi Purser, Tyson Simmons, and Keith Stevenson lent their skills to create powerful cedar carvings. These carvings adorn the western faces of the beams, looking out towards Elliott Bay. One carving depicts Chief Sealth as a baby, held by his mother, Sholeesta. Another honors a warrior, symbolizing strength and honor. “Now We Are One” is comprised of 22 pairs of Douglas fir post-and-beam structures, plus six individual posts. The fir was sourced locally and milled on the Olympic Peninsula. It was specially treated to withstand the marine environment. The artwork sprawls across the planting beds and the protected bike lane. This installation invites us to reflect on the history of the Indigenous peoples of this land. Long before settlers arrived, the original inhabitants built structures along this very shore. “Now We Are One” serves as a constant reminder of their enduring presence.
Queen Anne Boulevard
“A scenic loop,” they called it. Queen Anne Boulevard gracefully winds around the crest of Queen Anne Hill. It offers