Before Edmonds. That title hints at a story untold. It’s right here in front of us, painted on these walls. Before Edmonds existed as a town in 1870, the Coast Salish people thrived. The Snohomish, Suquamish, Swinomish, and Stillaguamish tribes enjoyed the land’s bounty.
These murals offer a glimpse into that time. They show what a day on Edmonds’ waterfront might have looked like. Imagine the first residents of this region living here. This artwork, Before Edmonds, bridges the gap between then and now.
The murals, installed in August 2020, are the work of Andy Eccleshall. He collaborated with Ty Juvinel, a Native American artist from the Tulalip tribes. Eccleshall recognized the importance of Salish representation. He ensured the depiction of their history and culture was accurate.
Juvinel guided the project. He ensured it reflected the regional Coast Salish culture. He wanted to set the record straight and make it appropriate. The artist brought his deep cultural knowledge to the project.
The two murals face each other in this alley. They are located between Bop’N Burger and The Papery on Main Street. The west-facing mural shows a sunset scene. It looks toward the Olympic Mountains, depicting a fishing party on the water. The east-facing mural shows the beach before Edmonds. It shows trees rising to the sky and a beach camp by the water.
Eccleshall was inspired by Sydney Laurence. Laurence was a renowned American Romantic landscape painter. Eccleshall excels in this style. The murals capture the epic feel of Laurence’s work.
The creation of Before Edmonds took time. The project took over 18 months. It involved countless volunteer hours. The team scouted locations and consulted with artists and tribal members. They also contracted workers to repair damaged walls.
Denise Cole, owner of Cole Gallery, spoke about the challenges. Finding a location was difficult. The two buildings facing the alley had different owners. One of the walls needed repair.
Mural Project Edmonds, a committee of Art Walk Edmonds, was responsible. Their goal is to bring professional artistry to the community. They want the art to fit the chosen space.
John Osberg, an Edmonds resident, donated to the project. He wanted to recognize and honor the Coastal Native American tribes. Grants from Edmonds Downtown Alliance and Art Walk Edmonds also helped.
Osberg expressed his happiness. He was glad to see the indigenous people recognized in artwork. He was happy the project came to fruition.
Before Edmonds invites us to think about the vast history of this place. The history is not only represented by the city. It lives in the water, mountains, wildlife, nature, and culture. This place has been home forever.
So, as you stand here, take a moment. Reflect on the stories these walls tell. The story of Before Edmonds is a story of respect. It is a story of collaboration and remembrance. It’s a story etched into the heart of this city.