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Convergence Art Table

Project Update, November 2022

The Convergence Art Table Project is taking shape at the refuge headquarters! Artist Gary Carpenter formed the tabletops with rebar and cement, then poured the foundation and bases for the four table and stool sets. In September the table tops were installed at their site overlooking the bay. 

Next steps are the final design and formation of the stool tops, each to feature a different wildlife or plant species. Final installation is expected in summer of 2023. An interpretive sign and native vegetation around the tables will also be added to the site. 

Program Information    

This project creates a functional artwork of four originally-designed tables and seats. Gary Carpenter, a Washington State article, is the project’s artist. He also created the dragonfly table at the Refuge Art Trail.

Mr. Carpenter designed the tables using a Borromean Ring formation – three rings that cannot be separated without harm to the whole. The rings celebrate the three refuge environments which converge at Willapa Bay – coastal old growth forests, coastal beaches, and the estuary. Three tables surround a fourth, smaller table. Each ring of the tables and their seats highlights one species from its corresponding environment.

The tables are one-of-a-kind pieces — part art, part science, and part infrastructure. They are made of terrazzo, a beautiful and durable material that incorporates multiple colors to represent the tones of each of the environments and many wildlife species.

School groups and visitors can use the tables to learn about the unique convergence of the three habitats and abundant wildlife of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.

The Friends are raising funds to finish the Convergence Project. Funds are needed to complete the seating and to design and install an interpretative panel to accompany the tables and recognize project donors.

Please join us and make a donation!




The tables installed overlooking Willapa Bay

Artist Gary Carpenter sketch of table design


Three sets of tables surrounding a smaller fourth. Each larger table represents three environments and highlights different species on table and stool tops. Center table (broken rings) with three levels of table and stool height.

Other Refuge Art Projects

The other art projects at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge — the Art Trail and dragonfly table — have inspired us because of their integration of art into environmental learning. This is not only appealing, but a beautiful alternative and effective approach to inspiring people to interact with and learn about the natural environment. The power of these art projects will inspire children and other visitors to be stewards of special places like Willapa NWR.

Donate

Please contribute to this inspiring and functional project.

Donation Levels

  • Shearwater   $50 to $99
  • Belted Kingfisher $100 to $249
  • Northern Flicker    $250 to $499
  • Cinnamon Teal     $500 to $749
  • Snowy Plover       $750 and over

All donors will receive an invitation to a reception to view the Convergence Project.

All donors contributing $100 or more will receive an invitation for a special showing with the artist.

Any questions? Please contact us at info@friendsofwillaparefuge.org

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