A master carver’s masterpiece will be unveiled this weekend

Published 1:07 pm Tuesday, May 1, 2012

For the past eight months, Tlinglet master carver Israel Shotridge has been shaping a 40-foot red cedar into two 15-foot totems and a 30-foot sculpted facade in the Coast Salish style.

The work was commissioned by the Quileute Tribe on the Olympic Peninsula; members of their tribe came to Vashon from LaPush last August to bless the red cedar and bring good harmony to the carvers.

Now, Shotridge — who was helped along the way by seasoned carver Robert Barratt from British Columbia, his nephew Robert Jackson and others — is ready for the public to view this spectacular piece of art prior to its departure and delivery to the Quileute people.

Visit Shotridge’s studio at 9804 S.W. 145th Place from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday for this special public viewing. Israel and Sue Shotridge’s shop at Center, Raven’s Nest, where carvings, drum and jewelry will be on display, is also part of this weekend’s art studio tour.