Dear Liza,
The Visitor’s Center at Fort Vancouver is small, but full of wonderful information and beautiful art.
Walking into the Center, I was struck by how this sign affected me. Growing up, when I saw this sign, I knew we were in for a treat. My dad loved the Park Service and always made our visits special. The National Parks were his Happy Place.
This picture of he and Momma was taken on our last outing together at Point Lobos in California.
The Visitor’s Center displays were full of the art and history of the place.
And since there was history, there was a chamber pot. This was from the Fort’s time under American rule at the beginning of the 19th century. It was found by archeologists who are still studying the fort’s past.
In the main part of the space was a wonderful display of contemporary Native art. Toma Villa’s imposing but inviting sculpture called Spirit Pole was made of one massive cedar tree which he cut in half longwise and hollowed out, making two tall, curved pieces. He then carved openings which he filled with cast glass pieces representing people, air, water, fire, and animals of the northwest.
The skill and vision this piece displayed was amazing. I couldn’t stop looking at it.
The unique glass and ceramic art of Lillian Pitt were also featured. I love that art by contemporary indigenous people is valued here.
These hand-formed glass pieces have air bubbles and textures that let the light play inside them, allowing them to come alive in my imagination.
What a great gift to all of us!
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 