I’m Marie Poland, and this weekend I’m volunteering at the Paper Whale Muddy Waters Festival in Bellingham—diving into their mural contest to see firsthand what makes it vibrant and successful. With years of experience in event production and organizing, I’m gathering ideas, tips, and creative sparks to bring back to […]
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Floating Islands Intern: Restoring the Salish Sea
This project builds on earlier work by Christopher Gerber, (founder of A.W.E.) who first explored the potential for Coast Salish-inspired floating wetlands at The Evergreen State College. His initial vision surmised that anchored, crescent-shaped islands could improve water quality, support habitat, and carry deep cultural meaning. As part of her […]
Read MoreLife is Water Story Pole Calls Orcas to Olympia
This week of June 2025 here along the Salish Sea on the West side of the bay downtown Olympia, a story pole ~ Life is Water, created by artist Taylor Krise from the Squaxin Island tribe was installed at the West Bay Park. The carving underscores how vital clean water […]
Read MoreOrca Whale Dreaming says Olympia is Cool…and…
Less than one year ago I was in Bali on a work training adventure. My dreams there were incredibly potent. A little more background first…as I have traveled Internationally for the past few years, I have wondered about my home in the Pacific NW and scratched my head numerous times […]
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