A collaboration between Artists from Artists With Ecology (AWE), Squaxin & Nisqually Tribal artists.
The What Was, Will Be Mural is a community centered public art project honoring the Deschutes Estuary’s past and future. Led by AWE with Indigenous artists, it uplifts Tribal relationships to land, inspires stewardship, and engages the public through art, education, and collaboration supporting ecological restoration and cultural renewal.Project Full Description
The “What Was, Will Be” Mural is a community-centered public art project led by Artists With Ecology (AWE) in collaboration with Squaxin Island Tribal mural artist Andrea Wilbur Sigo and Nisqually artist Kyle Sanchez and their families. The mural will visually tell the story of the Deschutes Estuary – honoring the plants, animals, and cultural presence that have existed since time immemorial, and those that will return through ongoing restoration efforts. Rooted in principles of restorative justice, this project acknowledges and uplifts the deep relationship that local Tribes, including the Squaxin Island Tribe and Nisqually Indian Tribe, have held with this land and water.
By centering Indigenous artists and perspectives, the mural reflects past, present, and future connections to the estuary while contributing to broader efforts of cultural recognition, ecological restoration, and healing. The mural is proposed for a highly visible public-facing site connected to the estuary, with the potential to be installed directly on the 5th Avenue Dam pending approval. Alternative locations have been identified to ensure the project moves forward regardless of final site selection.
This project aims to increase public awareness, understanding, and emotional connection to the Deschutes Estuary Restoration. Goals include creating an accessible and educational public artwork, uplifting Indigenous leadership and collaboration, and inspiring community stewardship. The project will be documented through professional video and photography to extend its reach beyond Thurston County, supporting knowledge-sharing and inspiration for other communities, particularly Indigenous-led and collaborative efforts engaged in environmental restoration & cultural renewal. Success will be measured through community engagement, visibility of the mural, partnerships developed, and the reach of project documentation.
The project is being developed in collaboration with regional partners including the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team (DERT), and will be shared with the public through outreach efforts such as the Steh-Chass Festival Friday, August 14th from 12-4pm at Capitol Lake 2026. AWE is incredibly pleased to have received a portion of the funding for this project through a Grant with ArtsWA in addition to our second year of funding through Inspire Olympia (July 2026-June 2027).