KING 5's Jim Dever hosted the dedication ceremonies for a sculpture named Sentinels of the Sound, by Georgia Gerber on Sept. 8. The sculpture dedication was the highpoint of a day declared by both Washington State and the city of Seattle as Harbor Seal Day. The event was presented by Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
With a crowd of more than 200 people on hand, the sculpture Sentinels of the Sound was dedicated on a day declared by proclamations from the city and state to be "Harbor Seal Day," Sept. 8.
The bronze sculpture by noted northwest artist Georgia Gerber is of a mother and baby Harbor Seal, placed at a corner near the Alki Bathhouse and made accessible for kids and others to touch and interact with. It is the realization of a long held dream by Seal Sitters' Robin Lindsey whose organization watches over marine mammals around Puget Sound, paying special attention to seal pups who often rest on our shorelines.
The event, hosted by KING5's Jim Dever also featured Ken Workman of the Duwamish Tribe, Brenda Peterson one of the founders of Seal Sitters, State Representative Joe Fitzgibbon and Bernie Matsuno of the Department of Neighborhoods.
Each of the speakers talked about the significance of protecting our environment and the importance of caring for marine life.
There were kids activities, a raffle, and environmental exhibits at the event too.
The winners of a children's art and story contest were on display and announced.
The project was funded in part through a Neighborhood Matching grant from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and through private donations.
Story Contest Winners:
1st Place Stella Zorzella - Won admission for 4 at the Seattle Aquarium
2nd Place Theo Schill - Won a metallic marker set from Seal Sitters
3rd Place Dahlia Kristiansson - Won an Ecology activity book and colored pencil set from NW Art & Frame and Seal Sitters
Art Contest Winners (Kindergarten through 2nd Grade Division)
1st Place Ruby Zorzella - Won a Family Fun Pack to the Woodland Park Zoo
2nd Place Jackson Neumann - Won 2 hours studio time at Young at Art
3rd Place Owen Turcotte - Free pizza at Slices on Alki
1st Runner up- Siena Tatro - Leopard and Silkie;Seal Pup Rescue
2nd Runnerup- Josie Riemer - Leopard and Silkie; Seal Pup Rescue
Art Contest Winners (3rd -5th Grade Division)
1st Place Emilee Owen - Won Admission for 4 Seattle Aquarium
2nd Place Eloise Van Matre - Won 2 hours studio time at Young at Art
3rd Place Lily Clark - Won Free pizza at Slices on Alki
1st Runner up- Hope Kuchan - Won a Tie-Dye Kit from NW Art & Frame
2nd Runner up- Faye Turcotte - Shrinky-Dinks book from NW Art & Frame
