What an exciting time, Aug. 29, to see the first piece of public art at Fort Nugent Park. Congratulations to the Oak Harbor Arts Commission for finding such a talented artist, who said, “All undertakings start with a seed.”

On Sept. 29, 2005 I attended a meeting of the City Council where the idea of public art was addressed in a very convincing way by businesswoman Nancy Sanders. You might say it was sensational, and motivated Mayor Cohen and council members to organize an Arts Commission. Nancy moved to Coupeville, but has always supported the arts on Whidbey Island.

This letter is to remind people about that auspicious night four years ago. Nancy said she worked very hard to convince people about the value of public art. In fact, she likened it to a salmon swimming upstream. “At least I got to lay my eggs, and attended the unveiling of the first public art piece!” she said.

This letter is to let people know that she provided the first “seed” for the “Release” limestone sculpture.

Helen Chatfield-Weeks

Oak Harbor