City of Ferndale installs new sculptures on Thornton Overpass

The new sculptures are part of the design plan for the Thornton Overpass and greet commuters as they drive across it.

By Adam Smith November 19, 2024 1:05 pm

My Bellingham NowArtist Don Anderson's Fiddlehead Fern Sprig Sculptures at the Thornton Overpass in Ferndale, WA. Photo courtesy Don Anderson.

FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A vibrant pop of color now breaks up the monotony of the gray Pacific Northwest skies for some Whatcom County commuters.

The City of Ferndale announced the installation of the Fiddlehead Fern Sprig Sculptures on their Facebook page on Monday, Nov. 18.

The sculptures are part of the design plan for the Thornton Overpass and greet commuters as they drive across it.

The city worked with the Ferndale Arts Commission and artist Don Anderson to install the two colorful, 18-foot-tall steel sculptures on Friday, Nov. 15. According to the Arts Commission, the South Fern transitions from green to bright red, while the North Fern fades from green to a vibrant shade of blue and is a fully formed version of our region’s ubiquitous flora.

Anderson says the work explores the journey from “impetuous and daring” youth to the fully matured “wisdom, creativity and knowledge” of adulthood.

The Arts Commission says the sculpture designs were approved by the mayor and shared with City Council last year.

Environmental

23 hours ago

Washington Department of Ecology rejects federal draft report that it says diminishes effects of climate change

Ecology says the U.S. Department of Energy’s findings ignore decades of research and are being used to justify rolling back climate rules.

Local

20 hours ago

Whatcom Humane Society receives massive influx of stray cats, seeks community assistance

They’re also reminding owners to microchip or put a collar on their cats so they can be returned home if they’re lost.

Local

21 hours ago

Sudden Valley fire station to undergo renovation this fall

South Whatcom Fire Chief Mitch Nolze says that Fire Station 22, better known as the Sudden Valley Station, recently received a building permit from the county.

Environmental

21 hours ago

Perry Fire continues to burn over 1,500 acres on west side of Ross Lake

The National Parks Service says that a smoke inversion made things difficult above the Perry Fire, especially for aerial water drops and surveillance over the weekend.

Local Sports

7 hours ago

Josh Naylor’s late go-ahead double helps Mariners beat Cardinals 4-2

Cardinals left-hander Matthew Liberatore (7-11, 4.15 ERA) starts Tuesday night against Mariners right-hander George Kirby (8-7, 4.47) in the second game of the three-game set.