Artist: Jenny Fisher
The Immigrants of Grays Harbor 1848-1915 (outdoor)
Location: Union Gospel Mission, 405 East Heron Street
Based on census information, a depiction of the major nationalities that settled Gray Harbor between 1848 and 1915. Included on the mural is a legend identifying the national flags as they were at the time of immigration.
Artist’s Statement:
Our Aberdeen wanted a mural depicting people of Grays Harbor. I researched into who actually made up the population of Grays Harbor. This led me to a study that the Aberdeen Museum had on the census from 1848 – 1915. The University of Washington study accomplished a deep dive into the immigrants from that 67-year period. There were expansive descriptions of families from all over the world. Grays Harbor was a vibrant melting pot of new Americans.
That’s all I needed to joyfully jump into a design depicting these immigrants and the talent they brought to the harbor. I wrapped the mural with flags from that era, representing most of the immigrants included in that study.
Sponsors:
City of Aberdeen
Port of Grays Harbor County Department of Tourism
Gray Harbor Community Foundation
City of Aberdeen Public Works Department
Crowley Marina
East County Rentals
Union Gospel Mission
Sylvia and Michael Dickerson