Carving at the Seattle Center

The tragic shooting death of John T. Williams on August 30, 2010, was born largely of cultural misunderstandings within our community. In reaction, all of us, as citizens of Seattle and beyond, have an opportunity to foster a model, a forum, a symbol of healing via an art form unique to the Northwest. The family of John T Williams and countless volunteer carvers from around the globe, led by his brother Rick Williams, have carved a 34 foot cedar memorial totem in the public eye; allowing the entire city to witness the process and partake in the work. The first finished pole will be installed at the Seattle Center, the first new totem belonging to the city in decades.
Without malice in regards to their brother's death, the Williams family wishes to engage the entire community in healing and remembering John, turning a clear tragedy into a benefit for us all. Employing their expertise in carving, they offer both a substantial piece of public art to be enjoyed by generations to come and an opportunity to foster greater cultural understanding through the process.
For more information and ways to help our effort and raise The JTW Totem Pole please visit the projects website at http://thejtwproject.org/ or see us at http://www.facebook.com/Totem.Pole.Project?ref=ts