Current conditions unavailable
Two ceramic artists with a deep love of community, art and the natural world have inspired creation of an artful rocky seascape brimming with lifelike marine life at a rural setting outside Tenino.
A colorful work in progress by numerous area residents and varied visitors from near and far, the many aquatic species of fish, mollusks, mammals, invertebrates and sea plants created in clay authentically replicate those found in the oceans. In this grassy meadow edged by trees, several dozen hand-sized marine sculptures perch in and on long curves of boulders within the maze area, which is under restoration at the Monarch Sculpture Park.
Over the past four summers, life partners and park caretakers John Brooks and Ashlea Schroder have led Sunday ceramic pop-up sessions at the park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as a free activity for whoever comes by.
The last pop-up of the 2025 season will be held Sunday, Aug. 31, and will resume next summer on the first Sunday in June.
“This was a fun surprise, to walk through the park and come across the open workshop out here in the field,” said Olympia resident Bonita Berndson, who brought her two young granddaughters, Alivia and Aryanna Chaney, both of whom said they enjoyed working with the clay.
“We wanted to create a project that builds community by connecting people through the art-making process,” Brooks said. “By helping create a part of the clay reef, having fun and learning a new skill, they can be proud of contributing to this permanent installation and returning to share with their friends and families.”
Each session includes informal discussion about various species of marine life and their habitats, helping to inspire attendees to create a marine creature that interests them and to create a replica in clay. A particular species is emphasized each week, and reference materials and guidance are provided as needed.
“This is my second time to do this,” said Jordan Jones, of Whidbey Island, displaying a colorful anemone she had created. “I love this park. There’s so many cool sculptures out here, and the best thing is that you can walk around on your own and actually touch them.”
Phi Le, a ceramic artist from Tacoma, and husband Beck Le, who was putting finishing touches on a mandarin goby fish, also said they had wanted to come back to the park before summer ended.
The clay pop-ups have engaged visitors from toddlers to age 95, with visitors from as far away as Japan and Saudi Arabia. Many area residents and visitors return each year to find the pieces they’ve made before and to take new photos.
“The works created by the community are so beautiful and realistic, and they reflect the diversity of marine life,” Schroder said. “Ocean life is important for everyone. The reefs are impacted by changes in the oceans, and wonderful species are disappearing.”
She said some visitors describe the art installation as similar to a living reef. Two marine biologists from Hawaii who recently came to the park identified many exact species of marine life from the clay works, such as specific types of seahorses.
Both Schroder and Brooks had been visitors at the park and then began volunteering and caretaking over 10 years ago after meeting park founder Myrna Orsini. The serenity of the park, its world-class sculptures and its integration into the rural setting spoke to them. Each recounted stories of how engagement with community art had a positive impact on their own early lives and those of others close to them.
Numerous studies show spending time in nature while engaging in experiential activity within real-world contexts results in participants’ mental and physical wellbeing.
“This is an interesting place, located here in unincorporated Thurston County on a wetland, and not too far from the creative arts district,” Schroder said. “Still, not all kids in school can take art, and not all rural communities have direct access to art. We see our work as part of the development of a healthy rural community ecosystem.”
The Monarch Sculpture Park is the recipient of the 2025 Best of Tenino award, presented annually to entities that provide exemplary service to the community. Brooks said the park continues to expand its offerings and its programs for community members with intent to always be accessible for everyone of all ages and abilities.
Located adjacent to the Chehalis Western Trail, the walk-in, bike-in park contains 160 sculptures within its 6 acres of walking paths and meadows, many from world renowned artists. Features include bird and butterfly gardens, Japanese Garden and Sound Garden of sculptural musical instruments, among others.
Admission to the nonprofit park is free. It’s open year-round daily from dawn to dusk.
For more information, visit www.monarchsculpturepark.org.
