Artwork copyright Preston Singletary and David Franklin. Photo courtesy of the artists, 2024.

Artwork copyright Preston Singletary and David Franklin. Photo courtesy of the artists, 2024.

Artwork copyright Preston Singletary and David Franklin. Photo courtesy of the artists, 2024.

Artwork copyright Preston Singletary and David Franklin. Photo courtesy of the artists, 2024.

Artwork copyright Preston Singletary and David Franklin. Photo courtesy of the artists, 2024.

Artwork copyright Preston Singletary and David Franklin. Photo courtesy of the artists, 2024.

Artwork copyright Preston Singletary and David Franklin. Photo courtesy of the artists, 2024.

Sun Lodge, 2024

Preston Singletary and David Franklin
(American | Tlingit, born 1963)

Location: Pierce College - Puyallup, Puyallup

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Sun Lodge by Preston Singletary and David Franklin is intended to be a place of reflection and peace. As the sun makes its annual journey from solstice to solstice, the Sun Lodge is a way of tracking that journey. As the days lengthen to summer, the shadows and the Thunderbird’s image on the glass lens will begin to enter the Sun Lodge and cross over the fire pit inside, signaling the summer solstice. It is also a reminder of the long history of indigenous intellectualism and celestial observation on this land. Sun Lodge is inspired by Preston Singletary’s cultural and spiritual awakening in a humble sweat lodge at Pilchuck Glass School, an experience that ignited his career more than thirty years ago.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Pierce College District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Preston Singletary (Tlingit and Filipino heritage) grew up in the Seattle area listening to stories told by his great-grandparents, who were both Tlingit (Native Alaskan). In 1984, Singletary took part in his first workshop at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Northwestern Washington. In the late 1980s, Singletary began incorporating traditional Tlingit themes into his work and reaching out to other Northwest Coast Native American artists. In his own words, “It was only when I began to experiment with using designs from my Tlingit cultural heritage that my work began to take on a new purpose and direction.” He has returned to Pilchuck as both a teacher and student many times, and has blown glass around the world. Singletary was honored with a Washington State Governor's Arts and Heritage Award in 2018.

David Franklin creates public art in a variety of styles and materials, including metal, glass, and wood. He seeks to create an instant connection between the viewer and his art. Franklin is a non-Native artist, and some of his artworks are influenced by Native American Northwest Coast styles. He grew up in Colorado, and started his art career with graffiti. In the early 1990s, he moved to the Pacific Northwest and began a ten-year apprenticeship with non-Native artist and carver Duane Pasco, who has made the study of Indigenous artistic traditions of the Northwest Coast his life’s work. Franklin learned graphic and sculptural skills, and he gained experience with large-scale art fabrication and installation. He lives and works in Indianola, on the Kitsap Peninsula, southern Puget Sound, Western Washington.