Artwork copyright Mauricio Robalino. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

Artwork copyright Mauricio Robalino. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

Artwork copyright Mauricio Robalino. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

Artwork copyright Mauricio Robalino. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

Artwork copyright Mauricio Robalino. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

Artwork copyright Mauricio Robalino. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

Artwork copyright Mauricio Robalino. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

Life Along the Skagit River, 2023

Mauricio Robalino
(American | Ecuadorian, born 1953)

Location: Madison Elementary, Mount Vernon

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Life Along the Skagit River by Mauricio Robalino is a tribute to the local Skagit River in Northwestern Washington. The river is a source of food, natural resources, and beauty. Robalino uses the staircase to imitate the river's shape and path from the Cascade Mountains at the top of the stairs, to Puget Sound at the bottom. The mosaic mural includes salmon, waterfalls, a full moon, eagles and other birds, the Mount Vernon tulip fields and orchards, farmers at work, and orca whales.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Mount Vernon School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Mauricio Robalino creates colorful and whimsical artworks using a variety of materials, especially mosaics. His artworks are inspired by multicultural artistic traditions. In his own words, "My art is a celebration of life, nature, and hope."

Robalino was born and grew up in Ecuador. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1983 and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1988. He is based in Tacoma, Western Washington.