Artwork copyright Verena Schwippert. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Sarah Arney.

Artwork copyright Verena Schwippert. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Verena Schwippert. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Sarah Arney.

Mussel Beach, 2013

Verena Schwippert
German (born 1949)

Location: City of Gig Harbor, Gig Harbor

About the Artwork

Mussel Beach celebrates the rich marine life and abundance of seafood in the Gig Harbor bay and Puget Sound. The forms are meant to be evocative, fun, and welcoming. They also provide a place to gather, talk, and sit.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with City of Gig Harbor.

About the Artist

Artist Verena Schwippert is a sculptor who works mainly in granite. She aims to highlight the natural shape of the stone boulders that she carves, revealing their peaceful and powerful presence. Her sculptures also invite people to touch and sit on them, and feel the safe calm of the granite. The inspiration to work huge granite boulders stems from the megalithic Stone Age sites in Northern Germany, where she grew up. She has called the Northwest her home since 1974.