Artwork copyright Preston Singletary. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Artwork copyright Preston Singletary. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Artwork copyright Preston Singletary. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Artwork copyright Preston Singletary. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Grey Whale, 2021

Preston Singletary
American, Tlingit (born 1963)

Location: Western State Hospital, Lakewood

About the Artwork

Grey Whale by Preston Singletary represents the sea. The nurturing balance of the two whales relates directly to the growth and care that is created for those living at the San Juan Cottage. Singletary's whale is familiar to us, but also mystical with its sand-carved Tlingit designs, combining European glass blowing traditions and Northwest Native Art. 

This artwork is part of a curated collection for Western State Hospital. The art selection committee wanted artworks with themes of the Pacific Northwest, that are engaging but also approachable for young residents. 

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of Social and Health Services.

About the Artist

Celebrated artist Preston Singletary (Tlingit and Filipino-American) grew up in the Seattle area listening to stories told by his great-grandparents, who were Tlingit (Native Alaskan). In 1984, Singletary took part in his first workshop at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Northwestern Washington. In the late 1980s, he began including traditional Tlingit themes into his work. 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.” Singletary has returned to Pilchuck as both a teacher and student many times, and he has blown glass around the world. In 2018, he was honored with a Washington State Governor's Arts and Heritage Award. In 2024, he was inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame (his grandmother is Filipina).