Crossing the Water, 2025

Andy Wilbur-Peterson
American Skokomish (born 1955)

Location: Department of Transportation - Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal, Bainbridge Island

About the Artwork

Andy Wilbur-Peterson's Crossing the Water is made of a female and a male welcome pole that greet ferry passengers at the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal’s pedestrian walkway. Wilbur-Peterson notes that "Men and women have traveled the Salish Seas for centuries, and these poles welcome all to our homeland and waterways."

Wilbur-Peterson also shared this story: "A long time ago, after the humans were created, the Creator gave them power to rule the land. When humans came to the water, they wanted to cross to the other side. So they created a canoe to help them get to where they wanted to go. One day as they were crossing the water they looked down and saw life, so they jumped in and caught Salmon and Octopus, and took them to the other side of the water. When they got to the other side, they fed everyone. Eagle was so appreciative that she gave them some of her feathers so that they could travel far. Salmon gave them the power to cross the water with great ease. Octopus gave them the ability to go wherever they needed to be. These poles represent the ability that all humans may travel and have great strength to go wherever they desire and have protection and power within."

The giant cedar logs came from Quilcene, on the Olympic Peninsula in Northwestern Washington. Wilbur-Peterson scaled his drawings to fit the logs, and he carved it with tools that he made for himself, such as adzes and knives.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of Transportation - Ferries.

About the Artist

Andy Wilbur-Peterson (Skokomish) creates carvings and other artworks in the Salish tradition of the Pacific Northwest. He works in many different mediums, such as basketry, printmaking, glass, wool weaving, graphic art, and carving.

Wilbur-Peterson was born in Shelton, Western Washington, to Skokomish members Arlene Peterson and Dennis Allen. He was raised on the Skokomish Reservation and is a member of the Skokomish Tribe for over seventy years. At the age of twelve, he was taking commissions for his bead work. As a teenager, he helped gather materials with well-known basket makers, Louisa Pulsifer and Emily Miller. This experience, and a museum tour of Northwest Coast art, inspired him to explore art in its various forms. In 1987, Wilbur-Peterson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American studies from The Evergreen State College in Olympia. While there, he worked with Makah artist Greg Colfax on a 12-foot-tall female Welcome Figure for the college. This prompted his interest in researching Coast Salish design and carving, as well as pieces made by his great-grandfather, Henry Allen. He has taught both carving and painting classes over the years to people of all ages, through various tribes and local schools.

Medium	Carved and painted red cedar wood
Dimensions	10 ft high x 32 in wide x 16 in deep (each)
ID Number	WSAC2021.008.001-002
Acquisition Method	Site responsive commission
Artist Location	Washington, United States

Agency	Department of Transportation - Ferries
Artwork Location	Department of Transportation - Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal Passenger walkway
WA County	Kitsap County
Placement	Interior
Site Type	State Agency
Address	270 Olympic Dr. SE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Geo. Coordinates	47.62257697, -122.510116
Before Visiting	Some artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access.
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Crossing the Water, 2025

About the Artwork

About the Artist

Artwork Details

Location Information