Artwork copyright Kay O'Rourke. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Feathered Friend, 1991

Kay O'Rourke
American (born 1943)

Location: McLane Elementary, Olympia

About the Artwork

Artist Kay O’Rourke created the colorful and whimsical sculpture Feathered Friend from painted wood and a real bird’s nest. The many animals on her farm in Spokane, Eastern Washington inspire the figures. She notes, “The birds may symbolize the higher spiritual self, trying to achieve greater things, while the cat represents the earth and being grounded in reality and immersed in every-day concerns.”

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

About the Artist

Spokane, Eastern Washington-based artist Kay O'Rourke creates figurative paintings and found-object sculptures. Many of her narrative artworks are inspired by the animals and nature surrounding her farm named "Wake Robin's Rest."