Artwork copyright Dana Boussard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2019.

Artwork copyright Dana Boussard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2019.

Artwork copyright Dana Boussard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2019.

Artwork copyright Dana Boussard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2019.

Artwork copyright Dana Boussard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2019.

Artwork copyright Dana Boussard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2019.

Artwork copyright Dana Boussard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2019.

Artwork copyright Dana Boussard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2019.

Seeing Comes Before Words...A Legend in Time, 1979

Dana Boussard
American (born 1944)

Location: Tapteal Elementary School, West Richland

About the Artwork

Seeing Comes Before Words...A Legend in Time is a two-part fabric mural. Artist Dana Boussard created the mural for Tapteal Elementary School in Richland, Southeastern Washington. The imagery tells the story of the interactions between Native American peoples and white settlers to Southeastern Washington starting in the 1860s. The panels show the white settlers' journey west, first encounters with Native Americans, the struggle to coexist, and the growing number of settlers encroaching on Indigenous lands.

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

About the Artist

Montana-based artist Dana Boussard creates narrative-driven paintings, drawings, fiber works, and glass installations. Her works explore concepts of home, memory and spirituality. She received the Montana Governor's Arts Award in 1987. Boussard is a non-Native artist.