Artwork copyright Andy Wilbur-Peterson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2024.

Artwork copyright Andy Wilbur-Peterson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2024.

Artwork copyright Andy Wilbur-Peterson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2024.

Artwork copyright Andy Wilbur-Peterson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Ceremonial Crane Design, 1983

Andy Wilbur-Peterson
American Skokomish (born 1955)

Location: Department of Enterprise Services, Olympia

About the Artwork

Ceremonial Crane Design is a hand-sewn button blanket created by Skokomish artist Andy Wilbur-Peterson. He notes that the crane is a significant symbol in Skokomish culture, and that the mother of pearl and abalone buttons used to create this artwork were gathered over time through trade. This artwork is part of Beyond Blue Mountains, a collection that was curated by late Tlingit (Native Alaskan) artist Jim Schoppert. It presents the work of Native American artists of diverse heritage, ideas, materials, and styles. The collection takes an in-depth look at the artists’ unique voices and interpretations of tradition.

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

About the Artist

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.