Ever wondered if art could literally bring the ocean to a field? At Monarch Sculpture Park, a mesmerizing ceramic seascape is blooming, crafted by community hands! Dive into a world of lifelike marine creatures and discover the magic of collaborative art. What hidden wonders will you uncover on your next visit?
Nestled within the serene landscapes of Monarch Sculpture Park outside Tenino, a remarkable public art installation is captivating visitors: a vibrant, ceramic seascape. This unique project beautifully merges the natural world with artistic expression, creating an immersive experience for all who wander through the park’s expansive grounds. It stands as a testament to the power of community-driven creativity and environmental appreciation.
The inspiration for this stunning marine life sculptures display originated from two passionate ceramic artists, John Brooks and Ashlea Schroder, whose deep love for community, art, and the natural environment ignited the vision. Their commitment to fostering artistic engagement and environmental awareness has transformed a grassy meadow into an exquisite underwater tableau, brimming with lifelike aquatic forms.
Visitors to the Monarch Sculpture Park can explore an evolving artistic ecosystem where numerous aquatic species, from intricate fish and mollusks to various mammals and sea plants, are meticulously crafted in clay. These authentic replicas, made by diverse area residents and international visitors, perch artfully on and within long curves of boulders, creating a vibrant, rocky seascape that truly brings the ocean to this rural Tenino WA setting.
A cornerstone of this ambitious endeavor is the series of free Sunday ceramic pop-up sessions, led by life partners and park caretakers John Brooks and Ashlea Schroder. These workshops have, over the past four summers, welcomed participants from toddlers to individuals aged 95, including visitors from as far as Japan and Saudi Arabia, making it a truly inclusive community art project.
Each session offers more than just the opportunity to work with clay; it includes informal discussions about various species of marine life and their habitats. Attendees are inspired and guided to create their own marine creatures, with reference materials and expert assistance provided, fostering both artistic skill and a deeper understanding of ocean ecosystems through hands-on learning and ceramic art.
The impact of this public art installation extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. Many visitors return annually, often seeking out pieces they previously created, a testament to the personal connection forged. The works, praised for their beauty and realism, eloquently highlight the diversity and importance of marine life, with even marine biologists identifying exact species within the clay forms, emphasizing ocean conservation.
Brooks and Schroder, who began as park visitors and then became dedicated volunteers and caretakers over a decade ago after meeting founder Myrna Orsini, embody the spirit of the Monarch Sculpture Park. Their personal stories underscore the positive impact that engagement with community art has had on their own lives and on those around them, reinforcing the park’s mission of enrichment and connection.
Studies consistently demonstrate the benefits of engaging in experiential activities in nature for mental and physical well-being. The Monarch Sculpture Park, situated in unincorporated Thurston County, serves as a vital resource for a healthy rural community ecosystem, particularly in providing accessible art education and engagement opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to many local children and residents.
Recognized with the 2025 Best of Tenino award, the Monarch Sculpture Park continues to expand its offerings, committed to accessibility for all ages and abilities. Adjacent to the Chehalis Western Trail, this 6-acre park showcases 160 sculptures by world-renowned artists, alongside features like bird and butterfly gardens, and a Sound Garden, making it a premier cultural and natural destination.
