Debbie Preston

Director, Nisqually Tribe Communications & Media Services

Nisqually Indian Tribe

preston.debbie@nisqually-nsn.gov

360-456-5221 x1341

Korum Bischoff

Deputy Director

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

500 E Winslow Way

Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

korum@biartmuseum.org

(206) 451-4005

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2024 | View as Webpage

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art to host clay model

of Billy Frank Jr. statue May 7-15, visitors welcome

Artist Haiying Wu’s final statue will be cast in bronze and installed at National Statuary Hall in 2025

OLYMPIA, WA – Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) will host a clay model of Indigenous leader and activist Billy Frank Jr. from May 7-15, 2024. The clay model, also known as a “maquette”, was made by renowned Chinese American sculptor Haiying Wu as he developed his vision for a statue of the late Nisqually leader. Wu will develop this model into a 9-foot-tall statue, which will be cast in bronze before installation at National Statuary Hall, a chamber in the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. The model’s tenure at BIMA represents a special opportunity for the public to see Wu’s craftsmanship up close and experience history in the making. Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is located at 550 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 is just steps from the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal.

BIMA Deputy Director Korum Bischoff states, “We are thrilled to host the maquette of Billy Frank Jr. and the opportunity to share this historic project with our community. We hope it offers the public a chance to reflect on Billy’s incredible legacy, and inspires people to learn more about the stories from our shared shores around Puget Sound.”



Billy Frank Jr., born on March 9, 1931, was a Nisqually tribal member. He fought tirelessly to ensure that the United States government would honor the promises made in the treaties with Washington tribes, particularly around fishing rights. His unwavering commitment to human rights and environmental sustainability has had global influence. In 2015, he was posthumously awarded the presidential medal of freedom by President Barack Obama.

The maquette and an informational banner will be on view in BIMA’s main lobby. Admission is free and the museum is open daily from 10am-5pm.

About Nisqually Indian Tribe

The Nisqually Indian Tribe is a sovereign nation located on the Nisqually River with more than 800 enrolled tribal members. The tribe employs 1,500 tribal and non-tribal people in government and its enterprises under their Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation. The tribe has worked to protect and restore the land throughout their traditional territory from Mount Rainier to the mouth of the Nisqually River and continue to do that work just as Billy Frank Jr. did throughout his life. For more information, visit nisqually-nsn.gov.

About ArtsWA

ArtsWA is the Washington State Arts Commission, a state government agency established in 1961. ArtsWA works to be a catalyst for the arts, advancing the role of the arts in the lives of individuals and communities throughout the state. Programs include Art in Public Places, Arts in Education, Grants to Organizations, and other special projects. For more information, visit arts.wa.gov.

About Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

BIMA’s mission is to inspire curiosity, wonder, and understanding by connecting people with the contemporary art and craft of the Puget Sound region.  Since opening its LEED Gold certified building in 2013, BIMA has become the cultural living room for the local community. BIMA believes art is for everyone and is committed to provide free general admission to the museum every day. For more information, visit biartmuseum.org.