Artwork copyright Mike DeVoe. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Mike DeVoe. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Life Along the River, 1990

Mike DeVoe
(American, born 1947)

Location: Longfellow Elementary, Pasco

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Life Along the River is part of artist Mike DeVoe's "Columbia River Totems" series of three sculptures. He created the sculptures for Longfellow Elementary School in Pasco, Southeastern Washington, on the Columbia River.

The three columns celebrate the wildlife and natural environment of the Columbia River and reference the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-06. Each column is carved from alder wood to suggest river currents. All three artwork titles are taken from lines in Lewis and Clark's journals. Devoe notes that "When Lewis and Clark first sighted the Columbia they were astounded at the number of salmon in the river and by the flourishing 'Salmon Economy' along its shores." Devoe placed reeds and birds at the top of the column as if it is the surface of the water.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Mike Devoe creates figurative sculptures. He lives and works on Vashon Island in South Puget Sound, Western Washington. Devoe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1973.