Arts & Entertainment Community Government

City Arts Commission to put out new call for Harbor Arbor Art

The Gig Harbor Arts Commission will re-open a call for artists to throw their hats into the ring for the next installation of Harbor Arbor Art.

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The commission originally chose an artist who previously created the sculptures from stands in Grandview Forest, but the city felt the details of his proposal this year didn’t fit the intention of the project. The originally chosen artist, Jeffrey Samudosky, proposed creating the wooden pieces in his studio and bringing them to Grandview Forest, instead of carving them on-site. 

The project was originally supposed to kick off during Washington’s rainier months, which was one of Samudosky’s chief concerns.

The commission plans to open calls next year around the end of February 2026 and will make it clear in the application materials that artists must carve on-site. It will set the target date to begin sculpting in July or early August, when rain is less likely. 

The commission also discussed upping its ask for Creative Endeavors grants funding. These grants support artistic and community-focused creative projects, including performances and workshops. The commission received $35,000 to distribute this year, after asking for $50,000. They decided to ask for $50,000 again next year.

Art carved into snags in Grandview Forest. Photo by Tonya Strickland