Public Art

Public Art Background

This artwork, featured as a utility box wrap, is a tribute to Cecelia Svinth Carpenter, a historian, educator, and author who dedicated her life to preserving the history of the Nisqually Tribe and advocating for Native American heritage in Washington State. Cecelia’s work helped save important stories and traditions, making her a vital voice in Nisqually history.

The piece also honors the broader legacy of the Nisqually Tribe, whose ancestral lands are the foundation of this region. It invites the community to reflect on the strength, wisdom, and deep cultural contributions of Native communities, reminding us all to continue learning from and respecting their history.

Location: Galaxy and Martin

About the Artist

Name: Lena

Age When Artwork was Created: 15

Lena has a passion for art, community service, and staying connected to the people she cares about. Outgoing, funny, and full of energy, she brings a playful spirit to everything she does. Art is a central part of her life, and she’s always eager to explore new techniques and push her creative boundaries.

Lena’s inspiration for this piece is deeply personal. Though her cousin, who belonged to another tribe, passed away in 2021, Lena knows she would have been proud of this tribute. Her interest in the Nisqually Tribe began in middle school and grew into a deep respect for Native cultures and the significance of their lands. She was also moved by Cecelia Carpenter’s role as a woman and a key figure in local history. This piece, created using colored pencils, graphite, and a photo reference of Cecelia, challenged Lena to explore realism for the first time. It was an experience she found difficult, meaningful, and ultimately rewarding.

Drawing features a portrait of a woman labeled “Cecelia,” with “Nisqually Tribe,” Native art of an orca, trees, water, canoes, and the word “S’qwali?abš” written at the top.
Original Art

Cecelia Svinth Carpenter – Utility Box Wrap

A utility box painted with a portrait of a woman, trees, water, a fish, and text reading

8033 Martin Way E, Lacey, WA 98516, USA

Public Art Background

This artwork, featured as a utility box wrap, is a tribute to Cecelia Svinth Carpenter, a historian, educator, and author who dedicated her life to preserving the history of the Nisqually Tribe and advocating for Native American heritage in Washington State. Cecelia’s work helped save important stories and traditions, making her a vital voice in Nisqually history.

The piece also honors the broader legacy of the Nisqually Tribe, whose ancestral lands are the foundation of this region. It invites the community to reflect on the strength, wisdom, and deep cultural contributions of Native communities, reminding us all to continue learning from and respecting their history.

A white icon of a receipt with a dollar sign on a green circular background, representing City of Lacey payment or billing services.
Billing
Two overlapping speech bubbles with three dots in the front bubble, set against a green circular background, symbolize communication in the City of Lacey.
Tell Us
White envelope icon outlined on a green circular background, representing email or a message for the City of Lacey.
Subscribe
White outline of a judge’s gavel striking a sound block, centered on a solid green circular background, representing justice in the City of Lacey.
Public Meetings
White outline of a briefcase and a document on a green circular background, representing City of Lacey work or business-related content.
Jobs
Icon showing a document with lines of text and a ribbon or seal in the lower right corner, symbolizing certification or official approval by the City of Lacey, on a green circular background.
City Code
White outline of a rubber stamp icon, symbolizing official approval, centered on a solid green circular background—perfect for representing the City of Lacey.
Permits