Tree of Life

Ridgefield High School – Ridgefield, Washington

Located in a rural community in SW Washington, the “Tree of Life” is the Ridgefield High School’s new campus icon. Influenced by the beauty of the surrounding landscape, the sculpture’s form purposefully gestures toward an adjacent wildlife refuge. Providing a welcoming natural element in a heavily traveled exterior courtyard space, the symbol of the “Tree” is one of resiliency and growth, paralleling the qualities that we have for education our children. Much like overcoming obstacles throughout life, a tree continues to grow and prosper. This inspirational sculpture is the school’s eternal symbol for life-long learning.

Project Information

Tree of Life

Client: Clark County Public School District – Ridgefield High School
Commissioning Agency: Washington State Arts Commission
Completion Date: November 2022
Dimensions: 9’L x 9’W x 18’H
Materials: weathered steel pipe, weathered steel plate, acrylic panel

Artist: Curtis Pittman
Computer Modeling and Shop Drawings: Curtis Pittman
Structural Engineering: Grummel Engineering – Portland, OR
Steel Fabrication: Night Owl Hal Fabrication – Kelso, WA
Pipe Bending: Albina Pipe Co. – Tualatin, OR
Steel Sandblasting: Steel Painters, Inc. – Kelso, WA
Acrylic Fabrication: Multi-craft Plastics – Tigard, OR
Foundation: Can-Do Construction LLC – Battle Ground, WA

Photography: Jenny Shadley, Curtis Pittman

Ridgefield High School – 2630 S Hillhurst Rd, Ridgefield, WA 98642

Location Map

Concept

Design Drawing

Fabrication

Installation