Tree of Life

Ridgefield High School – Ridgefield, Washington

Located in the heart of Ridgefield High School’s campus in southwest Washington, Tree of Life stands as a symbol of growth, resilience, and renewal. Inspired by the surrounding natural landscape and the nearby wildlife refuge, the sculpture’s branching form reaches outward in a gesture of connection to nature, to community, and to the enduring pursuit of knowledge. As students and visitors pass through the courtyard, the artwork serves as a daily reminder of education’s transformative power: like a tree, learning is a lifelong process of growth and adaptation. Tree of Life celebrates the strength and vitality of both the natural world and the human spirit.

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