Towering over the shores of Budd Inlet, West Bay Park has a new addition: the “Life is Water” carving by Taylor Krise, a Squaxin Island Tribe artist. “Life is Water” was commissioned by the West Olympia Rotary as a gift to the City of Olympia, in celebration of the Rotary Club’s 50th anniversary. Katya Miltimore, president of the West Olympia Rotary, says that as the club’s anniversary was approaching, Rotary members considered potential ways to commemorate, keeping in mind the Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.”
“The most important thing was that we provided some sort of service, or beautified the community in some way,” says Miltimore. “Just made a lasting impact on the community.”
West Bay Park holds particular meaning for the West Olympia Rotary, as the club previously joined fellow Rotary Clubs of Thurston County to support the formation of Rotary Point at West Bay Park. West Bay Park also rests on ancestral lands of the Squaxin Island Tribe.
New to the world of public art installations, Krise saw “Life is Water” as an opportunity to demonstrate the artistic skill set that he has been building for more than two decades. Krise drew inspiration for “Life is Water” from his time growing up in the tradition of fishing, paddling and diving, while also hearing from elders on the importance of land and waterway stewardship. The carving highlights the importance of clean water in supporting marine life and the interconnectedness of the ecosystem. Krise hopes that this carving can remind and encourage the public to protect local waterways and marine life.
“I felt like I really engaged and, and put a lot of my heart into this piece,” says Krise. “So I’m hoping that it does its job here, and that people respect it and see it for what it is.”
Many facets of the community united to make this project possible, including members of the West Olympia Rotary, and local institutions like Olympia Federal Savings, the South Puget Sound Community College Foundation, Squaxin Island Tribe and O Bee Credit Union. FORMA Construction donated the installation of the carving and created a base on which the carving rests. There was also continued partnership between the City of Olympia, Olympia City Council and West Olympia Rotary Club.
On Friday, June 20, 2025, members of the West Olympia Rotary Club, Squaxin Island Tribe and Olympia City Council joined members of the community at a Dedication Ceremony for “Life is Water” at West Bay Park. The Dedication Ceremony included remarks from West Olympia Rotary President, Katya Miltimore, Squaxin Island Tribe Chairman, Kris Peters, Squaxin Island Museum Director, Charlene Krise, “Life is Water” artist, Taylor Krise, as well as Olympia City Council Member, Clark Gilman. The dedication ceremony also featured a drum circle and dancers from the Squaxin Island Tribe.
“It’s a reminder of stewardship and that we’re still here and we have to continue to care for these waters,” says Squaxin Island Tribe Chairman, Kris Peters.
To learn more, visit the West Olympia Rotary Club website.
