PORT TOWNSEND — An anonymous gift funneled through Jefferson Land Trust has provided Port Townsend with a large iron sculpture by local artist Russell Jaqua off the Larry Scott Memorial Trail.
The piece, standing about 12 feet tall and named “Leafwing,” was commissioned in 1998 by a Port Townsend resident who had watched the work done by the land trust and wanted to do something to recognize it for its protection of wildlife habitats.
The donor or donors wished to remain anonymous, but a plaque in front of the sculpture reads: “Given to the City of Port Townsend by Jefferson Land Trust through the generosity of Annie, Bounce and Glenn.”
“It’s a real labor of love for the community,” said Stan Ruben, Port Townsend Arts Commission chairman.
“It adds to our stature as an arts town. It’s going to be a very nice place for people to see the sculpture.”
Figure-eight shaped
The iron figure-eight is positioned about a quarter-mile west of the Port Townsend Boat Haven off the Scott Trail, part of the Olympic Discovery Trail that eventually will extend from Port Townsend to LaPush.
After several possible locations, including sites at Fort Worden State Park, below the bluff on Scott Trail was chosen by Jaqua.