Coast Salish artist Jason LaClair will put the finishing work on a ceremonial story pole carving on public display this spring at the Hotel Leo as part of Downtown Bellingham Art Walk.

The carving will showcase LaClair’s craft, and forms the centerpiece of QwotQwem—meaning “noisy waters” in Xwlemi Chosen—an ad-hoc gallery dedicated to honoring local Native and Indigenous artists. The event is presented by Children of the Setting Sun Productions and hosted by the Hotel Leo and Daylight Properties.

LaClair will finish a ceremonial (totem) pole originally begun by carver Samuel Cagey, Jr., a beloved Lummi tribal elder whose health was poorly impacted by COVID-19. LaClair’s work is intended to complete and honor and benefit the work of Cagey’s carving, and complete his story. The pole will be on public display through May and June at the Hotel Leo, with dedicated carving demonstrations on the first Friday of each month as part of Downtown Bellingham Art Walk. All are welcome.

The Hotel Leo is located at 1224 Cornwall Ave. In Bellingham.