FRIDAY HARBOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

"Puddles" dedicated September 20, 2002

More than 300 students attended the unveiling ceremony.

Pemberton checks out the sculpture which is placed across from the school's entrance.

Artist Tom Pemberton (center) is surrounded by his grandsons Christian (left), Jake and daughter Rachel and granddaughter Sonny.

Adults in the crowd blew bubbles as students sang "High Hopes."

posted 09/20/02
First graders Libby Snow and Nelson Wynn unveiled "Puddles" a life-size bronze sculpture at ceremony at Friday Harbor Elementary School Friday, September 20, 2002. Friday Harbor artist Tom Pemberton created the sculpture of a boy and girl standing in a puddle experiencing the wonder of rain.

The sculpture was a gift to the school from the fifth-grade class of 2001 and private donors. FHES Principal Carolyn Haugen said the idea began ten years ago when Pemberton visited Nancy Cope's kindergarten class.

Students were involved in all stages of the project including hands-on experience with the clay. A videotape of every step was made. The casting was done in Sultan.

The sculpture was placed across from the entrance to the elementary school near the stairway students use when walking home.

About the Artist

Tom Pemberton is a graduate of Louisiana State University and has been a professional artist since 1970. He was Artist in Residence and Teacher at Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey, California and has built and operated seven studios/foundries. He moved to Friday Harbor in 1987. His subjects include wildlife, satire, fantasy and humor.

Puddles arrives

posted 05/16/02
Fifth-grader Michele Smith was one of the first to view Puddles when the bronze sculpture arrived in Friday Harbor Wednesday, May 15, 2002. Artist Tom Pemberton created the sculpture of a brother and sister on their first day of school.

Puddles, a life-size bronze sculpture of a little boy and girl standing in the rain, created by San Juan Island artist Tom Pemberton will be placed in front of Friday Harbor Elementary School.

This little boy, boots and satchel half buckled and coat buttoned unevenly, is watching a leaf swirl in a puddle while rain drips down his neck. He is not at all happy, especially since he has to hold his little sister's hand. The little girl's head is tipped back and she is smiling as the rain falls on her face.

Pemberton carved this sculpture in his studio in Friday Harbor. Leisha Holmes, art teacher at Friday Harbor Elementary School, brought groups of students to meet and interview Tom, see Puddles in progress, tour the shop and foundry to learn about the bronze casting process, then give reports to their classes. The sculpture was cast in bronze in Sultan and is now back on San Juan Island where Pemberton is doing the finishing work.

This sculpture is a gift to the school from the 5th grade class of 2001 and private donors. Tom has been making a video so the Puddles story and steps in creating a bronze sculpture can be part of the permanent collection at the school library.

Students were involved in the project from the beginning according to Emily Reed. Hands-on experience with the clay was part of the educational process. Every step of the procedure was videotaped so students can know how Puddles was created. The casting was done in Sultan.

Last year's fifth-grade class raised $1,100 towards the cost of the sculpture. An anonymous donor contributed the rest.

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