Sabah Al-Dhaher
Made of Basalt, Onyx, granite, and steel.
“Eternal Heart” is dedicated to the memory of Rosemary Eckerson, a truly outstanding member of the Puyallup community. A passionate supporter of the arts, she served as director of the Karshner Museum, co-founded Valley Arts United, served as a city arts commissioner and as a city council member, and was the driving force in starting Puyallup’s Outdoor Sculpture Gallery. Sculptor Sabah Al-Daher is a native of Iraq who received his training at the Institute of Fine Arts in Basra. He entered the U.S. as a political refugee after the Iraq war. He settled in Seattle, where he produced an extensive body of paintings and sculptures and an impressive list of exhibits and installations. He teaches at the Pratt Fine Art Center in Seattle and presents programs at art workshops and symposia. About “Eternal Heart,” Mr. Al-Dhaher says: “The design for the sculpture “Eternal Heart” was inspired by how I feel about Rosemary Eckerson! Her passion and dedication to art and creativity as essential to building a community were remarkable. Her tireless effort was to serve her community and inspire others to do so. She was a pure heart that kept spreading kindness and love to those fortunate people who had the chance to know and work with her.”