By CLAYTON PARK

A citywide series of public art projects called "Salmon in the City" was kicked off with an opening event at Carkeek Park on Earth Day, April 22.

The multi-media series will feature 15 temporary public art projects that will be held throughout the city this spring and summer, running through the end of July.

The series launch at Carkeek Park was held at the site of photographer Natalie Fobes' outdoor art installation titled "Salmon in the Trees." The art installation consists of photos of salmon printed on cloth banners and hung on the branches of a grove of red cedar trees along Piper's Creek.

The White River Drummers of the Muckleshoot tribe performed traditional Native American songs to open and close the event, followed by speeches by various City officials and local politicians, as well as several of the artists who are participating in the "Salmon in the City" series.

Project facilitator Helen Lessick of the Seattle Arts Commission explained that the purpose of the "Salmon in the City" series is to "address diverse audience about the various facets of salmon (restoration) work" in streams throughout the city.

Judith Roche, a poet, talked about her project, a series of poems about salmon that she composed and recorded on a CD that can currently be heard by visitors to the Chittenden Locks in Ballard, through July 30. Framed copies of the poems are also on display at the Locks' Visitor Center. The project, titled "Salmon Suite," was conducted through a partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers. "I never imagined I'd be collaborating on an art project with the Army!" Roche exclaimed.

Several other artists and City officials also spoke, including Mayor Paul Schell who said "Art is a lot more than putting something in front of buildings ... it speaks to the soul and spirit of our city." He added, "I believe if we save our salmon, we'll also save ourselves."

Schell then unveiled a framed linocut print titled "Seattle Salmon," by artist Dennis Cunningham,which is featured on the cover of the "Salmon in the City" brochure. The framed linocut will be displayed in City's Portable Works Collection.

Fobes, the final speaker, thanked the Greenwood Boys and Girls Club for assisting her in making the banners for her "Salmon in the Trees" project. She then invited the audience to help her hang banners on some nearby trees.

Other artists featured in the "Salmon in the City" series are Brad Miller, Peter de Lory, Dan Corson, Rand Coburn, David Crow, John Foss, Wendy Jackson Hall, Lillian Pitt, Ken Mackintosh, Judith Sparks, Kim Stringfellow, Ries Niemi, Brad McCombs, Kevin Johnson, Christine Bauemler, Kelty McKinnon, and James Pridgeon.

For more information about "Salmon in the City," call 684-7171.