To spot the Du Pen Fountain, look ahead for a striking bronze sculpture-complete with playful salmon-perched above a wide pool, right in front of the Joel M. Pritchard Library's modern façade.
Standing here, you’re not just looking at any old fountain-you're near a 900-pound piece of history crafted from bronze, green terrazzo, and cement, made by Everett Du Pen, a Northwest sculptor with a big reputation and, apparently, strong arms! In the mid-1950s, when Eisenhower was president and rock and roll was just taking off, Du Pen dreamed up this lively work. Just imagine Olympia half a century ago: a city buzzing as the Capitol campus was adding both books and beauty to its grounds. The sculptor, known for his leadership at the University of Washington, decided to have a little fun-a pair of bronze salmon forever caught mid-leap, spitting water into the air. I guess this is what salmon do when they know no bears are around!
Now, those salmon aren’t just popular with passing kids-a lot of adult visitors have probably tried to dodge a surprise spray or two. But in summer droughts, when water gets scarce, the state has to turn off the show-even salmon need to save water sometimes! Du Pen’s playful spirit didn’t stop here; he also made the Fountain of Creation at the Seattle World’s Fair. Clearly, when it comes to fountains in Washington, this artist’s creations keep making a splash. So why not stick around for a moment, lean in, and listen for the sound of history, art, and a well-aimed burst of water.
