MARYSVILLE – A piece of art called “HopeGate” will be unveiled Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Marysville-Pilchuck High School.

The school district was awarded $60,000 from the state for the project. A committee reviewed 60 artist portfolios and selected Roger Feldman. The group was drawn to the interactive and experiential nature of his work, including the colors and textures of his sculptural installations, a district news release says.

The ceremony will begin in the school auditorium with a short presentation from the district and school personnel, along with Feldman, prior to the unveiling.

In explaining the artwork, Feldman said he was inspired by the local tribes of the Salish Sea people.

HopeGate takes two walls leaning together and connecting at the top to make one piece. They share an identical base, and both lean forward while creating a symmetrical passage-way in the shape of a triangle.

The intent of the forms joining together alludes to the educational process, where moving through the passageway signifies the completion of the high school journey. This triangle is pointing due West. In 19th and 20th Century American literature and public consciousness, the West has consistently represented the unknown, the frontier, opportunity and hope.

Additionally, the salmon color ties into the fact that indigenous people have been able to survive because of salmon and other sea creatures. The use of using sweeping, curved, modern-looking hard edge shapes are reminiscent of bird feathers and orca fins, the artist says.