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The Animal Storm sculpture by Ron Petty, installed in 1985 at the corner of N 45th Street and Wallingford Avenue N, features local wildlife in bronze at the bottom and clouds in aluminum at the top, symbolizing the Wallingford neighborhood’s character. Take a minute and look closely at the sculpture to appreciate the animal expressions and details. The sculpture features more than 60 animals from 32 species, presented in bas-relief on the nearly 16-foot-tall column that weighs 1,634 pounds. The installation was community-supported, coinciding with the renovation and redevelopment of the historic Interlake School building to make way for the Wallingford Center. Forty years later, efforts continue to preserve the significance of the statue. 

Fulfilling the organizational mission to foster an awareness of and appreciation for Wallingford’s history and architecture, Historic Wallingford board members Sarah Martin and Tyson Baty noted the 40th anniversary of the sculpture by collaborating with Petty to create a video. Recently Sarah created an online exhibition to raise awareness of the sculpture’s history and cultural importance. You can find this virtual exhibition on Historic Wallingford’s website.   

Community support and networking continues with this project. Noting the anniversary, it was suggested to the July 12th Wallingford Parade producers, Celebrate Wallingford, as a potential theme for the 2025 parade. With that kernel of inspiration, the theme Wild in Wallingford was developed with artwork designed by Cynthia Payne. Ron and Marjan Petty will serve as grand marshals for this significant community event. The Seattle Times has highlighted the Animal Storm sculpture and community support in the July 6th Now and Then column by historian Clay Eals. The Pettys will lead the parade and circle back to enjoy the balance of the procession at the Animal Storm. Artist Melinda Hannah has created a painting to commemorate the event, which will be presented to Ron and Marjan.

There is much to celebrate in Wallingford! Join the fun at the Wallingford Parade on July 12th on N 45th Street, from Bagley Avenue N to Interlake Avenue N, at 11 am, and let’s be Wild In Wallingford.