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The Slide Memorial

On March 22, 2014 at 10:37 am the single deadliest landslide in United States history occurred along SR 530 near Oso, Washington. The slide engulfed an entire community, taking the lives of 43 souls. The Slide Memorial will commemorate and educate about the lives lost, a community destroyed, the first responder's and rescuer's heroic efforts, the grief and resilience of the survivors, and the geological event itself.

Slide Memorial Beacon

Medium: Corten Steel

2024
 

Beacon Memorial is a monumental work of art with importance of its simplicity and deep spiritual philosophical symbols. This site-specific sculpture is located in the center of the gathering plaza. The monument itself has distinct architectural lines that give dramatic looks from different perspectives
surrounded by spectacular mountains.

The Beacon placed the way that on March 22nd, 10:37am of each year the not the shadow but the light of the
sculpture will direct to the focal point illuminating the Memorial Stone.

The bronze inlay resembling a four-pointed star on the ground embraces the monument with spiritual guidance/meaning. The monument comes alive when a person stands in the missing part making it complete with his presence, memories and prayers.

Looking up, you can see 43 butterflies soaring upwards, which represent the forty-three victims of the slide. The butterflies symbolize rebirth and resurrection of the souls.
 

Slide Memorial Panels

26 personalized memorial panels. As viewers walk in and around the panels, these sculptures create surprising experiences of elements, colors and shapes, which opens endlessly changing emotional scenes. Behind every panel has a touching story.


Each panel tell a story with symbolic elements and distinctive design, at the same time having one spine that give a sense of completeness. Their siting has created an outdoor gallery in a park like setting and this has enabled a positive spin to be put on a very negative event.
 

Medium: Corten Steel, epoxy

2024
 

Slide Memorial Responder's Sculpture

Medium: Stone, Bronze

2024

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The sculpture celebrates the courage and dedication of First Responders, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.


A massive, natural rock evoking the appearance of a landslide that tragically struck a community. The central focus of the composition is the Memorial Coin carefully placed within the rock's uniquely angled surface surrounded by the coins of First Responders, forming a symbolic representation of unity and tribute within the sculpture.
 

The inclusion of bronze items pays homage to the iconic symbols shared among first responders.
 

Slide Memorial Survival Shelter

Medium: Wood, Epoxy

Eleven flying swallows symbolize the 11 survivors of the Oso landslide. These birds glow in the darkness, serving as a poignant metaphor for their resilience through that tragic day.