08/26/2026
Remember when we said we'd keep you posted? Well, it's time for an update! ☺️
Back in January, we shared the story of this historic totem pole as it made its way from the West Pasco Historical Society to Gulf High School. GHS art teacher Heather and her talented students took it from faded and weather-worn to the colorful piece you see in these photos. 🎨
A HUGE and very well-deserved thank you to Heather and her students for the time, talent and care they put into bringing it back to life! 🗿🪶
🏛️ And while working on this project, we learned some pretty cool history about it. The totem pole was carved from a single log by the Calusa Woodcarvers Association in 1990 for Calusa Elementary School. It was later documented as part of the Smithsonian Institution's Save Outdoor Sculpture! project and is included in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's inventory of American sculpture. How cool is that?! 🤩
Unfortunately, while the artwork has been beautifully refreshed, the wood itself needs some help. The City of New Port Richey, identified rot and termite damage that requires structural restoration, along with appropriate engineering for mounting, before the pole can be safely installed so that we can all enjoy it again! 🪵
🛠️ And that's where we're hoping our community can help.
We're looking for a skilled woodworker, craftsman, restoration professional, business or organization that may be willing to donate their expertise and help preserve this 36-year-old piece of New Port Richey history.
❤️ And here's another part of its story we love: this wouldn't be the first time the community has come to its rescue. Local woodcarvers refurbished the pole in 2002. Nearly 25 years later, we're hoping our community can come together once again to help give it many more years of life.
Know someone who might be able to help? Please reach out or share this post and help us find them!
