The Giant Acorn Sculpture is located in downtown Oak Harbor, WA and is made of Garry oak wood from the Grand Old Oak at the Post Office.
The story behind the Giant Acorn art piece began with the loss of the Grand Old Oak, cut down in Oak Harbor at the site of the Post Office in 2014. At the time of its demise, a tree ring count determined this revered community asset and landmark oak had been growing since the year 1684.
Later, an ad hoc committee was formed by the City of Oak Harbor to recommend best use of the Grand Old Oak wood to commemorate and honor the oak tree for current and future citizens of Oak Harbor. One popular idea for wood use was a Giant Acorn sculpture. Now on public display in a street-side plaza on Pioneer Way in front of the Clean Water Facility next to Wells Fargo Bank, this sculpted wooden acorn by artist Pat McVey is ringed by images of habitat species that might be found within a Garry oak ecosystem, which the artist carved into the supporting base.
It is the hope of Oak Harbor Garry Oak Society that this art from local Garry oak wood will help to increase public knowledge, enjoyment, and understanding of our unique native trees. For all-ages fun, we created a sculpture scavenger hunt and coloring activity. Can you find all 32 of the intricately carved elements?
