“Our two choices were to paint wildlife or paint industrial,” said Fife High Student Alyssa Stocco, who leaned on symbolism while painting a habitat site.  

Stocco incorporated Mount Rainier, blue herons and salmon. 

Sanaa Pond brought an impressionistic eye to depicting a cargo ship.  

“I really liked how the light was hitting the water,” Pond said. “It’s probably one of the most fun projects I’ve done, I’m really proud of it.” 

After students toured the Port and took photos, they returned to class to create their art. 

The show was held during the Fife Milton Edgewood Chamber of Commerce’s business after-hours event.  

“Having young people in this building is a very special occasion,” Port Commissioner Don Meyer said in welcoming remarks. 

The show included a wide range of artistic styles, and many of the works had three dimensional elements. 

Brianna Ronquillo’s chalk piece featured a cargo container with graffiti.  

“Art can fill the world with color,” Ronquillo said. 

The Port of Tacoma’s community affairs team of Leslie Barstow and Katie Skelton worked with Fife teachers Melissa Brownell and Katy Baur to organize the tour and show. 

“You don’t typically think of art when you think of the Port,” Baur said.  “It’s been fun to take something industrial and create art out of it.”