The First Sculptor of Seattle ― The Life and Art of James A. Wehn

Whether you’re interested in art history, Native American culture, or the past lives of the city of Seattle, you’ll want to know more about early twentieth-century sculptor James A. Wehn.

Encouraged to create art during one of his frequent periods of illness as a youth, he was introduced to his first mentor, painter Rowena Nichols Leinss, in 1895. In 1905, at twenty-three, he started his first studio—distinguishing him as Seattle’s “First Sculptor.” Native Americans intrigued Wehn from an early age, so it’s no surprise that his first completed bust was of Princess Angeline, the daughter of Chief Seattle. A few years later, he was commissioned to create his first public art piece: a statue honoring Chief Seattle that still stands today in the fountain at Tilikum Place.

Wehn’s sculptures are significant not only for their artistic merit but also for their remarkable historical accuracy, a point particularly important to the sculptor and one that is perhaps his greatest legacy to American art.

In vivid detail, art historian and author Fred Poyner IV explores Wehn’s character, abilities, and motivations; through an exploration of the artist’s life and work, he presents a fascinating portrait of the Pacific Northwest and its people.