Monroe Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Una Wirkebau-Hartt presented to Monroe City Council on Tuesday, Sept. 16, providing them with an overview of the Carnation smokestack painting process.
Over the last two weeks, the 150-foot smokestack has been pressure washed, primed and covered with base paint. The Skykomish Valley-themed design, which features evergreen trees, the Skykomish River and a view of Mt. Index, also includes the city's name, which was painted on the north side of the stack.
The design was chosen based on citizen participation; residents were given the opportunity to choose between three designs. A total number of 1,752 participants took part in the voting process, with 1,000 votes coming in for the Mt. Index design.
Wirkebau-Hartt shared that the lettering portion of the design was challenging being as each letter is 10-feet tall. The design concept was developed by artist Esther McLatchy, and the painting was completed by Jose Cardona of Cardona & Sons; a Mount Vernon-based painting business.
"Jose did an amazing job,GÇ¥ said Wirkebau-Hartt.
Cardona painted the design entirely by hand, even using sponges in certain areas to get just the right look. Challenges to be overcome throughout the process included extremely windy conditions at the top of the lift, as well as issues with a hydraulic line.
The base of the relic will remain unadorned for now, but Wirkebau-Hartt plans on obtaining a 10-foot wide wrap which will be affixed to the smokestack's surface. The wrap will feature information and photographs from the early 1900s with details about the Carnation plant, the smokestack, and early Monroe. The wrap will be created by Image Mill, a digital printing company located in Monroe.
"I need to procure funding for that,GÇ¥ said Wirkebau-Hartt. "I'm hoping to have that by early next year.GÇ¥
Wirkebau-Hartt invited councilmembers to attend the smokestack ribbon cutting celebration which will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16.
Mayor Geoffrey Thomas thanked Wirkebau-Hartt as well as the chamber board of directors for their efforts throughout the process. He shared that he felt that they had gone above and beyond the traditional call of duty.
"You're doing things in the community and I really appreciate it,GÇ¥ said Thomas. "So thank you.GÇ¥
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