A run of fish

Thousands of painted plastic fish now adorn the concrete river fences in downtown Colfax.

Many were attached to the fencing over the weekend by volunteers. The fish are in undulating lines giving color and a sense of motion to the decorations. A cadre of volunteers came from WSU in a community outreach project scheduled for two hours.

The display is colorful and whimsical. The small individual fish shapes are painted in a variety of colors. Each is an individual work. Some are signed by the artist.

The idea came from the Colfax Arts Council, and it has captured the imagination of many in town. The project has drawn on all parts of the community. From kids to elderly, many participated in painting the cutouts. Then, the task of mounting them required a number of people.

Painting sessions were conducted at the schools and other locations around town. More sessions are to come. There are still many more fish to be decorated. One city employee carries a supply of fish and paint because of the requests from people who come in contact with him and who want to be involved in the project.

Money for the project which covered the plastic fish, paint and brushes came from a grant from the city. The money itself was generated by the hotel/motel tax which is designated for increasing tourist activity in town.

With the new downtown murals, also a project of the arts council, the downtown is a little more vibrant and colorful. From the Codger Pole to the fish fencing, the downtown stretch of Colfax is more inviting and is starting, once again, to look lived in.

The fish decorations are a fun idea. They have captured the imagination of many in town. Unlikely as it may seem, they have brought the community together in a single project.

They may just be a harbinger of future city-wide involvement.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher