Richard Beyer: Sculptor Created a Lasting Legacy in Edmonds

The work of sculptor Richard Beyer, who died March 27, will live on at the Edmonds waterfront with his "Seeing Whales" creation, a whimsical piece of cast-iron that satisfies one of art's basic criteria: It gets people talking.

Beyer, who was 86, died in New York after suffering a stroke, according to The Seattle Times.

Beyer is best-known in Puget Sound for his "Waiting for the Interurban" in Fremont, but he became part of Edmonds' public art installations in 2003 when "Seeing Whales" was dedicated at Olympic Beach.

"Seeing Whales," which Beyer created with Steve Love, was a gift to Edmonds from the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation in appreciation for the volunteers who make the festival a success.

"Seeing Whales" took the place of Georgia Gerber's "Locals," which had been in its place. "Locals" was moved just north on the waterfront path.