A community mural painted by many hands!
Inspired by more than 500 community votes, designed by Coast Salish artist Jason LaClair, and painted by children and families, this traveling mural represents our commitment to building Whatcom County's future children's museum with the community, not just for the community.
With heartfelt thanks to Whatcom Community Foundation’s Project Neighborly Fund, we were honored to commission Coast Salish artist Jason LaClair to bring this vision to life.
The Meaning Behind the Mural
The Heart of Play Mural Story: A Place Where Everyone Belongs
Co-created with Jason LaClair, Kellie Goodman, and Nina Ballew
This mural tells a story about learning that happens within a community and in relationship with the natural world.
At the center is the longhouse, a symbol of gathering, belonging, and shared learning. The longhouse represents a place where people of all ages come together to learn from one another. The faces inside the longhouse reflect intergenerational learning—children, adults, and elders sharing space, knowledge, and experience.
Surrounding the longhouse are four important beings that support and protect this learning space.
The Frog represents care for the earth and personal growth. Frog reminds us that learning begins with respect for the land and for one another.
The Whale symbolizes family, creativity, and strong emotional bonds. Whale represents the importance of connection, storytelling, and caring relationships within a community.
The Thunderbird offers protection and balance. It guards the longhouse from storms and represents safety, strength, and responsibility—creating the conditions where learning and play can thrive.
The Blue Jay represents beauty, curiosity, and communication. Blue Jay reminds us that learning should be joyful, expressive, and full of creativity.
Together, these beings surround the longhouse, holding and protecting the space where learning happens. The mural reflects the idea that children and families grow best when they are supported by community, nature, and shared responsibility.
Meet the artist: Jason LaClair
Meet the artist: Jason LaClair
Jason Allen LaClair (Sienum)
Coast Salish Artist, Lummi Nation
Jason Allen LaClair is a Coast Salish artist and proud member of the Lummi Nation, with ancestral ties to the Nooksack, Skokomish, Leqamel, and Musqueam peoples. Surrounded by master carvers and Coast Salish artists from a young age, Jason began exploring art at nine years old. By his teens, he was studying traditional forms and designs, and in recent years he has focused deeply on carrying forward the true style of his Coast Salish ancestors.
Jason’s work is grounded in community, culture, and storytelling. With the encouragement of his family and the support of the Nooksack and Lummi peoples, he has built a career creating public murals and teaching Coast Salish art. His recent works include Salmon Run (Bellingham, 2021), One from the Heart (Ferndale, 2021), Generations (Bellingham, 2022), and Salmon Egg (Happy Valley Elementary, 2022), as well as original Coast Salish designs for San Juan Historical Park.
Jason shares his gratitude for all who have been part of his journey in life and art, and continues to create work that honors his people and inspires future generations.
Where is the mural now?
The Community Mural was created to travel.
Until it finds its permanent home in Whatcom County's future children's museum, the mural will continue making appearances throughout the community at schools, libraries, community events, and partner locations. Each stop creates new opportunities for children and families to experience the artwork, learn about its meaning, and celebrate the voices that helped shape it.
Want to know where the mural will appear next? Follow Heart of Play on social media for upcoming locations, events, and opportunities to visit the mural in person.