Tulalip carver Steven Madison holds a flounder bowl made of yellow cedar, which, once finished, will be auctioned off at this Saturday’s fundraising event for the Hibulb Cultural Center. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Tulalip carver Steven Madison holds a flounder bowl made of yellow cedar, which, once finished, will be auctioned off at this Saturday’s fundraising event for the Hibulb Cultural Center. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Carver to demonstrate his art at annual Tulalip salmon bake

Steve Madison is carving a cedar bowl for the event, which benefits the Hibulb Cultural Center.

As a 3-year-old, Steven Madison remembers sitting on a totem pole his grandfather was making.

By age 12, he was blocking out wood with a chainsaw for his grandfather, Frank Madison, the first step in creating a totem pole’s art.

The tradition of art and carving among his Tulalip relatives is strong. “It’s a family of artists,” he said, one that includes cousin James Madison, the 2013 Artist of the Year at the Schack Art Center, whose sculptures are displayed at the Evergreen Arboretum, Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, Kayak Point County Park south of Stanwood and along the Centennial Trail in Arlington.

“Everything my grandpa knew, he taught me and my cousin, Steven. He was grooming us to carry on,” said James Madison in a 2014 interview with The Daily Herald. “He taught us the stories and their messages, and how to carve. It was like learning to walk. It was just something that happened naturally.”

Steven Madison, whose 30 art pieces are in displays or for sale at the Hibulb Cultural Center & Natural History Preserve, will be demonstrating his art Saturday at The Tulalip Foundation’s third annual salmon bake, a benefit for the Hibulb Cultural Center.

The master carver is making a flounder bowl made from yellow cedar for the event, which he will donate to the auction.

“It’s what they used to make a long time ago, based on traditional style,” Madison said. He began work on the piece last week and expects it will take up to 15 hours to complete.

Madison, 49, said he never really made a decision to pursue his art. “I just started doing it,” he said.

Madison, who works as a graphic artist for the Tulalip Tribes, has an associate degree from Northwest Indian College in Bellingham. He also teaches “Intro to Carving” classes at the Hilbub Cultural Center. The classes were created after Madison’s carving demonstrations at last year’s salmon bake spurred interest in the art.

The goal for this year’s salmon bake is to raise $35,000 to $40,000, said Nicole Sieminski, executive director of The Tulalip Foundation, a nonprofit that serves tribal programs and the community.

Money raised at last year’s event helped fund the current exhibit, “Coast Salish Wool.” The exhibit, which can be seen through January, includes four shadow boxes and about 20 displays of historic materials and photographs.

In addition to funding new exhibits, the salmon bake also pays for additional programming at the Hibulb Cultural Center. “It’s an opportunity to enhance what we do here,” Sieminski said.

Saturday’s event includes a fashion show based on the “Coast Salish Wool” exhibit, a dinner with salmon cooked traditionally on sticks over an open fire, and live music provided by Paul Nyenhuis, who will be playing the flute.

Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.

If you go

The Tulalip Foundation’s Salmon Bake fundraiser is 3 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Hibulb Cultural Center, 6410 23rd Ave. NE, Tulalip. The event includes a salmon dinner, a silent auction of works by Tulalip artists and a fashion show. Tickets are $50. Call 360-716-5400 or go to www.hibulbculturalcenter.org/Events/Calendar for more information.

This story has been modified to correct the name of the hosting organization of the salmon bake.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

AquaSox General Manager Danny Tetzlaff keeps the whole circus running. (File photo)
Part baseball, part circus: What goes into a game at Funko Field?

It takes a small army of employees to make sure fans have a great time watching the Everett AquaSox.

Arlo Frostad, 7, and his twin brother Harrison Frostad, walk through the fields of Roozengaarde outside of Mount Vernon, Washington during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival on April 10, 2025. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Stop and smell the flowers at Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

The largest tulip festival in North America features five gardens and runs through April.

Image from Pexels.com
Top 3 Cannabis Shops You’ll Love in Snohomish County

Looking for quality products and good energy? Let’s discover the top spots.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Image from Canva.com
Chic & unique: The top 3 boutiques in Snohomish County you need to visit

From trendy finds to timeless pieces, discover the hidden gems that are redefining local fashion.

Image from Canva.com
Find your next favorite read in Snohomish County

Explore three of the finest bookshops where stories and community come together

Image from Canva.com
Say “I Do” to these stunning wedding venues

From rustic barns to elegant halls, discover where love stories in Snohomish County begin.

Grayson Bed and Breakfast (Photo courtesy of HD Estates and Grayson Bed and Breakfast)
The Grayson Bed and Breakfast: Where strangers become friends

A cozy retreat with scenic views and pet-friendly amenities just two miles from downtown Monroe.

Image from Prince Life Photography website.
Light, lens & love: These photographers bring the magic

Want to see who’s turning everyday moments into jaw-dropping memories? Let’s find out.

Small SUV Provides Big Time Value. Photo Provided by Chevrolet Newsroom
2025 Chevy Trax Activ Delivers Beyond Expectations

Sub-Compact SUV Surprises With Value And Features

Hai Viet Hong, center, performs with the Huong Viet Performing Arts Group during The Wendt Mayor’s Arts Awards on Thursday, April 10 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Everett artists celebrated with The Wendt Mayor’s Arts Awards

Award recipients included a former City Council member and the former publisher of My Everett News.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.