For more than three decades, the South Pacific Aquarium at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium has transported guests to warmer waters full of curious sharks, colorful coral, and rainbows of tropical fish. The mesmerizing Blue Hole has always been magical.
But the magic paused in November 2021, so the aquarium could get a refresh. On June 14, it will reopen as the Tropical Reef Aquarium and be more inviting and beautiful than ever, thanks in part to Tacoma artist Mindy Barker. Mindy used her paintbrushes (paired with her talent and significant research) to give the entry atrium a much-needed facelift.
“We’ve been so fortunate to have Mindy onboard for this project. Her vision and collaborative spirit have made this part of the aquarium refresh such a joy,” said Mette Hanson, the Zoo’s Interpretive Content and Design Coordinator.
Barker’s art connects the moment you enter the fresh space, like the bright orange and white-striped clownfish and his big eyes that make you want to learn more about him. Or the zebra shark (modeled after Peanut, a popular shark at the zoo) that seems to smile and sports leopard-like spots. Puffy clouds hang from the ceiling, moving ever so slightly by the circulating ceiling fans. The art in movement is functional — the panels help absorb sound.
The art is funded through Metro Parks Tacoma’s 1 percent for public art for all bond-funded capital projects.
“One of the main reasons we selected Mindy for this project is her holistic approach and her desire to blend everything in with what was already here,” said conservation engagement curator Wendy Spaulding. “She wanted to make the art durable so we could care for it over the life of the aquarium. Her art is beautiful and compelling and fits the messaging and theme that we wanted to create in this light-filled space.”
Barker said she hopes her creations spark curiosity. “The fish look right at the guests and inspire them to care about the environment,” she said.
Everything is a perfect balance of bold and graphic yet realistic. Additionally, Barker focused on helping make future maintenance easy. She painted the fish, clouds and more on durable and sustainable panels made of compressed FSC-certified paper infused with thermosetting resin. The material helps give the project a 3D effect that makes it even more mesmerizing.
“The whole idea is creating connections between animals and people. And Mindy’s art has this compelling eye-to-eye focus,” Spaulding said.
Barker had accomplished the connections in previous works with mammals and birds, but never fish. But together she and the staff at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium dove right in.“Walking in and seeing the painted faces of the fish installed in the space, it’s actually kind of an emotional experience,” Barker said.
She spent many hours watching the live versions up close, seeing their personalities, patterns, and a whole world of their own. She feels privileged to be able to showcase it all with her art.
Jon Arruda fabricated the animal panels. Tacoma-based Richlite produced the animal panel substrates.