Spring and fall bring our new science talk series to the Olympic Sculpture Park. Each session invites leading researchers to illuminate the natural world through dynamic conversations set against the park’s inspiring collection of sculpture and landscapes.
Raising a Park
As part of our celebration honoring the mothers in our lives, we welcome Michelle Arab and Bobby McCullough to share their connection to the Olympic Sculpture Park. Michelle began her 25-year career at the landscape architecture firm behind the park’s planting design, while Bobby, as the park’s senior horticulturalist, helped establish and care for its gardens from the very start. The park opened the same year Michelle and Bobby were married, and a year later, they welcomed their son. In the years that followed, raising the park and their family became intertwined experiences. Through their stories, Michelle and Bobby will reflect on the evolution of the park from its earliest vision to the vibrant community space it is today.
About the speakers
Michelle Arab, ASLA Parks Project Manager, City of Sammamish
Michelle began her career at the landscape architecture firm that designed the planting at the Olympic Sculpture Park, contributing to early design discussions and seeing the project through construction. She has since built a 20-year career working on civic and private projects in the region and abroad.
Bobby McCullough Senior Landscape Horticulturalist, Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Art Museum
Bobby joined the Olympic Sculpture Park team just before it opened, tasked initially with a simple goal: “Keep the plants alive.” With nearly 20 years of experience on the site, Bobby offers rich stories, practical knowledge, and a deep understanding of the landscape’s daily realities and long-term changes.