Mason Health art celebrates highclimbers

Known as "King of the High Climbers," Shelton resident Harold "Hap" Johnson was a champion high climber, treetopper, ax thrower, speed climber and all-around logger who performed at three World Fairs and doubled for actor John Wayne in the 1960 movie "North to Alaska."

Swante Kyllonen was a lifelong logger who used springboards to top trees. He celebrated by dancing at the top of 200-foot trees until he was 70.

Johnson and Kyllonen are two of the four local high climbers showcased in a new art installation that debuted Monday inside Mason Health's Cedar building, which houses its rehabilitation services department. The event also celebrated Mason Health's 55th year of helping patients in Mason County and coincided with October as National Physical Therapy Month.

The Mason General Hospital Arts Commission, with grant money from Mason County's Historic Preservation Commission, made the artwork installation and historical photographs possible. The Mason County Historical Society provided assistance and guidance. And the pieces were created by Cooper Studios in downtown Shelton, owned by Amy and Forrest Cooper.

The Coopers restored the four historical photos that hang from the ceiling, mounted them, created the laser etching on the signs and the "Cedar" sign as well.

"This is pure locally created installation ... Everything you see in here was handmade by us in our studio in Shelton," Forrest Cooper told the crowd at Monday's event. He added, "We have so much talent, so much creativity in our community, and history."

"We have a great relationship with Cooper Studios," Mason Health CEO Eric Moll told the crowd.

"It's turned into a very nice space that people are enjoying," said Mark Batty, the hospital's chief operating officer. He added, "There's an energy when you walk into the building."

The building used to house Shelton Family Medicine and a walk-in clinic moved elsewhere on the campus. The building now offers speech, physical and occupational therapy, pediatrics, orthodontics and fall prevention.