Some of the more recent changes have been the inclusion of several pieces of artwork along the front of the building. The combination of architectural changes and artwork creates a visual flow toward Grand Coulee Dam.

Ron LeMay, who has come up with the ideas, also does the work to see his projects through.

Using re-designed roof lines, pergolas that soften flat building surfaces, and original artwork from local artists, the LeMays have developed an esthetically sound business presentation.

"I have always been interested in art," LeMay said. "We have some terrific artists in this area and they need a showcase for their work. " The LeMays have tried to give them that.

Three of the more interesting pieces include a sculpture by local artist Keith Powell, a creative fence design by Kevin Prather from Coulee City, and a giant sunburst that was created in Mexico by an un-named artist but is suitable in its setting on the front of the building.

Powell's sculpture is of salmon jumping in a waterfall. The 3-dimensional piece is a study in itself. It was created in such a way that you need to walk around both sides of it to gain an appreciation of how creative it is.

Powell is well known in the area for his oils and watercolors of native American and desert scenes. But his metal sculpture of salmon at the motel comes from his newer work.

The artistic fence that borders the swimming pool at the motel, was created by Prather. Each limb is individually measured, cut and bent to fit into an overall pattern. It's a fence and not a fence, both at the same time.

The LeMays found the sunburst in Cannon Beach, Ore., and it was so large that they had to have it hauled up to Coulee Dam in a truck.

In the interior of the building, works by Powell, Coulee Dam Mayor Quincy Snow and a number of inside fountains, garden sculptures and other pieces are artistically placed.

One of the first things the LeMays did was re-do all the rooms, with a roomy feel, soft color tones and extensive woodwork. Later came new exterior color schemes, a new sauna, exercise room, a handsome meeting room and a customer-friendly office area.

Even the signage gives the inn a casual look. One larger sign is located out along highway 155, with a running report of the temperature. The sign at the front of the motel reflects Ron LeMay's artistic interests. The metal work was designed by hand and the lettering on the sign done by hand.

What's next? Probably more of the same. The LeMays continue to think in terms of how to make their property more enjoyable for both visitors and local residents.

One thing on the drawing board is some type of artist gallery atop the laundry room, which in itself provides a pleasant setting for guests who are doing laundry. There's a couch there and Ron plans to add a television.

The gallery room would extend over the top of the laundry and beyond, making yet another venue of interest for guests and local residents.

The purpose of all of this is to create a feeling of excitement for guests, the local citizenry and for the LeMays themselves, they said.


Motel as art -  Sculptor Keith Powell had free rein with salmon idea

Salmon have returned to Grand Coulee Dam. Not literally, of course, but local artist Keith Powell's creation of salmon struggling to get up over a waterfall, brings back pleasant memories of the past.

The salmon sculpture is part of Columbia River Inn's emphasis on artforms that depict the area and its surroundings.

Powell, best known locally for his oils and watercolors, has created a number of sculptures. Powell, working in concert with David Govedare, created the large 24-foot long feathers in Coeur d'Alene. For these pieces metal was electrically charged, powder was blown onto the surface, then the metal was baked at 500 degrees.

"Ron LeMay asked me to do a salmon sculpture for his motel and then gave me the leeway to create the piece any way I wanted to," Powell said.

The salmon sculpture is made of Corten steel, a steel that is high in copper content. When the material rusts, it creates a warm-colored patina. Powell used a plasma-arc cutting tool to create the individual pieces, then welded them together in a three-dimensional form.

The public and can see and enjoy the piece. It is located at the front of the motel near the office.

It's more than a fence

Kevin Prather calls it a fence. That's probably not a fancy enough name for the effect it has on you when you see it.

Prather is called "the artist " by others who work with him at Prather's Welding and Fabrication, in Coulee City.

The "fence " is made of a combination of cold and hot-rolled steel. These are shaped and alternated in a tree limb design and enclose the Columbia River Inn's swimming pool.

"I took measurements and then started creating the design and made it piece by piece, " Prather said. Each piece is individually bent and laid out in a pattern of 8- to 10-foot sections.

Prather developed the custom side of his business by going to home shows and seeing the many new creative ideas that are showing up.