Pete Welty

An elderly man with a white beard and bald head stands in a workshop, observing a large abstract stone sculpture on a table covered with a brown blanket.

Pete Welty is an artist based on Orcas Island, Washington, whose work bridges the strength of metal with the timeless beauty of stone. Trained in welding in Oakland, California, Pete became certified in steel and aluminum, building a strong foundation for his sculptural practice.

Born in Rome, New York, Pete’s path took him through the Bay Area, Florida, Ohio, Alaska, and Washington before he settled permanently on Orcas Island in 1973. There, he established a fabrication welding and repair business, which he successfully ran until his retirement a few years ago.

Pete’s enduring passion lies in stone—particularly the granite found on Orcas Island. His large-scale works can be seen throughout the community, including installations at the Orcas Island Public Library, Eastsound Village Green Park, and his iconic Orca Whale sculpture at the Orcas Center performing arts and community center.

Two abstract stone sculptures, one in the foreground with a large oval and circular hole and one in the background with a disc shape and circular hole, on a dark wooden surface with colorful blurred artwork in the background.
Large abstract granite sculpture with a circular hole in the center, situated outdoors among tall grass and trees, under a clear blue sky.

Originally, Pete used stone primarily as a utilitarian base for his metalwork. Over time, he became captivated by the hidden beauty within stone—the depth, polish, and unexpected character revealed through his carving. For more than two decades, stone has been the central focus of his artistic life, shaping a body of work that honors both material and place.

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