Nineteen-year-old artist Austin Picinich founded Save Our Salmon through Art (SOS) in 2021. This nonprofit uses public art to educate and empower communities to protect local salmon-spawning

Nineteen-year-old artist Austin Picinich founded Save Our Salmon through Art (SOS) in 2021. This nonprofit uses public art to educate and empower communities to protect local salmon-spawning streams, many of which are blocked by urban culverts. Picinich was inspired after only three salmon returned to spawn in Juanita Creek near his home.

SOS hosts interactive mural painting events. Picinich designs salmon-themed murals, which volunteers and attendees complete during "SOS Community Days." These events have engaged nearly 750 painters and over 3,000 attendees, raising more than $28,000 for stream restoration and reaching almost a million people through awareness efforts.