August Hansen Werner (1893-1980) settled in Seattle in 1931 after an American career as a singer, particularly in the Norwegian American community. Werner had a thirty-year career as a University of Washington School of Music professor and became known as advocate for music and the arts within Scandinavian communities. Additionally, Werner was a visual artist who created the Leif Erikson sculpture at Shilshole Bay in Seattle.

This portrait was taken by photographer Josef Scaylea (1913-2004), who worked for 35 years as chief photographer for the Seattle Times, winning over 1000 awards for his photographs highlighting the scenery and people in the Pacific Northwest. He donated a collection of his photographs and photography equipment to MOHAI in 1993.

Handwritten on image: Josef Scaylea.
Handwritten on verso: 1973 - 3-73. August Werner - Educator, UW Music Dept., Opera singer, Sculptor, Artist, historian, creator of Leif Ericson sculpture at Shilshole.