Hannah Salia, a Seattle artist, runs her fingertips along the ridges of a massive tree trunk, smothered in moss and jutting out of damp, matted forest bed. A look of serenity seems to wash over her face. Salia stands in the quiet heart of Seward Park's old-growth forest, where the oldest trees date back more than 250 years.

Salia is one of seven artists and poets whose work will be featured at the Seward Park Audubon Center in an exhibition opening Thursday that marks the 100th anniversary of the 300-acre park in Southeast Seattle. The centennial celebration officially kicked off in July, but it continues through Jan. 17 with the art show, an upcoming book release and horse-drawn wagon rides around the park perimeter for the holidays.

The majestic trees sitting quietly in the center of Seward Park's forest have long been a source of renewal for Salia. When feeling stuck for ideas, she said she leaves her nearby studio and walks to the park with her dog for a whiff of fresh air and creativity.

"Coming here refreshes my mind and gives me an amazing amount of inspiration," she said. "The cares of life really fall away."

In 1903, the Olmsted Brothers — the noted landscape-design firm that also designed New York City's Central Park — eyed Seward Park in a similar way. They dubbed the old growth there the "Magnificent Forest" and designed a plan for the park, with the goal of creating a peaceful escape from the booming young city.

The city purchased the land in 1911, and since then, it has undergone many changes. In 1935, a fish hatchery was constructed there, in an effort to transform Lake Washington into a "fisherman's paradise." Until 1997, the hatchery was also used as a research lab by the University of Washington's Department of Fisheries; it's no longer operational.

The park's Audubon Center was built in 1927, originally as a private family home. During the Depression, the family went bankrupt and the home became "Ye Seward Park Inn," with a concession stand serving summertime treats to parkgoers.

In 2003, the building's rooms were restored to their original appearance and granted landmark status. Currently, the house serves as the Audubon Society's nature education center, where it hosts community events, including summer camps, nature walks and bird-watching programs.

Rainier Valley Historical Society board member Karen O'Brien grew up just blocks away from the park. As a child, she fed ducks at the lake, picked hazelnuts and rode swings on the playground. In the 1960s, she said, the paved waterfront trail circling the park — now dedicated to bikes and pedestrians — was a one-way road, open to cars. And in the 1970s, the park amphitheater — now used for cultural events — hosted loud rock concerts for thousands of fans. (Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson once performed there.)

O'Brien also recalled an incident in 1974, when a jogger was murdered in the park in broad daylight — marking a shift in Seward Park's history.

"The park has gone through a cycle," O'Brien said. "It went from a family-centered, safe place to (a time) when a lot of crime was happening. Now it has evolved into a vibrant place for all walks of life."

Salia remains most inspired by Seward Park's 120 acres of old-growth forest, depicted in some of her paintings. She said the art show will give visitors a less traditional take on its centennial year.

"The show is from the perspective of spirit," she said. "Just by walking the trails, there is so much reflective peace available and this strong sense of infinite beauty and connection to the natural world. It is really what inspires my work."

Kirsten Johnson: 206-464-3192 or kjohnson2@seattletimes.com