Funny thing is, Gerber wasn’t even the first choice to create the pig. She explains: “In 1985, there was a “call to artists” to come up with an idea for a sculpture of a pig that could represent the Pike Place Market and collect donations for the Market Foundation. The selection committee finally recognized my determination and decided to invite me to participate in the second round.” A very large pig named Rachel lived a couple of miles from my home here on Whidbey Island. It was only natural that she was named Rachel.”