Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Arts Commission Report topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Arts Commission highlights mural restorations, 6x6 fundraiser and public-art inventory
Summary
The Oregon City Arts Commission reported on a public-art inventory and restoration grants, a replacement sculpture unveiled last year, a 6x6 fundraiser for local artists and plans to launch an arts webpage and social presence; commissioners praised the volunteer work and asked staff to continue pursuing additional funding sources.
The Oregon City Arts Commission presented its annual update to the City Commission on June 4, reporting work on a public-art inventory, mural-restoration grants, a replacement sculpture and a 6x6 fundraiser to raise funds for schools and artists.
Chair Josh Plannan said the commission completed an audit identifying 36 pieces in the city’s collection and launched a restoration-grant program supported by insurance proceeds and enhancement-grant funds. The commission announced two murals under review for restoration funding and said the popular salmon bench and other works have been part of the restoration effort.
The Arts Commission also described replacing a damaged cement statue with a new metal sculpture, Elemental Love, by local sculptor Jenny Ellsworth, which was unveiled last year after insurance and enhancement grants covered replacement costs. Chair Plannan said the commission had about 250–350 volunteer hours this past year, not including meetings, and staff and commissioners said the number is likely higher given recent projects.
Commissioners promoted a 6x6 art show fundraiser scheduled for June 14 at the Arclight Event Space; the commission said roughly 317 panels were distributed and approximately 290 pieces had been returned. The event splits proceeds 50/50 between the Oregon City Schools Foundation and artists, deviating from the conventional fundraiser model to compensate participating artists.
Arts staff and commissioners are developing a new arts webpage integrated with city staff systems and expanding partnerships with local groups, with a focus on expanding performing-arts programming beyond visual arts. The commission said it will pursue additional grants and resources to expand its capacity; commissioners compared Oregon City’s arts budget to nearby cities and encouraged continued pursuit of funding and partnerships.
Commissioners thanked the arts volunteers and staff for the work and encouraged attendance at the June 14 fundraiser.
