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Rotary’s peace initiative and PSU/Coffee Creek art exhibit highlighted at Wilsonville council meeting
Summary
Wilsonville Rotary outlined plans for a peace monument and a Peace Zone to build community cohesion, and Portland State University faculty described an exhibit created with Coffee Creek Correctional Facility students that used augmented reality and was displayed at the public library under a community enhancement grant.
Two community presentations were part of the Sept. 15 council meeting. Dr. Laura LaJoie of the Wilsonville Rotary described the Rotary’s International Cities of Peace project and local plans to install a peace monument in Town Center Park, develop a Peace Zone at Boones Ferry Park, and engage youth and local artists in fundraising and programming—aiming for a World Peace Day 2026 milestone. "Peace is not the absence of conflict. It is the presence of safety, prosperity and the quality of life," LaJoie said, outlining community-led fundraising and partnership goals.
Deborah Arthur, faculty at Portland State University and founder of PSU’s Higher Education in Prison program, reported on 'Art Behind the Walls,' a project funded by a Wilsonville Metro Community Enhancement Grant. The project supported an "Artist as Citizen" class at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility; student work was displayed at the Wilsonville Public Library and enhanced with augmented-reality elements so viewers could scan artwork and hear artists’ recorded statements. The grant covered supplies, signage and an opening reception; Arthur said community response notes were scanned and shared with the artists.
Councilors thanked presenters and encouraged integration of the Rotary monument into city planning and parks considerations. No council action was required or taken on either presentation.
