Keizer arts panel recommends Los Dos Hermanos as mural site, maps multiple locations for public art

The Keizer Public Arts Commission voted to recommend that Keizer City Council approve the Los Dos Hermanos building as a mural location and discussed a broad plan to expand public art across the city. The commission asked members to photograph and measure proposed sites and to submit a list to staff for a City Council request in January.

The motion to recommend Los Dos Hermanos as a mural site was made by Speaker 2 and seconded; members voted verbally in favor. Speaker 2 told the commission that building owner Teresa Munoz owns the Los Dos Hermanos property and has "seen this concept art, and she likes it," and said muralist Bridget Miller has been contacted and "is interested" but will provide a cost estimate in January.

Commission discussion covered technical and siting questions, including the uneven brick wall at the proposed location and whether lighting fixtures would interfere with the mural. Members discussed a postcard-style design and debated whether the site—several blocks inside Keizer—was still visible enough to be effective. Speaker 1 said the wall appears workable but "it'll just take more time" to adapt the design to the surface.

The commission also discussed relocating several existing sculptures by artist Jim Johnson (horses, a dragon and other works). Speaker 2 explained the process: KPAC can recommend locations to City Council; if the council approves siting, staff will obtain easements from property owners, the city will sign contracts with artists, and Public Works will place sculptures on premanufactured 6-by-6-foot pads. "Once we get the easements all signed, then we go back to the artist," Speaker 2 said, adding that Public Works coordinates on-site moves to avoid damage.

Budget and logistics were discussed: Speaker 1 reported a remaining commission balance of $49.54 in one line and noted an undesignated $800 line after recent spending; Speaker 2 said a $627 journal entry will appear next month, which will increase available funds. For murals, Speaker 2 provided a regional cost range of $1,500 to $3,000 based on local practice and said a $1,000 donation from a community foundation has been pledged toward a Kaiser mural concept.

Next steps: commission members agreed to compile photos and measurements of candidate sites, send them to staff (Don and Dawn), and finalize the City Council request in January. If the council approves a site, staff will confirm artist willingness and obtain necessary easements and contracts before installation.