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Oregon City Arts Commission outlines five‑year plan, murals and lamprey statue efforts
Summary
The Arts Commission reported a strategic plan, municipal-code changes, a successful 6x6 show (50+ artists, ~200 attendees), plans for multiple murals, a Pacific lamprey statue proposal (to be re-applied for after an earlier grant rejection), and potential donations from artist Lee Kelly's estate and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
The Oregon City Arts Commission presented its annual update at the June 17 meeting, summarizing recent events, policy work and projects planned under a new five-year strategic plan.
Ann Griffin, city economic development staff, introduced Arts Commission Chair Josh Planton, who reviewed highlights: a 6x6 art show that featured more than 50 artists and drew more than 200 attendees and generated over $3,000 for the Oregon City School Foundation; a restructured Art Every Heart program; municipal code updates to Chapters 2.26 and 15.28.09 addressing mural application processes (changes approved earlier this year); and a new website launched in March to publicize RFQs and RFPs and promote public art.
Planton said the strategic plan outlines four goals including strengthening commission structure, fostering partnerships, supporting placemaking projects and raising regional visibility. He described near-term tangible projects: five possible murals (including a Soul Flags mural funded by an enhancement grant scheduled to start July 6), an elevator-plaza mural, a proposed mural at the other end of Railroad Avenue, and potential murals tied to private renovation projects such as the Trails End Saloon. The commission continues to pursue funding for a Pacific lamprey statue after not receiving an enhancement grant award; staff said they will reapply to state cultural funding and seek alternative sources.
Planton also said Lee Kelly's daughter has offered to donate work and that the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde are considering donating designed manhole covers and associated promotional prints.
Why it matters: The report ties municipal code changes, a strategic plan and partnerships to a pipeline of public-art projects that could visibly change public space in Oregon City and involve both private donors and tribal partners.
What's next: The Arts Commission expects to finalize bylaws in July and launch the strategic plan on July 1; staff will return to the commission with RFQs/RFPs and specific project proposals for site selection and funding.
