GUIDE PUBLIC ARTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Beaverton
4. A Miyazaki Moment and A Portrait of Resilience
5. Embrace Your Inner Light and Gather
6. Hampton Rodriquez Mural and Hernandez Mural
7. Larry Kangas Mural and Rather Severe Mural
8. Rest Note and Ribbon
9. Singing Sky and Untitled
10. Three Creeks, One Will and Two Blonds and a Redhead
11. Wilson Mural and Common Threads
Cornelius
13. Monster Mural and St. Alexander Catholic Church | San Alejandro
14. The Jungle Room
Forest Grove
14. Adelante Mujeres Sculptures
15. Canon Bench and Community School Gate
16. Forest Grove Fire Station Murals and Oregon is Magic
17. The Newspaper Reader and Theatre in the Grove Marquee
18. Tree Bench and Valley Art Facade
19. Valley Art Mural and Where Seeds are Planted
22. Wishing Bench
Gaston
22. Three Elders (Power Figures)
Hillsboro
23. Bridge of Land & Sky and Get Down with da Dirt
24. Riverbed and Sequoia Frond
25. Shute Park Library Pavers and Shute Seeds
North Plains
26. Commercial Street Murals
Sherwood
26. History & Transportation Mural
27. Nature Panels
Tigard
27. A Walk Through Time
29. Burnham Street Sidewalk Art and Butterfly Statue
30. Corylus and Cross Street Banner Poles
31. Decorative Glass Baskets and Dinosaur Sculpture
33. Coyote Spirit & Water Spirit Murals and Mobius
34. One Nothing and Tigard Outdoor Museum
35. Unnamed (Fanno Creek Trail Mural) and Vishnu
36. Musical Bench
Tualatin
37. I Wonder and Poetic History Bands
38. Salmon Run and Sharing Ice Cream
39. Spring Break and Storyteller
40. The Lazy River
Map of Tualatin Valley 20.-21.
YOUR GUIDE TO TUALATIN VALLEY’S PUBLIC ARTS
Welcome to Tualatin Valley. Explore the unique public artworks in Oregon’s Tualatin Valley.
Tualatin Valley’s public arts trail can be explored across the region. It is a collection of many of the destination’s public arts pieces, including murals, sculptures and more by a diverse range of artists.
Public art is an integral part of the region’s cultural identity, serving to promote diversity and creativity, making it a more vibrant and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike. This guide represents an essential component of the area’s cultural landscape and heritage.
Whether it’s through murals, sculptures, mosaics or interactive art, this experience offers something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.
So, come and explore some of the distinctive artworks that make the Tualatin Valley a compelling place to live, work, play, and visit.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Complement your Tualatin Valley public arts experience and stay overnight in our comfy and clean hotels. Dine in our acclaimed restaurants, with cuisine that originates from all corners of the world. Discover our nature trails, wineries and so much more. Learn more at tualatinvalley.org.
FURTHER YOUR PUBLIC ARTS EXPERIENCE
ARTS AND WINE
In Tualatin Valley, wine and art blend harmoniously, where visitors can savor world-class Pinot Noir and celebrate the region’s creative spirit. Throughout the year, opportunities to connect with art abound. From “paint-and-sip” events at local wineries to wine and art walks, these special events facilitate a closer connection to the region’s rich artistic heritage and the craftsmanship behind its renowned wines.
MUSEUMS AND TRAILS
Tualatin Valley is home to two unique museums that provide a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural, geological and historical heritage.
Five Oaks Museum is located on the Portland Community College, Rock Creek Campus and is a gathering place of vibrant art, culture, history and storytelling. The museum is open Thursday-Saturday, 12-4 p.m. The suggested donation for admission is $10 for adults.
The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Hillsboro features one of the world’s finest collections of crystals, rocks, gems and lapidary arts. The collection is housed in a unique 1953 ranch-style house, which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Open Wednesday-Sunday, hours vary. Admission is $10-18.
The Tualatin Valley Quilt Barn Trail combines art and agricultural heritage by showcasing public art pieces celebrating the art of quilting. Nearly 60 quilt panels of art pieces have been installed at farms and agriculture-related businesses throughout Tualatin Valley wine country.
Tualatin Valley Creates (tvcreates.org) is Tualatin Valley’s preeminent organization that fosters the growth of a robust arts and culture ecosystem.
Beaverton
A MIYAZAKI MOMENT
Blaine Fontana
4605 SW Washington Ave., Beaverton, OR 97005
Artist Blaine Fontana wanted to create an homage to Japanese filmmaker and animator Hayao Miyazaki, who is an influence on his work. This mural was painted in partnership with Forest for the Trees, a non profit project based in Portland.
A PORTRAIT OF RESILIENCE
Drew Merritt
12770 SW 1st St., Beaverton, OR 97005
This mural was painted in partnership with Forest for the Trees, a non profit project based in Portland. The portrait is created entirely from spray paint.
EMBRACE YOUR INNER LIGHT
Angela Ridgway
12472 SW Broadway St., Beaverton, OR 97005
This piece was on display at the old Art on Broadway Gallery before the city of Beaverton bought it to display outside. It’s made from repurposed curved metal panels with welded tree branches and a rising sun on opposite sides.
GATHER
William Schlough
Beaverton Central Garage (N. Side Wall) 3923 SW Rose Biggi Ave., Beaverton, OR 97005
‘Gather’ depicts a kaleidoscope of giant Fender’s Blue butterflies migrating from the brush of Beaverton creek to the Creekside garage, entering the structure through a huge open sliding door. One butterfly on either side float out past the edge of the garage, adding to their feeling of lightness and flight.
HAMPTON RODRIGUEZ MURAL
Hampton Rodriguez
12570 SW 1st St., Beaverton, OR 97005
Rodriguez worked with Nak Won owner Moon Lee to create a piece that shows how businesses have adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HERNANDEZ MURAL
Hector Hernandez
2590 SW Broadway St., Beaverton, OR 97005
Artist Hector Hernandez worked with 15 students from Merlo Station High School in Beaverton to create this mural, which represents the solar system, early Beaverton, global warming and technological development that offers hope to the next generation.
LARRY KANGAS MURAL
Larry Kangas; completed by Sandy Kangas and Allison McClay
4670 SW Washington Ave., Beaverton, OR 97005
Larry Kangas painted more than 1,000 murals in his life before dying from Lymphoma. His spirit lives on in this mural, which was finished by his wife Sandy and fellow artist Allison McClay. The hummingbird was added in his memory.
RATHER SEVERE MURAL
Rather Severe
12570 SW Farmington Rd., Beaverton, OR 97005
This mural depicts dance, costumes and cultural references to celebrate Beaverton’s diversity. It took seven months for artists Jon Stommel and Travis Czekalski (together known as Rather Severe) to finish the work.
REST NOTE
Matt Burney
12770 SW 1st St., Beaverton, OR 97005
This interactive piece is a fully mechanical musical bench. Can you name the tune? This is one of four “Musical Benches” installed in 2020 by Tualatin Valley Creates.
RIBBON
Jason Klimoski & Lesley Chang, Studio KCA
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts
2625 SW Crescent St., Beaverton, OR 97005
There is a compelling formal dialogue between the curved walls that define the main stage at the heart of the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, and the creek that sits just outside of it. Like a ribbon controlled by a performer in a dance or caught in a sudden breeze, the back walls of the stage shape and define space for action, echoing Beaverton Creek’s arcs and eddies.
SINGING SKY
Richard Taylor
Beaverton City Park
12500 SW 4th St., Beaverton, OR 97005
Singing Sky was created with a theme of diversity for the Beaverton Arts Commission’s goal to “incorporate significant and accessible works of art that embrace Beaverton’s diverse traditions and history.”
UNTITLED
Susan Charnquist
12475 SW 1st St., Beaverton, OR 97005
This mural, created by Beaverton artist, Susan Charnquist explores an intersection of how being engulfed by nature can sometimes feel like home. The angles of looking up through the tree trunks and seeing the reflected light of the chandelier on the bottom of the canopy evoke an eeriness.
THREE CREEKS, ONE WILL
Devin Laurence Field
South Plaza at The Round The Round 12725 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton, OR 97005
Artist Devin Laurence Field said he had always thought The Round needed a piece of art to anchor it. He eventually became the one to provide that piece. The nearly 40-foot tall sculpture links Beaverton’s wetlands origins to its modern efforts to revitalize its waterways.
TWO BLONDS AND A REDHEAD
Blaine Fontana 12520 SW Farmington Rd., Beaverton, OR 97005
Artist Blaine Fontana described the figures as feminine power totems. Fontana painted this mural with aerosol completely freestyle. This mural was painted in partnership with Forest for the Trees, a non profit project based in Portland.
WILSON MURAL
Gina Wilson 12475 SW 1st St., Beaverton, OR 97005
Artist Gina Wilson’s husband inspired her to paint this mural after getting “tired of looking at a blank wall.” The City of Beaverton actually changed a law to allow murals to be designated art instead of signage in order to make this project happen.
COMMON THREADS
Addie Boswell, Van Cooley, Sara Siestreem (Hanis Coos) & Antwoine Thomas Beaverton Central Garage 3923 SW Rose Biggi Ave., Beaverton, OR 97005
Creativity thrives when there is a foundation to build upon. In Common Threads, two child artists, representing the creative future, grow out of Beaverton’s history. Repeated patterns reference the bounty of nature, indigenous art forms and modern industry.
Cornelius
MONSTER MURAL
Ryan Burke
1459 E Baseline St., Cornelius, OR 97113
This abstract monster mural was painted by Necropolis Tattoo Shop owner/artist Ryan Burke, who specializes in horror, anime, gamer, movie, comic and pop culture tattoo designs. It’s a dramatic contrast to the mural of old-time Cornelius.
ST. ALEXANDER CATHOLIC CHURCH | SAN ALEJANDRO
Emily Lux
170 N 10th Ave., Cornelius, OR 97113
The mural celebrates the past and present of the congregation. The congregation of St. Alexander Parish was invited to give input on the design and submit photos of people to include. Nearly 100 volunteer children and parents joined the painting of the rough draft.
THE JUNGLE ROOM
Emily Lux 1034 E Baseline St., Cornelius, OR 97113
Wild animals gather for chilled refreshments as a tiger exposes the wild bunch by tearing open the wall to unsuspecting onlookers.
Forest Grove
ADELANTE MUJERES SCULPTURES
Eric Canon
2030 Main Street, Suite A, Forest Grove, OR 97116
Local artist Eric Canon’s skilled metalwork gives a playful feel to the Adelante Mujeres storefront in Forest Grove.
CANON BENCH
Eric Canon 1926-1998 21st Ave., Forest Grove, OR 97116
This is one of three benches commissioned as part of Forest Grove’s first commissioned art. It shows another facet of artist Eric Canon’s work. Canon creates both industrial metal work and sculptural metal work.
COMMUNITY SCHOOL GATE
Eric Canon 1936 19th Ave., Forest Grove, OR 97116
This gate was sponsored by City Repair, which facilitates artistic projects that “honor the interconnection of human communities and the natural world.” It’s City Repair’s most remote project.
FOREST GROVE FIRE STATION MURALS
Emily Lux & Nate Marcel 1919 Ash St., Forest Grove, OR 97116
The murals depict the history of the original Forest Grove Fire Department, formed in 1894, and its significance in a community where neighbors help neighbors. Emily Lux based the images on historic photos of the fire department.
OREGON IS MAGIC
Holly Henderson
2001 Main St., Forest Grove, OR 97116
Depicting an enchanting view of the Tualatin Valley, this mural is based on Travel Oregon’s whimsical “Only Slightly Exaggerated” advertising campaign. The billboard-sized mural was painted by Beaverton artist Holly Henderson and celebrates Forest Grove’s and Tualatin Valley’s rich wine history.
THE NEWSPAPER READER
Seward Johnson 2114 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove, OR 97116
This sculpture is holding the first and last newspaper pages produced by longtime News Times publisher High McGilvra. The sculpture was presented to the city in 1978, when he retired after 50 years.
THEATRE IN THE GROVE MARQUEE
Emily Lux 2028 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove, OR 97116
Theatre in the Grove produced its first show (“South Pacific”) in 1969, and is one of Oregon’s oldest community theatres. Emily Lux painted the marquee in 2009.
TREE BENCH
Robert Foster
1915 Main St., Forest Grove, OR 97116
VALLEY ART MURAL
Emily Lux and Nate Marcel
2022 Main St., Forest Grove, OR 97116
This mural depicts scenes of Forest Grove through the years, with an emphasis on the arts. The artists started painting just after their son was born and took turns wearing him on their backs while they worked.
VALLEY ART FACADE
Eric Canon
2022 Main St., Forest Grove, OR 97116
WHERE SEEDS ARE PLANTED
Emily Lux
2114 Main St., Forest Grove, OR 9711
Artist Emily Lux and the Maraki Market owner wanted to give the community something positive to look at along Main Street. The idea was to create a bright spot and an “explosion of life” during a dark time amid the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The artist’s 11-year-old son joined her as an apprentice.
Whirligigs and metalwork by Eric Canon.
This tree bench designed by Washington artist Robert Foster was acquired in 2010.
WISHING BENCH
Jud Turner
A St. & 21st Ave., Forest Grove, OR 97116
The nearly 7’ tall, Asian-inspired bench features a hanging double mallet that when pushed against the cylinder creates a long, low tone that reverberates through the air.
THREE ELDERS (POWER FIGURES)
Adam McIsaac, Bobby Mercier & Nakoa Mercier Chehalem Ridge Nature Park
38263 SW Dixon Mill Rd., Gaston, OR 97119
Metro partnered with members of the The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde to create a series of statues. Artist Bobby Mercier’s artistic team chose the theme of the Three Elders to tell a story of people’s connection to the land. The three statues are placed throughout Chehalem Ridge Nature Park.
Hillsboro
BRIDGE OF LAND & SKY
Cliff Garten
Brookwood overpass over Highway 26
West on Hwy. 26 take EXIT 61A. East on Hwy. 26 take EXIT 61.
As Hillsboro’s largest and newest artwork, this piece’s undulating forms, reminiscent of the curves of a topological map, take their cue from the gentle peaks and valleys of the surrounding Tualatin Hills.
GET DOWN WITH DA DIRT
Suzanne Lee
David Hill Community Garden 401 SE Walnut St., Hillsboro, OR 97123
High school students contributed ideas for the design of these gates and got to see their ideas grow like plants from simple drawings into laser cut steel art.
RIVERBED
Lillian Pitt
Hillsboro Civic Center
150 E Main St., Hillsboro, OR 97123
Native American artist Lillian Pitt wanted to give everyone the chance to see ancient symbols found at sacred sites in the Columbia River Gorge. The stone pieces feature reproductions of petroglyphs carved in the riverbed.
SEQUOIA FROND
Brian Borrello
Hillsboro Civic Center
150 E Main St., Hillsboro, OR 97123
The laser-cut steel and welded enamel represents a branch from the sequoia trees at the Hillsboro Civic Center.
SHUTE PARK LIBRARY PAVERS
Lynn Adamo
Hillsboro Shute Park Library
775 SE 10th Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97123
The pavers were part of the library renovation and the designs were inspired by the Douglas fir motifs etched in the library windows as well as Native American rock art. Community members contributed to making the pavers.
SHUTE SEEDS
Blessing Hancock
Hillsboro Shute Park Library
775 SE 10th Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97123
This circular stainless steel art piece includes intricate designs that illustrate Hillsboro’s economic and multicultural history. The design on each seed was determined by input of the local community of Hillsboro.
North Plains
COMMERCIAL STREET MURALS
Allison McClay
31505 NW Commercial St., North Plains, OR 97133
Using a collection of old photos from the North Plains Historical Society, artist Allison McClay brought North Plains history to life. The large murals depict the rich past of the city including the historic train station and trains, local businesses and daily life.
Sherwood
HISTORY & TRANSPORTATION MURAL
Angelina Marino-Heidel
22461 SW Pine St., Sherwood, OR 97140
In the mural design, the tracks tie the site and concept of the mural together in a lyrical way and also provide a sense of growth and a visual timeline. The train established in the 1800’s, automobile styles that cross decades, dates and numbers, all add to this. Other farmyard animals reflect the agrarian culture of the area, historically and present day.
NATURE PANELS
Anne Storrs
City of Sherwood Public Library
22560 SW Pine St., Sherwood, OR 97140
Designed by artist Anne Storrs, these large nature-themed cast concrete panels can be found outside of the Sherwood Public Library building.
A WALK THROUGH TIME
Jeremy Nichols
12551 SW Main St., Tigard, OR 97223
This mural was painted by Jeremy Nichols with the help of local historian, Sean Garvey, and ecology specialists in the city. The mural depicts a member of the Kalapuya tribe, the indigenous inhabitants of the Tigard area, alongside native flora and fauna, including red-tailed hawk, western painted turtle, great blue heron, Oregon iris and camas flowers.
Tigard
BURNHAM STREET SIDEWALK ART
Tigard Volunteers
9232 SW Burnham St., Tigard, OR 97223
School children designed the sidewalk stamps along Burnham Street. They are based on threatened species that inhabit the nearby Fanno Creek.
BUTTERFLY STATUE
Jesse Swickard
12405 SW Main St., Tigard, OR 97223
Commissioned by Tigard Chiropractic for the third annual Downtown Tigard Art Walk, the Butterfly Statue signifies joy and movement.
CORYLUS
Brian Borello
9542 SW Maplewood Dr., Tigard, OR 97223
Serving as the gateway to Main Street, these sculptures represent the agricultural history of the area with the shape of a filbert (hazelnut). The sculptures represent the many filbert orchards which were once the main source of revenue and land use for Tigard.
CROSS STREET BANNER POLES
Ben Dye
12501 SW Main St., Tigard, OR 97223
These two functional sculptures are used to hold up promotional banners for events in downtown Tigard.
DECORATIVE GLASS BASKETS
Live Laugh Love Art
12575 SW Main St., Tigard, OR 97223
Scattered throughout Main Street, these hanging baskets were commissioned by the Tigard Downtown Alliance and made by local entrepreneur Live Laugh Love Art. There are 20 baskets in total.
DINOSAUR SCULPTURE
Dreamland Skateparks
Tigard Skatepark
13037 SW Beaverton-Tualatin Hwy., Tigard, OR 97223
Skateboarders can skate on this sculpture at the 15,000 square-foot park.
COYOTE SPIRIT & WATER SPIRIT MURALS
Joshua Lawyer & MJ Lindo-Lawyer
Located under Hwy 99 underpass on the Heritage Trail Tigard, OR 97223
These two murals, which mirror each other with contrasting colors that represent summer and winter, depict the Kalapuya people. A Kalapuya group called the Atfalati, were the earliest inhabitants of Tualatin Valley. Each image shows a woman fishing with a wolf as her spirit guide. Fishing had a strong significance to the Atfalati.
MOBIUS
Ben Dye 12345 SW Main St., Tigard, OR 97223
The sculpture is made from post-consumer recycled metals, and is part of the City of Tigard and the Tigard Downtown Alliance “Art on Loan” program.
ONE NOTHING
Susan Schimelfining
9040 SW Burnham St., Tigard, OR 97223
This sculpture is made from salvaged farm equipment and beams from demolished buildings. It is part of the “Art on Loan” program.
TIGARD OUTDOOR MUSEUM
Various Artists
Start in the plaza adjacent to Symposium Coffee (12345 SW Main St., Tigard, OR 97223) and walk west along the railside trail.
The Tigard Street Heritage Trail for pedestrians, cyclists and skaters runs along an old railway and is home to the Tigard Outdoor Museum. The museum features art that represents the complicated history of Tigard and the Tualatin Valley.
UNNAMED (FANNO CREEK TRAIL MURAL)
Ashley Montague
12308-12150 SW Grant Ave., Tigard, OR 97223
The checkered flag and colorful flower pattern creates an optical illusion as you pass along the Fanno Creek Trail. This was the first public art commissioned by the City of Tigard.
VISHNU
Unknown
12460 SW Main St., Tigard, OR 97223
This large sculpture depicts the Hindu god Vishnu sleeping on the roof.
MUSICAL BENCH
Jill Torberson
9110 SW Burnham St., Tigard, OR 97223
This musical piece consists of perfectly-sized red, orange and yellow cubes designed with aluminum chimes that can be gently pushed to activate long sound waves that vibrate through [your] body while seated. The panels of the cubes echo this theme.
I WONDER
Brian Keith
Cabela’s - Nyberg Rivers 7555 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin, OR 97062
Brian Keith did extensive research with the help of archaeologists to make the mastodon look realistic and accurate. The bronze sculpture is 9-feet-long and 2,500 pounds but represents a slightly smaller than real-life juvenile mastodon.
POETIC HISTORY BANDS
Words by Larry Kurtz. Etchings by Larry Walker & Donald Stastny. Design by Jerry Mayor. Tualatin Lake at the Commons 8325 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin, OR 97062
These poetic history bands tell Tualatin’s story through time and space.
SALMON RUN
New Seasons Market - Nyberg Rivers
7703 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin, OR 97062
SHARING ICE CREAM
Pete Heizer
Tualatin Lake at the Commons
8325 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin, OR 97062
This sculpture was made as a tribute to the Hervin Pet Food plant, which previously occupied the Tualatin Commons space. The company changed Tualatin from an agricultural town to an industrial center and grew with the company’s delivery catchphrase “Going to the Dogs.” The artist was inspired by his own dog begging for food from his daughter.
SPRING BREAK
Jerry Joslin
Tualatin Lake at the Commons 8325 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin, OR 97062
This sculpture is one of 24 castings representing children’s enthusiasm during spring break. According to the artist, it symbolizes “the freedom to make one’s own choices and the thrill of being alive.”
STORYTELLER
Linda Prokop
Tualatin Public Library
18878 SW Martinazzi Ave., Tualatin, OR 97062
This piece was inspired by the attentive faces of the artist’s own children as the listened to each new “Harry Potter” audio book. She was struck with the importances of artistry the storyteller bringing the story to life.
In a whimsical display, metal sculptures of salmon chase the sun and blue skies over the patio of the New Seasons Market.
THE LAZY RIVER
Joseph Rastovich
Located at SW Martinazzi Ave., Tualatin, OR 97062
(Between SW Nyberg St., & SW Tualatin-Sherwood Rd.)
This 20-foot-tall, 400 pound steel structure features icons representing important aspects of Tualatin’s history. The shape is like the meandering Tualatin River and icons include a mastodon, canoe, arrowhead, trees and birds.
