Public Art
Wilsonville is proud to have a robust Public Art Collection. Check out the virtual tour, which pinpoints each location of Public Art on the map so you know where to go for an up-close look.
- Take the tour! to see all of the artwork in Wilsonville
- View the I-5 Artwork - Beauty & the Bridge
Public Art Program Policy & Guidelines
- Resolution No. 3081, a Resolution of the City of Wilsonville Approving the City of Wilsonville Public Art Policy & Guidelines
- Resolution No. 3151, a Resolution of the City of Wilsonville Amending the City of Wilsonville Public Art Policy & Guidelines
Arts, Culture, and Heritage Commission
For questions please contact Erika Valentine, Arts & Culture Program Coordinator at Evalentine@ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-570-1629
open projects - accepting applications
Request of Qualifications (RFQ) - City of Wilsonville Seeks Artist or Artist Team to Create a new Artwork(s) for Boones Ferry Park - The Essence of the River
Proposals are due by: February 12, 2025 at 2pm
Budget: To not exceed: $100,000
The City of Wilsonville, Oregon is requesting qualifications from talented artist(s) and/or artist team(s) to create a new and engaging public artwork(s) for Boones Ferry Park, a ~15-acre park adjacent to the Willamette River. Also located at this park is the historic Tauchman House, formerly the home to the operator of the historic Boones Ferry. A large new inclusive playground, installed in 2024 has reactivated and enlivened this space. The playground design includes themes of the City’s History and the significance of the Willamette River.
This park is intended to serve the larger community as well as the local neighborhood.; The 2018 Boones Ferry Master Plan is the result of an extensive public process involving members of the general public, City Council, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Planning Commission, as well as Wilsonville Parks and Recreation staff. Within the plan, a desire for a greater connection to the river was a common theme. The plan takes this to heart and combines it with a desire to retain aspects that make Boones Ferry Park special today, including its quiet greenness, relaxed atmosphere, and connection to the historic past.
The theme for this Public Art Project is “The Essence of the River.” The Willamette River flows from west to east through town and was historically the site of a ferry and sternwheeler landing.
It is desired that the artwork(s) celebrates and pulls inspiration from the river and surrounding natural areas in the park. The artwork(s) should be site-specific and engaging for users of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Universal design can be thought of as an intersection of inclusivity, accessibility, and usability for community members regardless of age, disability, or other factors.
The awarded artist/ team should display a strong portfolio of engaging, complex, and interactive public art projects depicting experience and effectiveness working with a variety of stakeholders to receive and implement feedback. The project awardee should be capable of managing their fabrication and installation, while coordinating and communicating effectively with City Staff.
Questions received from potential applicants along with corresponding staff responses will be posted to the public and can be found on this page.
Submit your application directly through the Call For Entry (CaFE) portal at: www.callforentry.org
Key words “Essence of the River, Boones Ferry Park, Wilsonville, OR”
For the complete RFQ including directions please Click Here or see below.
Recent Past Projects
Memorial Park Skatepark Mural - Abigail Penfold
Installed in the summer of 2024, Washington based skater and muralist completed her work. Penfold's design was inspired by the local wildlife and nature in this area. The mural takes you through the story of many creatures building a skateboard, from ospreys, beavers, squirrels and more. This project was funded through the Metro Community Enhancement Project and was completed in collaboration with the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Commission along with the Wilsonville Skatepark Association.
Temporary Pride Month Mural - By Ren Kyles
A Temporary Pride Month Mural was on display at the Parks and Recreation Admin Building located at 29600 Park Place in June 2024. The project's purpose was to provide visual representation to uplift, recognize and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate and honor Pride Month. The selection panel, consisting of members of the DEI Committee and the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Commission selected Ren Kyle's design at their April meeting. https://www.renkyles.art/
