Westside Mayors Discuss Integrating Public Art into Civic Planning and Recreational Spaces

Westside Mayors Discuss Integrating Public Art into Civic Planning and Recreational Spaces

Written by Kate Ristau, TVC Board Member and Executive Director for Willamette Writers

 

 

At the Westside Economic Alliance Breakfast Forum, Mayor Jamie Fender explained how Tualatin Valley Creates was “absolutely instrumental in helping us get our first art installation in King City.” Tualatin Valley Creates was proud to work with Mayor Fender and is looking forward to King City’s next big art project.

Multiple Washington County mayors, like Mayor Fender, have helped increase the County’s public art portfolio. But incorporating arts into public planning is difficult work. Tualatin Valley Creates celebrates all of Washington County’s efforts to integrate arts into civic planning.

Stephanie Jones, the Mayor of Banks, pointed out the need for volunteers on committees from the Planning Commission to the Economic Development Commission. Teri Lenahan, the mayor of North Plains, saw this need too, explaining that the arts can ignite volunteers and get people engaged. Lenahan explained how volunteers worked with an artist and the historical society in North Plains to transform old metal storage buildings with beautiful murals.

“It was contagious,” Lenahan explained. Other businesses and community members wanted their own murals too, leading to further calls for public arts. Lenahan wants that feeling to further excited people to volunteer – to support public arts.

The Washington County Mayors are incorporating arts into everyday spaces and reinvigorating Washington County communities. They want you to know that you can help too! Watch the video to discover more about how our mayors are approaching arts and public planning, and how you can support their work.

Thank you to TVCTV for capturing this moment and highlighting the arts and culture economic impact for Washington County, and for also capturing the efforts of Washington County cities to integrate more arts into our public spaces.

We can’t wait to see what’s next in Washington County!