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.

• View a map 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, Management Analyst - Arts  & Culture, Evalentine@wilsonvilleoregon.gov 503-570-1629

Recent projects

HeARTs of Wilsonville: Many Cultures, One Heart 

For information on the HeARTs of Wilsonville: Many Cultures, One Heart please CLICK HERE

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. 

Wilsonville Public Library - Children's Mural by Julia Hunkler

Portland artist Julia Hunkler was awarded a project to design and paint a mural on four walls of the Wilsonville Library Children’s Room.

Hunkler was one of 54 artists who responded to the City’s Call for Art.  A panel composed of Library Staff, Library Foundation members, and Arts, Culture, and Heritage Commission (ACHC) members recommended her after reviewing, scoring and discussing 39 applicants. Hunkler’s selection was confirmed by the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Commission.

The Wilsonville Library Foundation is funding the project, which was completed in collaboration with Library staff, City Arts staff, and the ACHC.

Hunkler creates captivating works that evoke curiosity and illuminate inherent beauty. She is passionate about the transformative potential of art in public spaces. Examples of her work can be viewed on Instagram (@juliaalexis.art).

The artist visited the Library to talk to staff and spend some time in the Children’s Section to draw inspiration for her original design, which will also be informed by feedback from more than 700 Children’s Room patrons.

Patrons were asked to respond to a series of posterboards asking what themes they might want to see represented in the mural and how the library makes them feel. The most popular themes mentioned were animals, nature, books, book characters, and mythical characters. The most common feelings expressed were ‘happy,’ ‘calm,’ and ‘excited.’; other common feelings included ‘welcome,’ ‘peaceful,’ ‘relaxed,’ and ‘safe.’

“When visitors step into the Children’s Section, we want them to feel transported to a fun and whimsical space with murals that evoke those feelings and leave them feeling inspired, curious, and creative,” said Erika Valentine, Management Analyst for Arts & Culture.

Video about the Mural can be found HERE.

In progress projects

Boones Ferry Park - The Essence of the River (no longer accepting applications)

The City of Wilsonville, Oregon is requested 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.

Pete Beeman was awarded the project and is currently in the fabrication stage of this new and exciting sculpture!