The Public Arts Advisory Committee is excited to announce the installation of a stunning new crosswalk art piece at the entrance of Lithia Park on Winburn Way in the Ashland Downtown Historic District. The amazing Ashland Street Division expertly installed the thermoplastic artwork before sunrise in an effort to cause no disruption to downtown traffic and businesses, and just in time for the Fourth of July festivities.
The artwork by Glory Nylander is titled, “Walking Upstream.” Nylander researched historical information about Ashland, and it was the Shasta people that captured her attention.
Nyland states, “I knew this crosswalk design could actually be a bridge in time connecting us to the past. I started researching the Shasta people who lived in and around Ashland and I found that they ate elderberry, salmon, camas flower root and acorn flour. The color pallet available for thermoplastic is limited to 8 bold colors, and these designs were able to be adapted by those 8 colors. There is intentionally no top or bottom to the image, and the items are recognizable from all angles. The blue symbolizes the river and crosses at an angle so either direction you can feel as if you are ‘walking upstream,’ in the same way the salmon run upstream in our rivers here in the Pacific Northwest, again connecting us to nature. I know Ashland has a rich history and my hope was to create a bold piece of art that would be interesting, recognizable, visible from all angles and maybe even informative as people look into the meaning of the images together as they represent the Shasta people and their connection with the natural landscape of Ashland, Oregon. The elderberry, the salmon, the camas flower and the acorn represent the natural resources of the past, what we enjoy in the present and if we are good to this earth and preserve what we have now, we hope will nourish future generations.”
About the Artist:
Glory Salinas Nylander is a mural artist, singer/songwriter, graphic artist and writer. Her art draws inspiration from the natural world and the vivid imaginations of her three children. After spending two years in Hilo, HI, Nylander now resides in Washington State, where she continues to explore themes of nature in her work. Her connection to Oregon is through her mother, who lives in central Oregon, and her previous projects, including the Klamath Falls Piano Project. “Walking Upstream” marks her first permanent piece of public art.
For more information on Nylander’s work or to collaborate on future projects, please contact her at glorynylander@gmail.com or visit GloryNylander.com.
Acknowledgements:
The City of Ashland extends its gratitude to everyone involved in making this project a reality. The collaborative effort showcases the dedication and creativity of our community.
The “Walking Upstream” artwork was selected from five submissions received following a Call to Artists issued by the City. The artwork was chosen by a selection committee including members of the Public Arts Advisory Committee, Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, Transportation Advisory Committee, representatives from adjacent businesses and citizens at large.
This project is part of the City of Ashland Beautification Initiative, aimed at enhancing the visual appeal and cultural richness of our historic downtown area.
Fourth of July Festivities:
Wondering what’s happening on the Fourth of July this year? Check out our joint News Release with the Ashland Chamber of Commerce. Remember, “We are Better Together!”
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CONTACT:
Jennifer Chenoweth, Associate Planner
City of Ashland
541.552.2045
Email