The Stayton Public Arts Commission has set a vision for itself with an official mission and specific goals, marking a major threshold since the committee was revived last winter.
As the commission has been active throughout 2025, it has pursued the official mission of “Enhancing community engagement through the arts.”
The commission set nine specific goals to achieve this including:
• Increase public engagement with the arts.
• Integrate public art into community spaces.
• Create a Public Art Map and Tour Program.
• Establish an annual Public Art and Cultural Heritage Festival.
• Support and develop local artists.
• Host community art events.
• Increase accessibility to public art
• Strengthen partnerships with local businesses and cultural organizations.
• Launch an Arts Incubator Program.
This comes after the city revived the commission in January of 2024 amid broader community development efforts. The commission was first formed in 2021 but saw participation lapse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After reviving the committee, the City Council struggled to find volunteers to appoint to the board, as participation was limited to those who reside within the city limits. On Oct. 7, 2024, the council voted to expand eligibility to include those who own a business or property within Stayton.
The commission currently has three members: Mark Kronquist, Nick Raba and Kimberly Dwyer. Two positions remain open.
The commission meets the third Thursday of each month in the Planning Conference Room, 311 N. Third Ave., Stayton.
