The City of Stayton is revitalizing its Public Arts Commission with the aim of creating a path for artists and community groups to create public art installations.
Three vacant positions are open on the five-person board and the city is accepting applications from all eligible residents.
The commission’s goals are to actively pursue opportunities for the placement of art in public spaces, and to promote art education, cultural programs and public access to art.
City Manager Julia Hajduk told Our Town that, once the vacant commission seats are filled, the city plans to pursue these goals in earnest.
“We’re really hoping that once the commission gets up and running and establishes some basic guidelines there will be an opportunity for people to submit proposals for art and murals around town,” she said.
The commission was first formed in February of 2021 after local artist Judy Mohney approached the city with a desire to paint murals on sidewalks and the walls of public buildings downtown.
At the time there were no public art policies in place and city staff recommended forming the commission to help create a process and standards for such requests.
Mohney and four others were appointed to the board but amid COVID-19 and the 2021 ice storm the commission struggled to get under way and ultimately did not meet. Mohney died in 2023, at age 80, and two other commissioners’ terms have since expired, leaving the board currently with two filled positions.
In January Stayton Community & Economic Development Director Jennifer Siciliano suggested city officials revive the commission as part of larger efforts to revitalize Stayton.
“I was thinking we need to get some people interested in arts,” Siciliano told the council during its regular meeting Jan. 22.
“I’m going to try to reinvigorate [the commission] and get it back on track.”
Officials were quick to support the idea, with Councilor David Patty saying the original goal was to put decisions about public art in the hands of artists. Mayor Brian Quigley added he would like to encourage young people to apply for an open seat.
Potential candidates are encouraged to apply online via the “City Boards and Commissions” page on staytonoregon.gov. Applicants must reside within the city limits to be eligible.
In addition to fostering public art, the commission would advise the council on policies that encourage the arts. They would also help set standards for the display of public art and review applications for proposed installations.
