Redmond to unveil new public art installation during America’s 250 Community Block Party
REDMOND, ORE. (KTVZ) -- The Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil its latest public art installation on Friday, July 3, at 5:45 p.m. The ceremony, located at the southwest corner of Centennial Park in Redmond, is an integral part of the city's 250 Community Block Party.
The selected art was created by Redmond artists Wendy Wheeler Jacobs and Dale Rae Samples, whose work reflects their unique interpretations of America's 250th celebration. The ceremony will feature a brief presentation from the artists, along with City representatives, highlighting RCAPP's two-sided art display located prominently in front of City Hall.
This display creates a highly visible opportunity to showcase different forms of art for both residents and visitors to enjoy, aligning with RCAPP's broader vision for public art in Redmond.
Darlene Veenhuizen, Chair of the Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places, praised the selected artists. “This year's selected artists stood out not only for their technical skill, but for their ability to interpret America's 250th celebration in ways that felt thoughtful and creative and also connected back to our community,” Veenhuizen said. “It is incredibly rewarding to work alongside members of the commission to recognize artists whose work not only demonstrates talent, but also creates connection, reflection and community engagement through public art.”
Samples is an Indigenous visual artist specializing in acrylic painting, large-scale murals and traditional tipi artwork. Raised on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Samples is influenced by the landscapes surrounding Glacier National Park. Her artwork, “The Shared Dream,” is described as a vibrant tribute to unity, diversity and the shared spirit of the American people, featuring layered translucent figures beneath a flowing American flag.
Jacobs spent her childhood in Eastern Oregon, where her interest in painting began. Jacobs, who works part time as a brand consultant from her Redmond home, now dedicates her free time to painting and enjoying the outdoors. While watercolor is her preferred medium, she also uses acrylic and colored pencil. Her artwork, “Awakening,” captures a sunrise at Smith Rock, which she describes as symbolizing resilience and anchoring connections to the land.
Jacobs elaborated on the inspiration behind her piece. “I was drawn to the idea that the American experience is not only written in documents and milestones, but also in the enduring landscapes that have witnessed every chapter of our history. Rock is one of those places,” Jacobs said. “Public lands like Rock embody values I associate deeply with America: openness, community, shared stewardship and the belief that some places belong to all of us.”
The Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places enhances Redmond's community identity by strategically placing art in public spaces, maintaining an art inventory and advising city policies. The commission also fosters community engagement, collaborates with public agencies and secures funding for arts and culture initiatives.
To learn more about RCAPP programs or how to get involved, information is available at www.redmondoregon.gov/RCAPP or by following www.facebook.com/RedmondPublicArt. For questions about Redmond's public art program, contact City of Redmond Long Range Cory Murray at 541-504-3062 or via email at cory.murray@redmondoregon.gov.
