A colorful tradition returns to Eugene next week with the goal of highlighting the connection between our streets and local rivers. The City of Eugene’s second UpStream Art Project is scheduled for next week in and around downtown. The artists – Asante Riverwind, Nancy Silvers, Christian Ives and the team of Joann Carrabio and Marco Elliott — will be painting intermittently starting Saturday and wrap up early Wednesday afternoon.
Project Sites
Each artist, will paint a mini-mural on predetermined sites:
- Willamette Street and 12th Avenue
- 7th Avenue near Willamette Street
- 5th Avenue near Willamette Street
- Lawrence Street near 3rd Avenue
City staff will cordon off the locations to provide a safe work space, yet still be visible to those curious about the artists and their paintings.
Artist Selection
Based on similar Springfield events, selection was based on how well the artists conveyed this year’s theme, “Clean Rivers Start Here,” and how the art speaks to the community about protecting local waterways and wildlife. In July, a call-to artists was posted inviting artists to submit their vision of a clean rivers message. With the help of judges from staff and other organizations, a final selection of four artists was made.
The project is part of the City’s efforts to help residents understand that stormwater flows untreated from our streets to local waterways and that everyone has a role in helping to protect rivers. For additional information, visit happyrivers.org.