Third place winner Mark Kenny’s design.
Continued from Page 8
“Art in general is a very important part of
culture in communities,” he added.
The commission chose five people to be
part of a blind jury from the community, and
they were tasked with choosing the mural win-
ners based on the criteria of the project pro-
posal. Eckland’s winning artwork will be
painted on the building by volunteers over the
course of the summer. Painting started this
month, and is slated to finish in September.
The commission has four goals for the
mural project: to celebrate the heritage and
history of the Clatskanie community, attract
visitors and inspire residents, encourage com-
munity engagement and to energize interest in
cultural assets.
Furnish believes Clatskanie is technically
an art desert by the definition of the Oregon
Arts Commission, meaning there is minimal
access to creative content in the area. Interest
in the mural contest has increased. This year’s
project received 24 submissions, up from last
year’s 14.
Second place honors were given to Audrey
Christo, and Mark Kenny took home the third-
place prize with his design. Lana Jefferson
was awarded the best student submission title.
“I felt like that creative change could drive
an improvement in the economy,” Furnish
said.”I know the value of exposure and I want
to do that for other people. I want to help them
sustain a creative career.”
He said last year’s mural, painted by Mark
Kenny, has since attracted visitors.The com-
mission plans to continue the mural compe-
tition and eventually introduce a sculpture
aspect to create a trail that will draw visitors
through town.
Best Student Submission winner Lana Jefferson’s design.
THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021 // 9