The Redmond City Council received a first look at six art projects selected for the new Redmond Airport terminal expansion during its workshop on Monday, June 15. A nine-member selection committee spent 700 hours selecting the finalists. Their top priority was that the work represent Central Oregon. A total of 181 artists submitted proposals with 40% from Oregon and 9% from Central Oregon. Six artists were selected. The City Council still has to formally approve the artist contracts which is expected at the next meeting on June 23.
Smith Rock — Artist: Manca Ahlin from New York
A wall sculpture depicting Smith Rock will be made entirely from rope. Some of the rope has been used to climb Smith Rock.
Layers of the Land — Artist: Gabrielle Wildheart from Washington
This painting will be installed along a curved walkway and painted with wild pigments which are colors made using items found in nature. The final design has not been determined, but is expected to reflect scenery from Central Oregon.
Story Pole — Artist: Chester Armstrong from Sisters
The 21-foot-tall wood sculpture tells the story of water, Native people and how everything is interconnected.
The Waking Land — John Maggiora of Redmond
The mural depicts local plants and animals. It will be installed next to the airport’s escalator.
Untitled — Artist: Kyle Ocean from Washington
The mural below is made with layers of metal or steel representing the topography of the region.
Untitled — Artist: Aya Morton from Portland
The work of art is made from hand painted tiles depicting the Metolius River.
The total cost of the public art is $639,939. The City Council had originally approved $1 million. The remaining $360,061 may be used for other public art projects, possibly outside the airport. The new Redmond airport terminal expansion project is slated for a grand opening in November 2027.
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