‘50 for 50:’ Celebrating 50 Years of Oregon’s Percent for Art in Public Places Program

How the ‘50 for 50’ works were selected

The “50 for 50” showcase is selected works from Oregon’s Percent for Art in Public Places collection that celebrate the program’s 50 years of impact. The selected works reflect the diversity and reach of the nearly 3,000-work collection and aim to inspire further exploration of public art across the state.

A nine-member panel of current and former program staff, including past managers and public art coordinators, carefully reviewed the entire collection to identify works that represent the program’s mission. The process was guided by key considerations:

  • Accessibility: The chosen works are all publicly visible and accessible, ensuring they can be enjoyed by anyone at any time.
  • Geographic Representation: The selection includes works from every corner of the state, reflecting the wide variety of public spaces and institutions the program supports, ranging from major universities to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the State Capital.
  • Connection to Place: The works showcase the program’s ability to bring art into public spaces in ways that connect with diverse communities and highlight creativity found throughout the state.

It is important to emphasize that the “50 for 50” selection serves as a starting point to inspire curiosity and encourage Oregonians to further explore Oregon’s extensive public art collection. The initiative celebrates the program’s legacy while inviting everyone to discover the collection’s impact on our shared spaces. 

Special Thanks

We extend our deepest gratitude to the 50 for 50 selection panel, whose insight, expertise, and care helped shape this campaign. Your thoughtful review of artworks from across Oregon’s Percent for Art in Public Places Program helped illuminate the breath, impact and history f public art in our state. We especially thank former Oregon Arts Commission Visual Arts Coordinator Meagan Atiyeh; our current Public Art Coordinators Peg Butler, Renee Couture, and Karl Burkheimer; as well as past Coordinators Claire Schechtman, Kate Ali, and Saralyn Hilde, for their generous contributions of time and perspective. We also want to acknowledge the Oregon State Archives for their support in guiding our research throughout this project. In addition, we thank the more than 900 artists who have contributed to over 350 Percent for Art projects since 1975. Your work defines the Oregon’s civic arts experience – grounded in place, shaped by community, and enduring in its impact. These 50 selected artworks offer just one window into the State of Oregon’s public art story, and we encourage audiences to explore beyond them. The full collection holds a depth of meaningful and powerful works that continue to shape the cultural and civic landscape of our state.

-Ryan Burghard and Sarah Baylinson

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