The City of Medford and the Rogue Valley International – Medford Airport (MFR) in partnership with the Medford Arts Commission welcomed the installation of new artwork in the airport’s Main Terminal. The artwork titled “Celebrate Oregon!” is a vibrant tapestry of Oregon geography into which are woven 127 symbols representing different aspects of Oregon’s collective arts, heritage, history and cultural practices.
The Rogue Valley International – Medford Airport has a history of celebrating its region by having local artists display their impressions throughout the terminal for passengers and visitors to enjoy. The airport administration strongly believes that everyone deserves to have a good experience when traveling, and art can be a means to that end for many.
In recognition of the Oregon Cultural Trust’s 20th Anniversary, “Celebrate Oregon” will debut on Oct. 1, as the State of Oregon’s new license plate design which celebrates Oregon and the diversity of its culture. The artwork for the license plate, created by Liza Burns of Eugene, will also be installed as full-scale murals at the Eugene, Portland and Redmond airports through a partnership with GreenCars.com. In addition, a 38-foot outdoor banner will be installed at the Northwest Film Center at the Portland Art Museum. “We knew that reflecting the breadth of Oregon culture, and how it brings us together, in one design was an extremely ambitious goal,” said Cultural Trust Executive Director Brian Rogers. “Liza’s creation does that and so much more. It captures the spirit of Oregon and also serves as an educational tool for exploring our diversity. We are incredibly proud and excited to share it with Oregonians.”
An interactive visual key that explains each of the symbols and how they connect to Oregon culture, accessed via a QR code is located just steps from the mural. The key will aid the design discovery while informing the Airport’s guests, tenants, and employees about the breadth of cultures we as Oregonians represent.
“We are extremely pleased and honored to host the first unveiling of new Cultural Trust License Plate that showcases the diversity of culture in Oregon. This exquisite artwork is predominantly displayed in the main terminal, baggage claim area for both passengers and greeters to enjoy," stated Jerry Brienza, airport director. The artwork will also be available as a poster and a limited-edition print. Details will be posted on the Cultural Trust website. The new license plate will be available beginning Oct. 1, on the Oregon DMV website, at DMV field offices and at car dealerships across the state, including Lithia’s 32 franchise dealerships.
