Above Deck Design Enhancements Selected

From ODOT- ODOT approved three design enhancement pieces to install adjacent to Interstate 5 north and south of the new Willamette River Bridge. Before making the recommendation, local stakeholders reviewed proposals from five artists and comments submitted by local citizens. The enhancements represent the history and culture of the Kalapuya and other tribes in the Willamette Valley and ensure a lasting reminder of Native Americans for generations to come.

"River" by the Lillian Pitt Team depicts a canoe above a graceful wave pattern in a setting of large camas plants and cattails. It is the largest piece selected and will be located north of the Willamette River Bridges between the northbound and southbound I-5 lanes.

"Camas Basket" by Rhiza A+D, inspired by Kalapuyan basketry, is filled with fibrous reeds combined with camas stems capped by blue blossoms. It will be located north of the Canoe Canal Bridge on either the east or west bank.

"Blue Camas Basket" by Devin Laurence Field LLC, represents the once plentiful camas plant in local prairies, which was a critical food source and feature in tribal lore. Located south of the Willamette River Bridge, this piece announces the significance of the area to northbound traffic.

All three artists are from Oregon and have public art pieces installed throughout the northwest.

We are excited about the art selected and recognize it represents the importance of the Whilamut Passage, the Willamette River and this location to Native Americans, the region and the state.

You can view the three selected designs on our Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/oregondot/5738236526/in/set-72157626374823972/