In the heart of Portland, a unique artistic endeavor is taking shape, one that promises to transform the city's urban landscape into a captivating gallery of crow sculptures. This isn't just any art trail; it's a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of art to unite and inspire. What makes this project particularly fascinating is the fusion of local talent with global inspiration, as Portland artists bring to life the world of LAIKA's upcoming stop-motion film, 'Wildwood'.
The 'Wildwood: Follow the Crows' art trail is a collaborative effort between LAIKA, the Portland Metro Chamber, OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, and Visit Downtown. It's a testament to the city's commitment to fostering creativity and supporting local initiatives. The brainchild of Wild in Art, a U.K.-based art installation company, this trail is a follow-up to the successful 'Coraline's Curious Cat Trail' that captivated Portland in 2024. The cat trail's popularity, which drew tens of thousands of visitors and raised significant funds for pediatric healthcare, has set the stage for a new, equally inspiring project.
The call for artists was put out in March, and the response was overwhelming. Over 200 designs were submitted, a testament to the city's rich artistic talent. Monice Wong, media relations manager for Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, described the process as a challenging yet rewarding one, with sponsors tasked with selecting the top 30 designs. The selected artists, from Sam Warford to Lizzie Keenan, each brought their unique style and perspective to the project, resulting in a diverse array of crow sculptures.
What makes this project truly special is the opportunity it provides for local artists to showcase their talent on a grand scale. For Sam Warford, it's his first solo individual project, and for Reuben Lancaster, it's his first foray into three-dimensional art. Lizzie Keenan, a self-taught watercolor painter, had to learn acrylics for the project, adding a layer of personal growth to the artistic journey. Each artist brings a unique story and perspective to the project, making it a rich tapestry of creativity and community.
The crow sculptures, inspired by Colin Meloy's novel and LAIKA's film, are taking shape in the former offices of Start Making A Reader Today. The artists, surrounded by dozens of crows, are painting the birds' feathers, feet, and beaks with acrylic paint brushes, bringing the novel's illustrations to life. The sculptures, once completed, will be scattered throughout downtown Portland, creating a self-guided art trail that promises to be both captivating and thought-provoking.
The trail's installation is not just about the art; it's about the community and the impact it can have. The sculptures will be on display through October 31, along walkways, plazas, parks, and street corners throughout the city. At the end of the event, the sculptures will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital. The installation will also include an app, digital and physical maps, a dedicated website, and a customized Spotify playlist, adding layers of interactivity and engagement to the experience.
In my opinion, this project is a testament to the power of art to bring people together and create a sense of community. It's a celebration of creativity, a showcase of local talent, and a reminder of the impact that art can have on our lives. As the sculptures take shape and the trail unfolds, I can't help but wonder what stories and conversations will emerge from this unique artistic endeavor. What makes this project particularly fascinating is the way it brings together the past and the present, the local and the global, in a way that is both inspiring and thought-provoking.
