Public Art Installation: Lake Oswego Public Library Selected as Host Site
Echoes of Belonging is a community-centered public art installation by artist Sahara Aylanna Defrees, developed through a collaborative partnership between the City of Lake Oswego, Respond to Racism, and the Arts Council of Lake Oswego.
The project is primarily funded through a City General Fund grant awarded to Respond to Racism for a public art installation, with the Lake Oswego Public Library selected as the permanent host site for the completed work.
The installation seeks to acknowledge and educate about the history of exclusion and racism in Lake Oswego and the region while inspiring a more inclusive future. Through interpretive panels, interactive elements, and community engagement opportunities, the project invites reflection and dialogue, fostering greater understanding and connection.
Expected to be installed at the Library by Fall 2026, Echoes of Belonging will become part of the City’s permanent collection, creating a lasting public space dedicated to reflection, connection, and a shared commitment to belonging.
For additional information, contact the Arts Council of Lake Oswego at artscouncillo@gmail.com or 503-272-1214.
Opportunities for Community Participation
Paired with community events, people of all ages are invited to help create the artwork through guided sessions with artist, Sahara Aylanna Defrees.
Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts, Community Painting Event, Friday, June 26, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at George Rogers Park, 611 S State Street
Paint the Story, Community Painting Event, Tuesday, July 14, 3:00 – 7:00 pm at Sundeleaf Plaza, 120 S. State Street
Additional opportunities for participation include:
Tumwata: Native History of Willamette Falls, Thursday, July 23, 2:30 – 3:00 pm pm followed by a Community Painting Event, 3:00 – 5:00 pm at Oregon City Public Library: 606 John Adams Street, Oregon City
Monuments & Memorials: An Oregon Humanities Conversation Project, Thursday, August 6, 2:30 – 4:00 pm at the Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue (Registration is required)
Echoes of Belonging, Public Art Dedication, Saturday, September 19, 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.
History and Timeline of Project
2020 Respond to Racism (RtR) leaders met with City of Lake Oswego staff to discuss the vision for a public art project.
2021 Early visioning and planning began with RtR, the Arts Council of Lake Oswego (ACLO) and the City. The Lake Oswego Public Library was identified as the host site.
2022 RtR applied for and received City Council approval for ARPA grant funding to support the project.
2023 Planning and coordination meetings continued.
2024 RtR received a date extension for disbursement of grant funds, hired a project manager, and prepared a Request for Proposals (RFP) for artist selection.
January 2025 City Council reallocated ARPA funds to another project and awarded a General Fund grant to support the art project, separate from operating or facilities budgets.
February–June 2025 RtR worked with the City and ACLO to ensure alignment with City Public Art Guidelines.
July–September 2025 The RFP process was completed, proposals were reviewed, and finalists were selected.
October 2025 City Council reviewed and considered the final artist recommendation, Sahara Aylanna Defrees. Reference City Council Meeting October 7, 2025: Agenda Item - 2025-10-07 - Number 10.1 - RtR and ACLO Project at LOPL.
October 2025–May 2026 Planning and project development continued.
June–September 2026 Opportunities for community participation with painting events and educational sessions. The artwork is expected to be installed September 2026 and will become part of the City's permanent collection at Lake Oswego Public Library. The artwork is intended to remain with the Library through the future facility planning process and any associated transitions in the location of the Library.
