Talent to showcase community stories through public art - NBC 5 News Article
- info052075
- Jun 20, 2025
- 2 min read
June 18, 2025 - NBC 5 News Article
"TALENT, Ore. — The city of Talent is launching a new three-year initiative, “Our Stories Through Art,” aimed at transforming public spaces into vibrant canvases that narrate the community’s rich history and resilience. Brought together by the Talent Business Alliance, the project recently secured a $75,000 grant from the Oregon Community Foundation, with $50,000 set for new art installations. The initiative seeks to gather untold stories from residents, including those whose family histories haven’t been widely shared, and translate them into engaging artistic expressions.
Darby Ayers-Flood, executive director for the Talent Business Alliance and Mayor of Talent, said that the project was conceived about a year ago, and gained momentum with efforts to recover from the pandemic and the Almeda Fire. Talent currently has 21 public art installations, including murals, mosaics, and sculptures, each telling a facet of the city’s past.
One such mural is “Bee City USA: Talent” that celebrates that Talent is the 2nd of affiliates across the nation to conserve native pollinators by providing them with healthy habitat.
The official kickoff celebration for “Our Stories Through Art” is scheduled for Friday, June 27, at 5 p.m. at City Hall. The event will feature children’s activities, music, food, and the artisan and growers market across the street. They are inviting community members to learn about the initiative and explore opportunities for engagement, from becoming an artist for future installations to participating in story-gathering efforts. The long-term vision includes developing an interactive art tour, allowing visitors and locals alike to explore Talent’s history and character through its diverse public art."
© 2025 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.