August 15, 2022 3:30 a.m.

In the KQEN Cultural Spotlight:

Through the addition of a graphic arts program and collaborations with both the Umpqua Public Transportation District and Thrive Umpqua, Umpqua Valley Arts is seeking to feature youth-created artwork in prominent spots throughout Roseburg in honor of the city’s sesquicentennial.

A release said for the first time ever, UVA is employing a graphic-artist-in-residence this summer to help middle and high school students across the city strengthen their digital art abilities. Young graphic designers have a chance to see their work come to life through a project in honor of Roseburg’s 150th birthday, which is this October.

Through August, students can submit their graphic designs for consideration to be enlarged and used to decorate various community spaces. The project will target bus shelters first, featuring larger-than-life student artwork at stops along some of Roseburg’s main thoroughfares. UVA Executive Director Emily Brandt said, “Our long- term goal is to expand this project to cover not only bus stops but also bare walls and other community spaces that could use a facelift in partnership with Thrive Umpqua and other community organizations”. Brandt said public art can have a profound effect on a community, with its ability to connect people and spaces.

The release said more details will be available soon from UVA, UPTD and Thrive Umpqua.