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Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance Installations

The Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance doesn't just talk about Art, we support it and install it. Below are projects across Washougal that we have had a hand in funding since our inception.

Newest Project

Two Rivers Heritage Sculpture on the Campanile

A dramatic focal point honoring our city’s history, including the intersection of native and settler cultures and our strong connection to the Washougal and Columbia rivers, will come to life through a stunning metal and glass sculpture which will become a cultural landmark with the potential to reinvigorate our civic spirit, inspire a deeper connection to place, and draw residents and visitors to our downtown core.

Our newest public art project aims to place the “Two Rivers Heritage Sculpture,” created by Sharon Agnor, on the campanile tower located at the site of the original water well in Reflection Plaza in downtown Washougal. The new steel and glass sculpture is designed to include a selection of significant events from Washougal history chosen after consultation with The Camas-Washougal Historical Society and Sam Robinson of the Chinook Nation. These events will be etched on metal waves that flow through history to tell the story of our town.  A QR code tucked in an alcove will link to a more detailed history that can be read or listened to while walking around the sculpture looking at the etchings. These historical events will form a basis for education and conversation and connection to place. The history of indigenous peoples of the area will be an integral part of this artwork.  We envision school assignments and field trips, library information tying into the historical events pictured, tours of the Two Rivers History Museum, and highlighting in city tourism marketing. 

Inspired?  We're fundraising now.  Click here to contribute to bringing this sculpture to our city.

Hamllik Park

Community Mural

WACA collaborated with the East County Citizens' Alliance (ECCA) on a community mural project aimed at cultivating a sense of belonging and community pride through the collective creation of art. Funded by WACA and the City of Washougal and coordinated through ECCA, the project provided an opportunity for joyful creation of permanent artwork to enhance Hamllik Park.

 View a slideshow of the evolution of the project from conception to completion here.

The Hamllik Park Community Mural was designed, painted and installed between November 2023 and June 2024.

We hope the mural inspires wonder, adds a playfulness and cheeriness to the space, sparks joy as people pass by, spurs conversations, and reminds people of the beauty and wonder we each carry within us which is amplified when we come together with common purpose.


Dreaming

Dreaming, a large, friendly and life-like bronze bear sculpture created by Heather Soderberg of Cascade Locks, was installed in January 2020. It is located on the corner of A Street and Pendleton Way in downtown Washougal.

This piece was a two-year WACA fundraising effort. In addition to public support raised by WACA, substantial contributors were also Jim and Betty Cooper of Washougal and the City of Washougal Tourism Fund.  The piece is valued at $30,000.

It is a community favorite to take pictures with and adds charm to our downtown.

Princess White Wing

“…he thought he could see White Wing in the clouds and in the forest and in his dreams.”  He said, “Come pretty bird and fly with me, for I am lonely and my nest is empty.”

The mural, designed and painted by internationally renowned Native American artist Toma Villa, is installed outside the Washougal Community Library for the entire community to enjoy.

If you are familiar with Washougal’s history, you know that Betsy White Wing Ough, a Cascades Tribe princess, along with her husband Richard Ough, founded this great city. For her role, Betsy is lovingly referred to by many as the “Mother of Washougal.” The theme of the mural is Richard Ough courting Betsy White Wing Ough.

This project was funded by generous contributions from WACA supporters, a WA State Snap Grant and City of Washougal.

Historic Lager

Historic Lager was commissioned in 2018 by WACA and created by prolific, local artist Travis London.  It is located next to the Washougal Post Office on the wall of the Big Foot Inn in downtown Washougal.

Forever Faithful

Forever Faithful is a life-sized bronze dog sculpture of a Belgain Malinois, created by prominent bronze sculptor Susan Bahary. It sits proudly outside the Washougal Police Department at 1320 A Street, Washougal. Thank you to the community for their donations to bring this piece to Washougal!

For The Birds Art Project

This artistic display of community inspired and created bird houses is located next to City Hall and got its start in Fall of 2016.

The full WACA project vision includes planting flowers and scrubs with the ultimate goal to create a beautiful butterfly and bird garden featuring these artistic bird houses of various sizes and décor.  A place of beauty!

To find out more information on how you can get involved, contact WACA at  [email protected]

Golden Back Heron

Golden Back Heron, created by Portland metal artist Tom Jackson was welcomed to Washougal on Nov 19. The three-foot tall metal sculpture stands in the rain garden next to the main parking lot at Washougal City Hall, 1701 C Street.

Bronze Seaman Sculpture

In August 2015, Washougal welcomed its newest resident, a bronze sculpture of Seaman, the Newfoundland dog that accompanied Lewis and Clark on their expedition which included a stop in Washougal for provisions. The life-sized bronze was created by Cascade Locks artist Heather Stoderberg-Greene. He was made possible by the fund raising efforts of WACA and the Columbia Gorge Woman’s Association.

The piece is now a fixture in downtown Washougal, delighting children and families who climb on his back for photos and community members who decorate him to celebrate seasons!

Become a Member of the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance!

If there is room for more art in your life, or if you simply want to help out, below are some easy ways to become involved. Our goal is to inform and engage people like you who want to play a role in bringing more public art to Washougal. We are a volunteer-run non-profit that depends on the generosity of the community. Any donations go to the support of the arts in Washougal.

Members

Love art and share a passion to support local Washougal artists? Want more public art in Washougal? Please click below for membership information.

Members

Newsletter

Sign up for the quarterly WACA Newsletter and stay abreast of all the happenings in the Washougal Art Community: upcoming events, the annual Washougal Arts Festival and a few surprises.

Newsletter

Discover

There is far more art in Washougal than meets the eye. See what there is... and see why we are so passionate in our support of art and artists here in Washougal.

Discover