The Springfield Arts Commission was established by the City Council in 1986 at the end of the Centennial Celebration. The Council charged the Commission to encourage the community’s emerging arts groups, and with the creation of the Art Alley, a series of outdoor murals in the downtown neighborhood.

The first Art Alley mural was a small one at 122 Fifth Street, titled It Ain’t Why, it Just Is, painted by artist Alan Cox in 1988. The second mural, at 130 5th Street, titled Bob the Dog Visits the Old Growth, was painted by John R. Swenson in 1989. Each artist was paid $50 and used materials provided by the Commission.

The Commission has since expanded its activities beyond murals to support local arts and culture in Springfield. They support local artists through the yearly Heritage Arts Grant program, they participate each month in the Second Friday Art Walk in downtown Springfield, they showcase local and youth artists in the City Hall Gallery, they offer performance opportunities for local musicians at monthly art walks, and they sponsor local arts and culture celebrations throughout Springfield.

The Commission accomplishes their work through an active, nine-member volunteer citizen board, a modest annual budget, and part-time staff support.

Springfield Arts Commission meetings are open to the public and held on the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in Springfield City Hall (check the monthly agenda online or calendar listing on the City website for exact location). For more information about the Commission or attending a meeting, email us at springfieldarts86@gmail.com and cc the Commission liaison at mlinder@springfield-or.gov .