In 2019 the City of Maupin completed its brand new Civic Center, a building that houses both the city offices and the library serving South Wasco County. Art was always envisaged as a visible and large part of the building, but as Covid arrived shortly thereafter, programming ground to a halt.
There is a large mural in the children’s section of the library, painted by a popular rafting guide and Bend artist, David Kinker. Greg O’Neal donated a bronze stag’s head that sits on an antique table outside the library, and a 12 foot oil painting depicting the interior of the old power station at White River Falls hangs on the wall in the entrance to the civic offices. Painted by Portland artist Henk Pander, it is visible to all that enter the building. This is on loan from the artist’s own collection and organized by the Chamber Director, Suze Riley. There are two further water colors by Henk that are awaiting framing and their future home in the small business incubator, Maupin Works (due for completion in Summer of 2023).
Greg O’Neal has also been commissioned by the City to create two life-sized golden eagles as part of the on going collection and we are now raising funds for this project. A maquette has been completed, the first eagle is well underway and the Chamber is spearheading a fundraising campaign through its 501c3 endowment fund. We are looking to raise $120,000 to cover the cost of molds, casting and foundry fees. Greg is donating his time, effort and talent, which will be considerable.
As Maupin establishes itself as the little town that ‘can’, we are building on past successful projects that include not just a beautiful Civic Center, but also fiber optic internet, the recently completed world class running track and soon to come athletic complex. We have the unique attraction of climate (perfect for sports in the shoulder seasons), location (2 hrs from either Bend or Portland), and size (small enough you can’t get lost, big enough to have a hotel!).
Help us realize Greg’s vision and Maupin’s future!! You can donate via Paypal : info@maupinoregon.com or send a check to Maupin Area Chamber Endowment at PO Box 220, Maupin OR 97037 and use the memo line to direct your donation to Greg O’Neal Sculpture fund.
