MEDFORD, Ore. – A Southern Oregon artist will paint a new mural for downtown Medford at the Bartlett-Middleford parking garage connection.
Anthony Vella was picked to create the piece at 34 N. Bartlett Street. The mural will span four panels, each measuring 4-by-16 feet, for a total of 256 square feet.
The artwork centers on the theme “Connection” and will showcase regional wildlife and landscapes. Vella plans to paint a flying meadowlark, leaping salmon, swallowtail butterfly and spotted frog, along with pears, morel mushrooms and the Table Rocks.
“I wanted to explore our relationship with the Southern Oregon environment and the interconnected systems that sustain it,” Vella said. “The four panels bring together regional wildlife, landscape and community, combining elements of realism and abstraction to create a visual story that reflects the character of our region.”
Vella has worked as a multidisciplinary artist for more than 20 years. His experience includes lettering, abstract art, illustration, fine art and gold leafing.
He currently works as a resident artist at Timeless Treasures Hub. There, he creates murals and collaborates on creative projects while helping develop events and opportunities for emerging artists.
“My goal is to create work that inspires and connects people through art and creative passion, while continually pushing my own boundaries as an artist,” Vella said.
The Public Arts Selection Committee led a competitive selection process earlier this year. Artists and teams from Jackson and Josephine counties submitted proposals for the project.
The mural is expected to be finished in late October. Installation will follow shortly after.