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ArtBack Artists' Cooperative

The ArtBack Artists' Cooperative was formed in 1992 by nine professional artists who joined together for a local exhibition. Overwhelmed by the tremendous support for their first show, they realized they had the opportunity to play a major role in shaping the future of visual arts in our community while increasing civic pride. They are dedicated to bringing art into the local arena to benefit and educate the largest and most diverse population possible.

They have instituted a popular mural tradition that has successfully brought together individuals, businesses and organizations, while creating lasting imagery that reflects and strengthens the proud achievements of our community. They have grown and are now recognized throughout the community as a vital force in the cultural and economic direction of the town.

The annual Summer Celebration arts and music festival was created in 2000 to celebrate the ArtBack's annual mural-in-a-weekend project, which takes place every 4th weekend in July.

The current members of ArtBack include: Kolieha Bush, Joe Cotter, Jenny Joyce, Norma Piper, John Freese, Am Griswold, Eileen Belanger, Reeva Wortel, Emily Hyde, Sarah Harbin, Suzanne Dinsdale, Sarah Griswold, and Nolene Triska.

To help support or get involved, write or call:

ArtBack

PO Box 182, Eagle Creek OR 97022

(503) 637-3381

Below are photos of the murals. Click HERE to view a map of their locations.

#14: 2008 - "Tales of the Trail"

#13: 2007 - "Bird Party"

(This mural was located on the side of the Y&E Market until it burned down (see photo below). The mural was saved by the Estacada Firefighters. It is now in it's new location - Wade Creek Park.

The mural is inspired by the Geese on the library grounds daintly stepping along, looking as if they were going to a party. Great Blue Herons and Ducks join the Geese on a checkerboard dance floor.

Posters of a photo similar to this are available at The Spiral Gallery for $5.00

#12: 2006 - "Happy Trails"

The mural depicts a summer's day along the many trails and campgrounds dotted along the Clackamas River.

#11: 2005 - "The Heart of the Clackamas"

The mural celebrates the 100th anniversary of Estacada, incorporated in 1905. It is a colorful and sweeping overview of the beautiful Clackamas River Valley.

#9: 2003 - "All the World's A Stage"

This mural postrays actual Estacadans who are involved in the arts. We have painters, potters, sculptors, re-enactors, dancers, singers, actors, musicians, papermakers, playwrights, authors, poets & jugglers; encouraged and supported by an active arts commission.

#8: 2002 - "Tree of Life"

The Tree of Life represents the interdependence of all life on the planet. We all need each other.

#7: 2001 - "The Longhouse Mural"

The rich traditions of the Northwest Native People are pictured in this mural.

#10: 2004 - "The Quilt Club"

This delightfully colorful Quilt Club mural is a visual snapshot of the history of the Skip-A-Week Quilters.

#6: 2000 - "Kinzy Faire"

This garden would be a well-kept secret if it hadn't been featured in Fine Gardening magazine.

#5: 1999 - "The Ginseng Story"

Ginseng was such an important plant for the local economy before World War I. This mural is in honor of our history and the huge Chinese ethnic strand to the development of the West.

#4: 1998 - "Celebration '98"

This mural potrays a sense of joy and happiness. The richness of spring in northwest Oregon is depicted with ferns, bleeding hearts, trilliums and violets, plants native to the area. The people are dancing through the foliage. They are celebrating life.

1997 - "A Day on the Clackamas"

This mural was located at 140 S.W. Frontage, but deterioriated and was replaced in 2005 by "The Heart of the Clackamas".

#3: 1996 - "The Cycle of Wood"

The growth of the town of Estacada has a strong relationship with the timber industry. This mural illustrates the many products obtained from wood which together with logging, milling, slash burning and tree planting, complete the cycle of wood.

#2: 1995 - "Early Trains of Estacada"

The history of Estacada can't be told without remembering the trains that brought the workers and equipment to build the Three Lynx Power Station in 1905. The trolley brought people out to Cazadero Station to spend the day in the country.

#1: 1994 - "Fishing the Clackamas"

The pristine beauty of the Clackamas River is the pride and joy of Estacada. It is home to Spring Chinook and Coho Salmon, Steelhead and Rainbow Trout. Come on out and try your luck.