State Bird

Title: State Bird
LC Subject: Sculpture--Themes, motives Bronze Etching Medallions (Decorative arts) Meadowlarks bronze (metal) medallions (ornament areas) etching (corroding)
Creator: Cunningham, Dennis, 1949-
Description: State Bird (Western Meadowlark) is one in a series of seventeen bronze medallions that depict icons of the state of Oregon. The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) was chosen state bird in 1927 by Oregon's school children in a poll sponsored by the Oregon Audubon Society. Native throughout western North America, the bird has brown plumage with buff and black markings. Its underside is bright yellow with a black crescent on the breast; its outer tail feathers are mainly white and are easily visible when it flies. State Library; #13; Desk; D.L. Cunningham The Oregon Arts Commission has ten Regional Arts Councils that provide delivery of art services and information. The Council for this location is: Mid-Valley Arts. You may view their website at: http://www.oregonlink.com/arts/index.html
Location: Oregon State Library >> Marion County >> Oregon >> United States Marion County >> Oregon >> United States
Street Address: 250 Winter St NE, Salem Oregon
Award Date: 2000
Identifier: 2000_salem_state-library_01_b03
Accession Number: 2000_salem_state-library_01_b03
Rights: In Copyright
Dc Rights Holder: Cunningham, Dennis
Type: Image
Format: image/tiff
Measurements: 16 x 16 x 1.5 inches
Material: Three-quarter inch plywood was attached to the wall as backing board for the bronze medallions, which were held in place during installation with a thin layer of silicone caulking. Countersunk screws hold the frames, which were specially designed and manufactured for this installation, and the medallions in place on the wall. Sculpture etched bronze with wood frame
Set: Oregon Percent for Art
Primary Set: Oregon Percent for Art
Relation: 2000 Salem State Library 2000_salem_state-library
Has Version: slide; color
Institution: Oregon Arts Commission University of Oregon
Note: This series of polished granite panels have been sandblasted with designs representing various people and cultures that have been influential in shaping the state of Oregon. Cunningham's work also includes thirteen medallions located in the north and south corridors on the second floor. The artist's object for this project was to bring together aspects regarding the nature of the library with compelling images and designs that represent the character of the state. Born and raised in Oregon, Dennis Cunninham is a graduate of the Pacific Northwest College of Art, a founding member of the Blackfish Gallery, the oldest artist' cooperative on the west coast, and an instructor at Marylhurst University. (documentation provided by OAC, 2000) second floor lobby
Color Space: RGB
Biographical Information: As an artist, and as an Oregonian, the Library project was a perfect fit for me from beginning to end. The scope of the work, the schedule, and the subject suited me very well. I see it as a milestone group of works in my career, and I am grateful for it. I enjoyed the entire process. I found each experience to be fair, thoughtful, and enormously challenging and satisfying. From the artist's competition through the rededication of the building, everyone I worked with on the project was innovative and effective in helping to make the project a success. I found the artwork to be personally meaningful and a pleasure to create. My hope is that everyone visiting the library will find it's new decorations worthy of the building's purpose.