To commemorate the Historic Alsea Bay Bridge which was designed by Conde McCullough in the 1930's and was replaced by a new bridge in 1992, the Oregon Arts Commission selected Susan Springer Werschkul to create a tile mural on the exterior of the Interpretive Center in Waldport. In addition to a handmade tile wall measuring 55 feet in length and 10 feet in height, the community of Waldport became involved with the project by contributing tiles to honor relatives, ancestors and friends. (information provided by artist, 2007), Sue Werschkul; Illahe Tileworks; Alsea Bay Bridge; Tile Mural - waldport completed 8/93, Tile artist and owner of Illahe Tileworks in Ashland, Oregon, artist Susan E. Springer ( Susan Werschkul at time of award) designs and produces a wide variety of decorative handmade tile as well as custom murals and art tile works. Prior to graduate study toward an MFA at the University of Oregon, she worked extensively in ceramic sculpture and pottery. Living and working in Ashland, Oregon in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains, there is abundant inspiration in the landscape and wildlife found in the forests and gardens of the area. <br>Always striving to keep a balance between one of a kind custom work, murals, public art and the studio production tile line, each aspect of the work contributes to the development of the other. In addition to studio production lines, Ms. Springer has been designing commissions for residential, private and public clients since 1979. She has completed tile installations for the state of Oregon and private corporations. (2007), Illahe Design Studio and Gallery info@illahetile.com 500 A Street Suite 3 Ashland, OR 97520 Phone (541) 488 5072 Fax (541) 488 2741, The Oregon Arts Commission has ten Regional Arts Councils that provide delivery of art services and information. The Council for this location is: Oregon Coast Council for the Arts
