The Creative Coast
There’s something about the fresh salty air that calls on one’s inner artist. Or maybe it’s the sweeping vistas, the breathtaking landscapes, and the magic that nature manifests all around us as flora and fauna that motivates us to create a little beauty of our own. Whatever the source, the Oregon Coast has long been a place of inspiration for artists and makers. For generations, creatives have retreated to the coast to muse, reflect and craft their visions into works of art.
The results of coastal artists’ efforts appear in art galleries and shops, naturally, but also as murals, sculptures, mosaics up and down the coast, on display for all to see. It’s these open-air works of art that the Oregon Coast Public Art Trail celebrates—creations made for the greater good, placed on public display, free and accessible to all year-round, day and night. After all, the Oregon Coast is The People’s Coast, with our legacy and our claim to fame our free, open and accessible public beaches. The Oregon Coast Public Art Trail inventory and map help us all celebrate art that holds this same spirit—beauty by the people, for the people.
Art Trail Map
Explore the icons above to read a description and see a photo of over 800 exhibits on the Trail. Expand the map to get more tools in one screen.
Art For All
None of the art you’ll find on the Public Art Trail is behind closed doors, nor is it only available at certain times of the day or the year, nor is it accessed by way of any admission fees. Each of the more than 800 pieces on the trail, which visitors can find via the interactive map, is free and accessible to the public at all times.
The goal of this project is to help residents and visitors connect with artists, gain a deeper sense of place, and contribute in a meaningful way to artists’ livelihoods.
Use the Public Art Trail map to take a self-guided tour of art along the entire coast, or to home in on the area you happen to be at the moment to find a gem or two. Learn about public art pieces as you pass them by or seek some standouts purposefully as you travel. Galleries and art shops are on this map too, so that visitors can support the regional artists of the coast by taking home a piece of art for themselves. The map also traces the Oregon Coast Trail, so hikers can locate pieces of art that might be near as they complete a segment trek or full coastal hike.
“The goal of this project is to help residents and visitors connect with artists, gain a deeper sense of place, and contribute in a meaningful way to artists’ livelihoods,” said OCVA Director Marcus Hinz. “The public art trail is a perfect call to action for visitors venturing to the coast any time of year, including during the off-peak season.”
This regional effort complements the hard work of many coastal cities, including Port Orford, Florence, Bandon, Seaside and Cannon Beach, which offer their own self-guided public art tours.
Photo Gallery
Oregon Coast Regional Arts Trails and Tours
Other Art Trails
New Art Piece Submissions
Have an art piece to add to the Oregon Coast Public Art Trail? Submit your project here.
Questions
Questions about the Art Trail? Send us a message.
Featured Activities
North Coast
Bay City Arts Center
There’s always something going on at the Bay City Arts Center, from stone carving, yoga, watercolor paint classes or giant pancake breakfasts, this Arts Center brings the community together in fun and engaging ways while tantalizing your creative side. Sometimes...
5680 A StreetBay City, OR
(503)377-9620
Email us (baycityartscenter[at]gmail[dot]com)
North Coast
Cannon Beach Arts Association
CBAA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Cannon Beach that supports artists and the arts in the north coast region through exhibits, events, and education. Part of their vision is a community where people are supported to create, learn about,...
1064 S. Hemlock StreetCannon Beach, OR
503-436-0744
Email us (cannonbeacharts[at]gmail[dot]com)
South Coast
Hawthorne Gallery
You’ll find paintings, sculptures, jewelry in wood, metal, glass and ceramics at Hawthorne Gallery. The gallery features iron work, bronze/granite, Raku, cast glass, wood figures and members of the Hawthorne family, painting and steel, blown and cast glass, jewelry, ceramic...
267 W. Sixth St.Port Orford, OR
541-366-2266
Email us (chris[at]chrishawthorne[dot]com)
Central Coast
Lincoln City Glass Center
Lincoln City Glass Center offers glass blowing classes and demonstrations. Visitors can purchase glass pieces from the gallery at the studio and at Volta gallery located across the street.
4821 SW Hwy 101Lincoln City, OR
(541)996-2569
Email us (voltagallery[at]gmail[dot]com)
South Coast
Second Street Art Gallery
Today the gallery represents the art of artists and art companies primarily in the Pacific Northwest. Over the years we have added work from other parts of the country, as well as Canada, Africa, South America, Germany and Italy. We...
210 2nd Street SEBandon, OR
541-347-4133
Email us (secondstreetgallerybandon[at]gmail[dot]com)