An anonymous donation was recently made to the Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene in conjunction with Cinema by Niko Smart, Love for Lane County and the McKenzie CDC to commission a sculpture by artist Jud Turner to honor the resilience of the McKenzie Valley community in face of the devastation caused by the Holiday Farm Fire.
This extraordinary piece will be created entirely from metal pieces donated by our community members. Some of these materials have already been donated, but we are looking for more. If you are interested in potentially taking part, please contact Community Organizer Jamee Savidge on 541-650-4259 (Savidge Salvage on Facebook) and she can arrange either an appointment to meet you, or for permission to visit your property with the sculptor Jud Turner and the documentary artist who made the hauntingly beautiful Ashes to Beauty video, Niko Smart.
We understand this is going to be sensitive and emotional for many people, so if you have any questions about the process do reach out to Jamee. She will personally make sure that if you want to participate, your properties and the story the items will tell will be treated with the utmost respect and care.
Community members are also invited to make suggestions on the theme of the piece by leaving a comment on the McKenzie CDC Facebook page or by contacting Jamee directly.