Katie Smith is the Community Outreach coordinator for the Cedar Mill Business Association, in addition to being Sales Manager of The Ackerly at Timberland. CMBA was looking for a project to replace the hanging flower baskets (since funding had dwindled), when she learned about Tualatin Valley Creates (TVC) and got in touch with Raziah Roushan, Executive Director.

The timing was perfect, since TVC had just begun working with four large-scale sculptors to create vibrant and engaging works in its “Musical Benches Public Art Collection.” Each new piece is considered functional art in that it both captures audiences imagination through contemporary design and aesthetic, and it can literally be sat on and played with.

CMBA helped sponsor Ben Dye’s “Tubus Musica” at THPRD’s Timberland Park. It is a two-sided air-based instrument that is played by tapping paddles (or by cupped hands) which can make up to 12 distinct notes. The artist, THPRD Park Staff and TVC Executive Director were the first to play all the notes in an almost “battle of the bands” -like effort on the day of installation this last October.

Benches have also been installed in Tigard’s new Universal Plaza and in downtown Forest Grove.

This project was funded in part by Washington County in an effort to employ/commission individual artists and to encourage community connections. TVC worked with partners within each district to jury the 33 submissions, identify ideal installation sites, and moving forward, to help monitor the artwork from vandalism and maintenance.

Community members throughout the Pacific Northwest are encouraged to safely enjoy each Musical Bench in accordance with state Coronavirus guidelines. Visit tvcreates.org/musical-benches to see progress photos from each artist’s studio and to learn more.