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There are hundreds of different things that make each and every community unique. From the people that live in it, the things that people do in the community, and every other little thing that goes on in a community. One thing in each community that cannot be replicated is the art that exists in the community. Public art is a mainstay in almost every community, and while it can lead to examples of protest and resistance, most public art is widely accepted and a central part of a community’s individuality. For example, in Eugene, art is everywhere. It seems that there is not a city block in Eugene that doesn’t have some form of art being displayed. Whether there is a mural on a wall, a decorated restaurant that makes it stand out, or a park with different examples of local culture, everything in Eugene seems to have it’s own sense of style. The University of Oregon is a very large part of the artistic community that exists within Eugene. The students and staff that study and work at the university all seem to contribute to the culture in their own way, even if they are not trying to. One way that the University and Eugene do this is their overwhelming support for the University’s sports teams, especially the football team. Every other Saturday in the Fall, it seems like all of Eugene becomes a big green and yellow mural. While this isn’t designed to be artistic, it is this kind of coming together and acceptance that really defines the spirit of Eugene itself. I believe it is that same spirit that allows for the Runquist murals to be displayed in the University’s library so prominently. Eugene seems to exemplify Doss’s point that while art can be controversial, people are still, “keenly interested in cultural conversations about creative expression and civic and national identity.” (1). Art can be controversial, but that is just what makes art so impactful and memorable; it is going to generate different feelings and thoughts, some negative, but also great feelings that people can relate to. There is a lot of art around Eugene that might be controversial, but the spirit of Eugene allows for all of that art to exist and be displayed. I also think that the murals are a way of keeping our pasts relevant. We can think of these murals as an example of capturing our history and constantly reminding us of what it took to get where we are today. When I saw the Development of Sciences and saw all of the scientists displayed on it, it took me a minute to think of a good response, but ultimately I realized that capturing all of those people in history is a good way to remind us of the hard work others put in to make society what it is today and in turn reminding us of the hard work we all put in to be in the positions we are today. As Doss said, art can be, a catalyst for civic and national revitalization” (10).  So i thought, why can’t it do the same for us? Ultimately, I think that public art is one of the things that makes Eugene such an uncommon place. In a time period where social acceptance is often under scrutiny, someone can find themselves here and often never have to question a thing like that. The public art is just another example of the individuality of Eugene. Art is going to be controversial, and people here will put in their opinion if they think so, but ultimately most things are widely accepted and people seem to appreciate that acceptance. And while many things make up Eugene’s spirit and individuality, all of the different forms of art and expression in Eugene, as Doss puts it, “plays a central role in shaping and directing community identity.” (11).

Doss, E. (2006, October). Public art controversy: Cultural expression and civic debate. Retrieved from http://www.americansforthearts.org/pdf/networks/pan/doss_controversy.pdf