What's Happening?
Laika, the Portland-based animation studio, has launched a public art installation titled 'Wildwood: Follow the Crows' across the city. This project features 30 five-foot-tall painted crow sculptures, each decorated by a local artist. The initiative is a collaboration
between Laika, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Wild in Art, Portland Metro Chamber, and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. The art installation serves as a fundraiser for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and promotes Laika's upcoming stop-motion movie, 'Wildwood,' which is set to release on October 23. The movie is based on the book by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis, telling the story of a girl named Prue who journeys into an 'untamed wilderness' to rescue her baby brother, abducted by crows. The crow sculptures will be on display until November 1 and will be auctioned off on November 15. A gamified app is also available for tracking the crow sightings.
Why It's Important?
This art installation holds significance for Portland's cultural landscape and community engagement. It provides a unique opportunity for local artists to showcase their talent and contribute to a city-wide public art project. The collaboration with OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital highlights a commitment to community welfare, using art as a vehicle for fundraising for a vital healthcare institution. The project also serves as a creative marketing strategy for Laika's new film, generating public interest and excitement leading up to its release. By integrating a gamified app, the initiative encourages active participation from residents and visitors, fostering a sense of exploration and connection with the city's artistic and natural elements. This blend of art, philanthropy, and entertainment strengthens community bonds and supports local artistic endeavors.
What's Next?
The 'Wildwood: Follow the Crows' art installation will remain on display throughout Portland until November 1. Following this period, the 30 unique crow sculptures will be auctioned off on November 15, with proceeds benefiting OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The public can continue to engage with the project by tracking the crows using a dedicated app or paper map. The highly anticipated stop-motion movie 'Wildwood,' which inspired the art installation, is scheduled to hit theaters on October 23. The success of this fundraising and promotional effort will likely be evaluated based on the auction results and the public's reception of the film. Future collaborations between Laika and local organizations for similar community-focused art projects may also be considered.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond its immediate goals of fundraising and film promotion, this project underscores the power of public art to transform urban spaces and foster civic pride. The involvement of 30 diverse local artists, ranging from footwear designers to botanists, reflects the rich creative talent within Portland and provides a platform for emerging and established artists alike. The narrative of the 'Wildwood' story, which features an 'untamed wilderness' within Forest Park, subtly highlights the importance of preserving natural spaces and engaging with the environment. The project also builds upon previous successful public art initiatives, such as the 'Coraline cats,' demonstrating a growing trend of integrating art installations with community causes and cultural events. This approach not only beautifies the city but also creates shared experiences and strengthens the collective identity of Portland residents.
