Arts & Culture

Overview

The Downtown Arts Quarter was established in the Spring of 2018 to enhance Ridgefield's core by providing opportunities for visible public art and unique development design features that reflect the character of the city and build a sense of community.

Special provisions for the Downtown Arts Quarter may be found in the City of Ridgefield Municipal Code, Chapters: 18.235.025.

Artwork in the Arts Quarter

Art Panels

Art Panels Banner

The Native American art panels near the back of the stage were designed by local artist Adam McIsaac and manufactured at Fouch Electric by Danny Knutson. The glass faces were also designed by Adam and made at Elements of Glass by its owner, Ian Gilula. Native Americans living in the area believed that humans, animals, and the environment are connected and not separate entities, and with the addition of the glass faces the representation of this relationship is complete. Its purpose is to connect the community with the refuge and serve as a welcome center for visitors to our community.

The life-size grizzly bear and leaping salmon bronze sculpture near the end of the pathway were cast in 100% bronze. The one-of-a-kind piece was donated by local artist Dan “Ratso” Ratermann in 2015.

Life-Size Grizzly Bear Sculpture

Wings of the World Sculpture

The Wings of the World sculpture was created by Artist Sharon Agnor to commemorate the lives and efforts of five significant people who had the vision for and helped create Overlook Park: Allene Wodeage, Jim Maul, Sydney Reisbeck, Amy Montoya, and David Dines. The sculpture stands 15 feet tall and is made of stainless steel and glass. Glass panels shaped like bird wings depict scenes that represent different parts of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Underneath the panels steel feathers and trios of swifts extend 3 and 4 feet from the pole, are kinetic, and turn when the wind blows. The sculpture reminds us of what the efforts of just a few people can do to change a community and have an impact on an entire region.

















Outdoor Murals

The Downtown Arts Quarter is home to several murals. Murals on the side of the Ridgefield School District Maintenance building depict local history, a mural on the side of End of the Road Cafe shows depicts the importance of Pioneer Street, a flowery mural on the side of Ridgefield Hardware shows favorite four-legged friends at the store, and the Historic Downtown District logo can be found on the side of the Sportsman's.

End of the Road Cafe mural

Veterans Memorial

Veterans Memorial

The Veteran's Memorial features 5 monoliths, dedicated to each of the 5 branches of service, with lists of Ridgefield Veterans from various wars. It was built solely by volunteers with support from the American Legion and is located directly adjacent to the Community and Skate Park, on 3rd Avenue

Arts and Culture in Ridgefield

Ridgefield Art Association

Ridgefield Art Association is a non-profit community arts group. The association philosophy encourages self-expression through the visual arts and fully supports all the arts including performance, literature, media, dance, music, graphic design, language arts, film/video, and theater. The group facilitates art exhibits, art sales, classes, lectures, performances, and other events including an annual spring art exhibit with shows generally held the first weekend in May. The Ridgefield Art Association also strives to inspire the hearts and minds of our talented youth through an annual art grant/scholarship.

Clark County Arts Commission

The purpose of the Clark County Arts Commission is to support and promote the arts in Clark County. They search to spread awareness and accessibility and provide collaboration with fellow artists, service groups, and cultural organizations. You can also contact the City of Ridgefield representative Barbara Wright.

Performances at Old Liberty Theater

Located in downtown Ridgefield, the Old Liberty Theater is a performing arts venue dedicated to providing top-quality live performances as well as a facility to enable the live arts. Established in 1946, The Old Liberty Theater was reclaimed by the Griswold family in 2001 and renovated as a performing arts space. During the course of her reopening as a theater, the OLT has housed musicians from around the globe with worldwide recognition as well as providing a space for rising artists to emerge. Visit their website for upcoming shows and events.

Youth Arts Month

Ridgefield Youth Arts Month represents a partnership between Ridgefield School District and the Ridgefield community encouraging young people to take part in artistic endeavors including literary, visual, musical, and performing arts. Youth Arts Month happens throughout the month of March with events taking place at all four district schools as well as at community businesses and organizations. Visit the website for a complete calendar of events.

Opus School of Music

Opus School of Music offers private and group lessons for all ages and often plays for City and business events around the region. Opus teaches piano, guitar, voice, violin, drum lessons, and several other instruments.

Ridgefield Community Library

The Ridgefield Community Library is constantly holding fun and exciting artistic and cultural events for all ages including storytimes, stitchery circles, and much more.