Art at the Heart of Goldendale

The Concept

In the fall of 2020, Felicia Gray and Kathy Baldwin, a member of the Chamber Board, embarked on a mission to enhance the economic climate of Goldendale. As they strolled through Main Street, they brainstormed ideas to beautify and enrich the area. This collaborative effort led Kathy Baldwin to present a beautification proposal to the Greater Goldendale Area Chamber of Commerce. Through dynamic discussions, this proposal evolved into an inspiring mural project, set to transform the four corners of Main Street and Columbus.

The Chamber’s Involvement

With the Chamber’s involvement, additional resources became available. Nicole Lundin, the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce at the time, successfully secured financial support from both Klickitat County and the City of Goldendale to fund the proof of concept as an economic development initiative. The concept proved successful, and during a meeting at City Hall, Nicole Lundin encouraged Senator Curtis King to visit Main Street to witness the Chamber’s Phase I efforts in the city’s economic revitalization. Senator King responded positively, asking Nicole to contact his office.

Senator King further encouraged the Chamber to apply for funding from the Washington State Legislature, which was fully awarded. This funding enabled the creation of murals depicting the Greater Goldendale Area in its four seasons at the four corners of Main Street and Columbus.

Phase I - Autumn

Local artists Felicia and Scott Gray, Kathy Baldwin, along with Sandra Choate, played a crucial role in completing the initial phase of the project. Their dedication and artistic vision were instrumental in bringing the community’s vision to life. The initial phase saw the transformation of ideas into tangible outcomes, setting a strong foundation for future developments.

This significant progress was made possible through the generous seed funding provided by the City of Goldendale and the Klickitat County Economic Development Department. Their financial support was crucial in covering the initial costs and ensuring that the project could move forward without any major financial hurdles. The collaboration between local artists and these funding bodies highlights the community’s commitment to fostering local talent and supporting economic growth through creative initiatives.

Phase II - Winter

Thanks to generous donations from community members, fundraising, funding from the Washington State Legislature administered by Washington State Arts Commission, the project was able to make significant progress. Work on Phase II commenced during this period, with a dedicated team ensuring its success.

Designed by Kathy Baldwin, the second phase showcases Goldendale in a winter landscape, highlighting our local observatory.

Phase III - Spring

The third phase of the Four Corners Murals is a vibrant celebration of Goldendale’s natural beauty. This stunning installation features flowers native to the area, accompanied by the delightful presence of bumble bees, butterflies, and birds. The decorative trim seamlessly blends into beautiful mosaics, creating a harmonious and visually captivating experience. This phase not only highlights the rich biodiversity of Goldendale but also brings a touch of nature’s elegance to the heart of the community.

Phase IIII - Summer

The final phase of the Four Corners Murals captures the essence of Goldendale in a picturesque postcard setting. This vibrant installation highlights the area’s rich colors, from the blooming florals to the twinkling stars. It beautifully showcases the diverse fish and wildlife, bringing the natural splendor of Goldendale to life. Each element is thoughtfully displayed, creating a captivating and memorable tribute to the community’s unique charm and natural beauty.