Pendleton Arts Commission
The Pendleton Arts Commission (Ordinance No. 3872, most recently amended with Ordinance 4038) consists of seven members who are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The desired and historical composition of the Commission consists of a representative of each of the following segments of the local community: local arts, downtown, historical and business communities, and a reflection of interests and diversity of the community at large. The Arts Commission is charged with providing recommendations to the City Council for local policy, strategic planning, and advice as to the appropriateness of local art considerations. Members of the Arts Commission serve three-year terms.
Looking for the Pendleton Art Map? Click the button on the left for "Pendleton Arts Installation Map."
Looking for Art in City Hall? Scroll down.
The City of Pendleton is accepting applications from community members interested in serving on the Pendleton Arts Commission (PAC). The Arts Commission is charged with providing recommendations to the City Council for local policy, strategic planning, and the purchase, placement, and maintenance of City owned art in public places. Commission members identify spaces that can be enhanced by creative placemaking, facilitate calls for proposals, and oversee projects to their completion.
One of the most recent PAC projects is the Beacon of the Sentinels military tribute, located across from Sorbenots Coffee. Artist Michael Clapper was selected from a national pool of applicants to create public art to honor those who have served our country. The piece is slated for additional updates summer and fall of 2026.
Community members who represent the downtown district or the history or business segments of the community are encouraged to apply. Applications are available online at www.pendletonor.gov/bc or at the Administration office at City Hall. The first round of applications will be reviewed at the Arts Commission’s July 28th meeting.
The Pendleton Arts Commission is launching a new program, Art in City Hall, to showcase artwork by artists who live and work in Pendleton. The program will feature original, two-dimensional artwork displayed in the second-floor hallway of City Hall, beautifying the space and providing local artists with an opportunity to exhibit their work in a public space.
The Pendleton Arts Commission plans to host four Art in City Hall shows each year: January-March, April-June, July-September and October-December, and submissions are now being accepted for the inaugural show that will run Oct. 6 through Dec. 23, 2026.
The first show will not have a specific theme and will instead highlight the diverse talents of local artists working in any two-dimensional medium. Artists are encouraged to view the display rail system (shown empty at the right) at City Hall before submitting artwork and may submit images of up to three pieces of consideration. Entries will be reviewed and selected by the Art in City Hall subcommittee of the Pendleton Arts Commission, and the deadline for submissions is Aug. 7.
Stephanie Huffman, chair of the Pendleton Arts Commission, said she is excited about the project.
"The Art in City Hall program creates a dedicated space to showcase local artists and gives visitors another reason to engage with the work being created in our community," Huffman said.
In addition to group exhibitions, future Art in City Hall shows may feature solo exhibitions by local artists. Before each exhibition, the City will publish a call for artists, application materials, submission guidelines, and an exhibition and loan agreement on the City's website.
More information is available on the Arts Commission page of the City of Pendleton website at www.pendletonor.gov/bc-ac .
Artwork will be displayed for exhibition purposes only and will not be available for purchase at City Hall. Individuals interested in purchasing artwork should contact the artist directly after the exhibition concludes. Artist contact information will be available through the Community Development Department.