NEIGHBORHOOD ART

There’s so much to discover in the ‘hood… including art! The sense of discovery through art can be rewarding, and we invite you to explore our first two art installations located on and under the new Skyline Ranch Road bridge.

Discovery Park Labyrinth

The new labyrinth in Discovery Park offers a serene spot for quiet contemplation and connection with nature. The labyrinth is the product of a unique collaboration between two talented designers, Lea Goode-Harris and Marilyn Larson of Creative Labyrinths, in partnership with Bend Park and Recreation District. The project was made possible through funding from the Bend Sustainability Fund and built by Botanical Developments. Together, these organizations have created a space that honors the natural beauty of Bend.

Incorporating local Oregon mossy boulders, the design of the labyrinth is a distinctive “three-circuit pass through with an outer ring,” leading to its central point featuring a large boulder. The labyrinth has two entrances, making it easily accessible for those coming from either the east or west. The design is simple but profound, encouraging a tranquil walk that emphasizes connection with nature and self-reflection.

Mechanical Waves Mosaic Mural

“Mechanical Waves”- a series of mosaic murals in Discovery Corner were crafted by Rochelle Rose-Schueler of Wild Rose Artworks. Rochelle, a Discovery West resident, utilized her science background to design the intricate murals. Take a look around Discovery Corner and you’ll see Deschutes Meander Belt 1 & 2 covering the seat walls, Seeing Sound 1 & 2 lining the planter walls, and Seismic Crush encircling the firepit.  

Taking inspiration from science and nature, Rochelle created beautifully intricate mosaic murals featuring representations of hydraulic waves of the Deschutes River,  seismic waves within the stratification of the Earth and visual representations of audio waves. 

To hear more about Rochelle’s inspiration and process, listen to her audio tour. 

Pinecone Fire Pit Sculpture

At the heart of Discovery Corner, is a welcoming and warm fire pit featuring a stunning sculpture by Oregon artist, Jenny Ellsworth of Fairy Forge.

The sculpture was fabricated using rusted steel plates and is a three-dimensional interpretation of the Discovery West pinecone logo. Standing at over 6 feet, the pinecone’s negative space provides the perfect spots for firepit flames to flicker around it.

You can hear more about the artist’s process by listening to our audio tour.  

Londonderry Sculpture 

In March 2022, a new sculpture by local artist Chris Cole was installed on park land in our neighborhood along the east side of Londonderry Place. The new public art pays homage to Annie Londonderry, the first woman to bicycle around the world in 1894 and 1895. The seven-foot tall, rusted steel, inverted pyramid design includes decorative bicycle cogs, ship window, an illuminated image of Annie and a descriptive plaque in English and Spanish. Curious visitors can get a “peek” into Annie’s life and history through a porthole that Chris likens to the viewfinder toys of his childhood. Learn more about Annie’s incredible adventures and the art she inspired by watching the video below. 

Rochelle Schueler, Artist at Discovery West

Pinecone Mosaics

Artist Rochelle Schueler of Wild Rose Artworks installed eight beautiful tile mosaic pinecones on the brand new Skyline Ranch Rd. bridge, which serves as the main entry into the neighborhood. This beautiful and lasting representation of our logo will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come each time they travel across the bridge. Rochelle is working on art for the future Discovery Corner as well. Take a look at the video below to tour her home studio and learn more about this talented artist. 

Women of Discovery Mural

Local artist Douglas Robertson installed an impressive mural honoring our Women of Discovery on the retaining walls under the Skyline Ranch Road bridge. Doug’s unique use of intricately cut stencils, spray paint technique and playful color palette, will make this piece a gem to discover in the neighborhood for years to come. And lucky trail users may even learn a thing or two about some amazing women who have made history.