I was delighted and dismayed to read Bob Keefer’s news article “Yesterday’s Art” (Jan. 5) about the unknown fate of EWEB’s “Power,” “Heat” and “Light” frieze on the Leaburg Powerhouse.
Delighted that he describes the history and value of the powerhouse art while shining a spotlight on EWEB’s current managers’ lack of plans for what, if anything, to do with the frieze when the dam comes down. Luckily, there is time to plan.
Dismayed to read what sounded like a prosaic explanation of EWEB’s mission in CEO Frank Lawson’s Nov. 30 report to the board. Also dismayed to read EWEB spokesman Aaron Orlowski’s half-hearted “we want to do what we can to preserve them.”
I was EWEB’s in-house graphic designer from 1991 to 2005. I loved incorporating images of both the older frieze and the aquatic bas relief on the facade of the headquarters building in many of my projects. Then, EWEB’s history and art collection was something management, staff and the community valued.
By publishing your article, I’m hoping present EWEB employees will encourage an imaginative solution to saving the frieze. I am also hoping it will encourage the community to do the same.
Julie Schaum
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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