City of North Bend release - Under a clear coastal sky, residents, city leaders, and community partners gathered Thursday morning at the North Bend Visitor Information Center for the unveiling of two striking new public art pieces.  The sculptures, carved from Port Orford cedar by Reedsport chainsaw artist Whitney Harder, were donated to the City of North Bend by longtime supporters Alan and Mary Ann Whitney. The artwork depicts a fisherman and a logger—two figures deeply tied to North Bend’s history of fishing and timber.  “This project transforms what was once a patch of grass into a vibrant feature that tells our story,” said Stephanie Wilson, Community Development Manager. “Public art enriches our environment, creates a welcoming place for our community and visitors, and celebrates local talent.”  Community Investment Through Visitor Dollars - The site preparation—including new paving, landscaping, and supporting infrastructure—was completed by the City’s Streets and Parks Department. Importantly, this work was not paid for with local property taxes, but with Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) revenue, which in Oregon is collected from visitors who stay in hotels, motels, RV parks, and short-term rentals within city limits.  By law, TLT funds must be reinvested in projects that promote tourism and enhance visitor experiences. In this case, those visitor dollars ensured that the public art installation not only creates a cultural landmark for residents but also an attractive gateway for travelers discovering downtown North Bend.  From Ferry Road Park to Downtown North Bend - The wood used in the carvings also carries a local story. The Port Orford cedar came from trees felled in Ferry Road Park as part of routine maintenance and public safety management. Rather than see the valuable timber go to waste, Alan Whitney envisioned repurposing it into works of art that would honor the community’s heritage.  “North Bend is built on fishing and logging—those are iconic to this area,” Whitney explained. “We wanted to create something lasting that honors that heritage.”  Art, Wayfinding, and Storytelling - The carvings sit adjacent to the downtown Wayfinder sign, which features a QR code directing visitors to a landing page with artist and donor information. This addition strengthens North Bend’s wayfinding system, helping visitors navigate downtown while connecting them to the city’s culture and history.  Artist Whitney Harder, who began carving in 2014 and now works independently from her studio in Reedsport, expressed gratitude for the collaboration. “This was the culmination of so many people’s efforts—from the Whitney family’s vision to the city crews who prepared the site. It’s an honor to have my work reflect North Bend’s story.”  The unveiling marks another milestone in the city’s revitalization of the Visitor Information Center campus, which now serves as both a gateway for travelers and a gathering space for locals.  “This was truly a community effort,” Wilson added. “And it’s just the beginning of what we envision for this space.”  The sculptures are permanently on display at the North Bend Visitor Information Center, 745 California Avenue. Visitors are encouraged to stop by, take in the artwork, and explore more about North Bend’s past and present through the Wayfinder program.