Each spring local artists in the city of Yachats volunteer to design and paint banners to be hung on the city street lamp poles during the summer months along HWY 101 in Yachats, Oregon.
View the banners below in our online gallery or…
Take a leisurely sidewalk stroll on both sides of Hwy 101 in downtown Yachats between July and September and look up. Banners are hung on the lamp posts.
The canvas banners are approximately 18″ x 48” with a rounded end. The artist’s designs are applied by the artist using acrylic paints. These banners can handle being hung outside in all kinds of weather. The 2024 theme is “Yachats Sings. ” (The theme was given to inspire but is not required.)
This year’s BANNER AUCTION is scheduled for September 21 and will be both ONLINE and IN PERSON.
The 7th Annual
BANNER AUCTION
September 21, 2024
5 pm – 7 pm
Yachats Commons Building
441 Hwy 101 N Yachats, OR
Artist Reception: 5 – 5:45 pm
Live Auction: 5;45 – 6:15 pm
Silent Auction: 5 – 6:45 pm
Remote Auction (via Zoom) 5:15 – 6:45 pm
Includes both live and silent auctions.
For a Zoom invite and technical support contact Meredith Howell.
Preview the 5 banners chosen to be auctioned off in the live auction. The starting bid will be $100 for each.
View all of the 2024 banners below:
Debra Aken
“Song of the Sunset”
Those of us who live in or visit Yachats have most likely witnessed very intense sunsets at some time. My banner design is a highly stylized view of one of those Yachats’ sunsets from the hills above. My idea was to create a radiating design with a series of repeating shapes and colors, to create a visual rhythm, inspired by this year’s theme “Yachats Sings.”
Those of us who live in or visit Yachats have most likely witnessed very intense sunsets at some time. My banner design is a highly stylized view of one of those Yachats’ sunsets from the hills above. My idea was to create a radiating design with a series of repeating shapes and colors, to create a visual rhythm, inspired by this year’s theme “Yachats Sings.”
Bob Barrett
My inspiration to paint a colorful ocean sunset for the "when Yachats Sings" project comes from the breathtaking beauty of a Yachats sunset. That magical time when the sky meets the sea in a symphony of colors. I titled my piece "Heaven and Nature Sings" to reflect the harmonious interplay between the divine and the natural world, capturing a moment of transcendence and serenity. Through this piece, I aim to evoke a sense of awe and connection, reminding us of the profound beauty that surrounds us and the inherent song of creation that echoes in every sunset.
Morgen Brodie
While wood is my primary medium when creating artwork, I enjoy picking up a paint brush and challenging myself for the annual Yachats Banner project.
Catherine Carey
Joyce Centofanti
Jacquee Christnot
"Wí-Olówaŋ" (Sun Song) Uŋčí Makȟá (Grandmother Earth) sings to help Kȟaŋǧí-Tȟáŋka (Raven) raise Wí (Sun). Čhaŋótheȟika (dense forest), wakpá (river), and tȟaté (wind) join the chorus. I interpreted Wí in part as a beaded medicine wheel, a sacred Lakȟóta symbol representing mitákuye oyásʼiŋ, our connection to everything in the universe (literally "every single one is my relative"). Uŋčí Makȟá’s representative color is green, but I dressed her in red to call back Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, the victims of a current epidemic of predatory violence in the United States and Canada. Red is the only color spirits can see, so wearing it invites them to be among us and have their voices heard through family and community, as I’m speaking about them now. I'm Oglála and Sičháŋǧu Lakȟóta, Nations whose ancestral lands include South and North Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana — landlocked. I’ve lived in Yachats, on stolen Älsé land, for 14 years and use my artwork to blend my Great Plains cultural mythology with my current home by the sea.
Lucinda Cross
Diving Seal and Baby.
Maureen Dawson
Loren Dickinson
Yachats has several very talented musical groups and singers. One of the groups that exists but is rarely seen is our local Marine Band. Can an octopus sing? We don’t know for sure but certainly would be accompanied by other marine creatures.
Michael Guerriero
Swimming to the music.
Lee Haynes
Gary Herd
We are so fortunate to live in this beautiful part of our State, or Country for that matter; with the verdant trees, rivers, ocean and the wildlife, including the sounds of the skies. When prompted with "When Yachats Sings", all I could thing of was the majestic sound of our Nation's bird, the Bald Eagle. My banner celebrates the Bald Eagle for its comeback in 2007 when they were no longer on the endangered species list.
Michele Hogan
Yachats sings a unique song of free-flowing jellyfish. These ancient creatures live simply. Because they are translucent their inner and outer integrity is visible. They vibrate in the ocean depths creating their own light that shines a new song into the mystery of mortal time. As they shapeshift and ascend into the currents of change, they bring resilience, joy, and hidden strengths to the Yachats community.
Beth Kattleman
Carly Kay
On one of my many walks along the boardwalk behind The Commons in Yachats, I would often see this blue heron standing so proud in the reeds. As all nature does, he spoke to me and I had to paint him!
Jamie Kish
Victoria Kwasinski
Kathy McCulloch
I chose to paint my Baglehound (Bassethound, Beaglemix) who lives to “sing” to other dogs as they walk by. On the banner he is standing on our deck table keeping watch for any dogs that may be coming down the street.
Cindy Meier
This is my 5th year of have the privilege of doing a banner for Yachats. It is an enjoyment and inspiration each year. My banner this year is a magical one of fairies spreading joy and peace in the world. Especially now with the state of the world as it is, we need all the peace and joy that can be mustered.
Lorie Owens
I'm so very fortunate to live on the central Oregon coast. Coastal birds are a joy to watch, identify and learn about. Although rare in Oregon, the horned puffin (aka "sea parrot") has a home at the Oregon Coast Aquarium Aviary educating visitors about their behaviors, calls, breeding habits and more. They mate for life and return to the same nesting grounds each year. Flying up to 55 mph and diving to depths of 250 feet to catch fish.
Justen Palmer
Amy Parker
I raised my boys in Yachats. I love participating in the Yachats annual banner project. I was so excited for this year's subject: "Yachats sings". I instantly knew what I wanted to do. If you have been here in Yachats you will recognize everyone on my banner as they have been making Yachats hearts sing for years. They are all very special and have brightened my life each in their own ways. I can remember the first time a saw Milo sit down at the piano. I was floored with the music this young man was making. I think he was in 8th grade and he had just the most amazing gift I had ever heard. I love hearing him play to this day. For years every corner I turned in town Ruth was there playing her fiddle. I loved it and my kids loved it. I believe that is why 2 of them have gone on to teach themselves different string instruments. She always makes anyone around her smile with her music. She really makes Yachats sing. Next image is Leon and he really has made Yachats sing through the years, especially the youth of Yachats. The kids growing up in YYFAP really had a great opportunity to showcase their talent at the yearly talent show, which was not only for the youth as all were invited. Leon usually mc’d but always encouraged the kids to help him. He kept the show running smoothly and always had a joke or two to tell. He always let them know if they needed to sing, talk louder, or any idea he had to make their performance better. Leon helped all 3 of my kiddos blossom into socially confidant adults.
Senitila, she is simply amazing and well is always singing. One evening she had a small group of people singing in Yachats at the most unlikely time. She came to my beautiful Mamas celebration of life and although I didn't think it would happen she had all of us singing while she played her ukulele. She was the magic medicine that night for all of us that felt so lost. That is just one specific time, but there have been many times through my years here that she has gotten my boys singing. One son even plays ukulele and sings regularly now. I just love her to pieces! Last but never least is rosy red cheeks, smile so cheerfully, Mr. Carl Miller. Man I miss him and his hugs, smile and his entertainment. I mean he embodies the "Yachats sings” theme. He's made all our hearts sing for so many years and on so many levels whether it's performing on stage, singing at a party or directing his beloved renown umbrella drill team at the La De Da Parade. He was always making the community and travelers hearts sing and left us with so many moments to remember him by and to carry on his passion of bringing a smile to someone every time you see them. These people are show cases through my balanced art pour, representing total energy balance. I hope it brings a smile to your face.
Corina Rose
Janette Square
Living in Yachats, we all get to enjoy the beautiful and sometimes wild wonders of the ocean. Most of us only ever see what goes on above the water. For my banner project this year, I wanted to imagine some of the happenings that go on under the sea. While there are no seahorses living in the ocean here in Oregon, one can still imagine them hanging out amongst the kelp and sea urchins discussing what may be going on above the water or, simply enjoying enjoying each others company.
Peter Stevens
Carol Summers
Ruth Mock, known affectionately as Fiddlin' Ruth, lived in Yachats many years before going to live with her daughter, Melody. Ruth walked every day on the 804 trail talking to locals and tourists and sharing her music wherever she went, including at the Lions Club and the Sunday Market. She played familiar tunes and learned new ones that were requested. She was a generous and rigorous teacher. She often played violin with John Toepher with his dulcimer, to the delight of those who heard their duets.
Every day she sat on a bench overlooking the river and talked with her sister in New York. We miss Fiddlin’ Ruth, her music and her friendship, but we know she makes music and friends wherever she goes.
Every day she sat on a bench overlooking the river and talked with her sister in New York. We miss Fiddlin’ Ruth, her music and her friendship, but we know she makes music and friends wherever she goes.
Jude Toler
Mindy Parsons
Tracie Watson
Doug Yunker
"I'm singing in the rain, Yes, singing in the rain,What a glorious feeling, And I'm happy again, Let the stormy clouds chase, Everyone from the place, Come on with the rain, I have a smile on my face.” Songwriters: Arthur Freed & Nacio Herb Brown.
Lori Stevens
Rather than "Caw, caw," the Romans thought a Corvus said "Cras," which meant "tomorrow." As such, he was a symbol of destiny often linked hope.
Observe Crow today, a Roman descendant, suspicious and baffled about the once living shore pine in my front yard. By extension he is a lone, astute crow inquiring about the dubious future of our natural ecosystems and searching for a morsel of faith.
Observe Crow today, a Roman descendant, suspicious and baffled about the once living shore pine in my front yard. By extension he is a lone, astute crow inquiring about the dubious future of our natural ecosystems and searching for a morsel of faith.
Ms Tree
Life is a collaboration, a mystery of desires to create, to grow. All creation sings from day break start night gazes. Yachats provides the magical settings for contemplation and heart magic. The flow of water, the lushness of the trees and grasses, birds dinging, our hearts singing. The foundation to all of Earth and to Yachats is Love. We depend on the root system of kindness, openness, joy and respect.
When Yachats sings, we heather song,
When Yachats sings, we sing along.
Sunkist, mist-kist, waves of delight, rainbow, tresbows, a beautiful sight.
Lily-Theresa Walla
This year's banner theme of "Yachats Sings" resonated with me as if it were my own heartbeat. I saw this as an opportunity to depict one of the perennial residents of this land, a fascinating animal that preceded us and may well outlast us. Thus, in my banner, you have an elk singing its strength while in its nocturnal habitat. Strictly speaking, the sound of a bugling elk is not exactly melodic to our human ears, but it is majestic nonetheless.
