Marble Reliefs by Frederic Littman may Finally Reappear after years in Storage

Back in 2017 when the Belluschi Bank was demolished (and Belluschi Crater left, since there were no immediate plans for redevelopment), the wrecking team did salvage the reliefs of Frederic Littman and save them for future reinstallation.

Hop Harvest on the now-demolished Belluschi Bank,
relief by Frederic Littman (2013)

The reliefs formerly along Liberty Street (2013)

After languishing in storage for several years, there is new talk they might reappear!

On Wednesday the 14th the Public Art Commission meets, and in last month's minutes was discussion of them:

Kathy De Rosa from Deacon Development discussed the preservation and potential relocation of eight marble reliefs created by Frederick Littman. These reliefs represent different Oregon industries and were originally part of a bank building that was demolished in 2016. Deacon Development is in the design phase for new projects on High Street and Liberty Street in downtown Salem and is considering how to incorporate these reliefs into the new buildings. The reliefs, each measuring 6x5 feet and six inches thick, were carved by Frederick Littman, an influential artist and instructor at both the Portland Art Museum and Portland State University. Deacon Development has not yet closed on the property but will own the reliefs once the purchase is finalized. Commissioners expressed interest in the reliefs being integrated into Salem’s public spaces, noting their historical and artistic significance. Suggestions included incorporating them into the design of the new buildings or finding prominent public locations where they could be displayed together. There was a consensus on the importance of keeping the reliefs in Salem to preserve local history and culture. Kathy De Rosa will follow up with the city's archaeologist and the Public Arts Commission regarding potential locations and plans for the reliefs. [OE link added]

The developer at that time had not closed on the crater and former bank site, and the conversation is very preliminary and tentative. But at least it is starting!

In the packet for this month is also a memo proposing a well at the northeast corner of the intersection of Patterson and Second in West Salem for a sculpture installation.

This seems to exemplify the approach of ornamenting a slack and empty sidwalk space rather than boosting an already lively space. We should put art where we know people will see it, not where we hope people might see it!

About both, the reliefs and the sculpture well, there will certainly be more to say as plans mature.

The Public Art Commission meets on Tuesday the 14th at 3:30pm.