EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) - An inspiring work of art will welcome visitors as well as staff to the new Eugene Police Department Headquarters on Country Club Road. The first of eight commissioned pieces was installed Thursday. Oregon native Ellen Tykeson constructed the massive piece from laser-cut stainless steel.
The artist said the sculpture will welcome those coming into the Eugene Police Department - not only the officers but the community as well - honoring the service of EPD while creating a dignified sanctuary for people who need the services of the department.
"Everyone loves the K9 Unit, so I definitely wanted to put the dog in and the big wings, over arching, are kind of a symbol of protection and inclusion. That's kind of the framework. And then the child with a bear is representative of the Hug-a-Bear program," explained Tykeson.
According to a department press release, Eugene Police are scheduled to move into their new 66,000-square-foot facility late July / mid-August. So far, the building has undergone renovations in order to fully suit police services since it was acquired in June 2012
The City of Eugene requires one percent of the funds on public construction projects to be spent on art.
