Photo Essay: Heart of the City

Over the years, I have watched the City of Bend grow from a hidden oasis, to a bustling community, full of life and beauty. Since I have grown up here, I often forget how lucky I am to live in a place where art and nature is readily accessible. Even with how much art is obvious in Bend, there is even more that is often overlooked. All it takes is a couple of minutes to sit and bask in the beauty to realize that we are practically overrun by art! Whether we realize it or not, art has been integrated into nearly every aspect of our lives. From our morning walks in the park to the building that we live in, it is undeniable: art truly is the heart and soul of our city.

People come from all over the world to experience both the natural and man-made artistry of Bend. You can look to the paintings and murals that plaster buildings, to the music that rings from the street corners or the breathtaking landscapes. You can even look at the way a community rallies around its members in times of need. But either way, it is inescapable; art is all around us. The purpose of art is make you feel something and invoke thought into the minds of its viewers. Art is often open to interpretation. This unique characteristic allows it to impact its viewers in ways that nothing else can. No matter the form it takes, as long as it leaves your mind wandering it has achieved its goal.