Mural Creative Team
The team that brought the Kalapuya Wetlands mural to life
L to R: Standing: Lisa Arkin, Nancy Bray and Jennifer Eisele; Seated: Susan Applegate and Esther Stutzman
Our creative team consisted of muralist Susan Applegate and Kalapuya tribal elder Esther Stutzman. They both live in Yoncalla, where the Applegate pioneer family and the Yoncalla Komemma Band of the Kalapuya have had a long and friendly relationship dating back to the 1850s. Esther Stutzman received the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Governor’s Art Award for her work in Oregon as a traditional Kalapuya/Coos storyteller.
Local artist Esteban Camacho Stevenson who previously designed and painted the “Music and Social Justice Mural” on the west side of the Coleman Center assisted Susan Applegate with painting the mural and we are excited he joined the team to complete this project.
Nancy Bray is on the Board of Friendly Area Neighbors and has worked collaboratively throughout all phases of this project. As a member of the FAN Equity Action Team, she brought her experience from coordinating three existing murals at the Dr. Edwin Coleman Jr. Community Center which houses the Boys & Girls Club of Emerald Valley. Nancy helps organize work parties to preserve and enhance the Westmoreland Wetlands in partnership with the City of Eugene Parks & Open Space.
The Mural Team
Susan Applegate, Mural Designer, Artist and Painter
Esther Stutzman, Kalapuya Descendent and Project Consultant
Esteban Camacho Steffensen, Muralist
Pam Wooddell, Painter
Nancy Bray, Friendly Area Neighbors Equity Action Team Chairperson
Jennifer Eisele, Beyond Toxics Pesticides Project Manager
Lisa Arkin, Beyond Toxics Former Executive Director
Gabrielle Bird, Wetlands Plants Artist
Susan Applegate, Mural Artist, spoke at the July 9th honoring ceremony. Photo by Emily Matlock.