Mural Coming to Downtown Medford Celebrates Connection

Published on September 29, 2026

Southern Oregon-based artist Anthony Vella has been selected to create a new public mural for downtown Medford.

The mural will be installed at the Bartlett-Middleford parking garage connection at 34 N. Bartlett St. and will feature four 4-by-16-foot panels totaling 256 square feet.

Inspired by the theme “Connection,” the panels will feature a flying meadowlark, leaping salmon, swallowtail butterfly and spotted frog, along with other regional imagery including pears, morel mushrooms and the Table Rocks.

“I wanted to explore our relationship with the Southern Oregon environment and the interconnected systems that sustain it. The four panels bring together regional wildlife, landscape, and community, combining elements of realism and abstraction to create a visual story that reflects the character of our region,” Vella said.

A multidisciplinary artist, Vella has more than 20 years of experience with work ranging from lettering and abstract art to illustration, fine art and gold leafing. He is currently a resident artist at Timeless Treasures Hub, where his work includes murals and creative collaborations, along with developing events and opportunities for emerging artists.

“My goal is to create work that inspires and connects people through art and creative passion, while continually pushing my own boundaries as an artist,” Vella said. 

Vella was selected through a competitive selection process led by the Public Arts Selection Committee earlier this year. Artists and teams from Jackson and Josephine counties were invited to submit proposals for the project.

The mural is expected to be completed in late October, with installation to follow shortly afterward.