Mural restoration continues in Silverton as city shapes arts rules

Tonya Smithburg works on the restoration of a mural in downtown Silverton, Oregon. The mural, originally painted by Lori L. Rodrigues, requires extensive surface preparation after years of weather exposure.

SILVERTON, Ore. — Local muralist Tonya Smithburg is restoring a weathered historic mural in downtown Silverton, carefully preparing the surface so new paint will adhere through Oregon’s seasons, with the work expected to finish by the end of the month. Smithburg, who balances the project with a regular job and works primarily on weekends, said extensive preparation has taken most of her time so far. 

The painting itself should go relatively quickly once the surface is ready.“I’ve been really spending a lot of time on the prep work because I just really wanted it to stick,” she said. “Underneath of it is like the old paint or primer. I scrubbed it really good, but there’s still a few spots. Like if you grab it, the pink comes off.”

Favorable weather has helped the outdoor effort. Smithburg is not currently working on other mural projects. The mural was originally painted by Lori L. Rodrigues, formerly known as Lori Webb, a longtime Silverton artist who has created more than 20 murals across Oregon, including several in Silverton that depict local history and figures such as Bobbie the Wonder Dog.

Lori L. Rodrigues touches up details on the Bobbie the Wonder Dog mural in Silverton, Oregon. The mural, which she originally painted, depicts the famous Scotch collie that traveled more than 2,500 miles to return home in the 1920s.

Rodrigues is currently working on a project related to the Bobbie mural. Smithburg has been involved with Silverton’s murals since 2009, when Rodrigues introduced her to the Silverton Mural Society. 

She has spent summers assessing weather damage and restoring works, and she painted original pieces including the Harvey Mikkelsen Steam-up mural on the Elks Lodge in 2013 and the Fischer Flour Mill mural installed at Silver Falls Library in 2023.

 She also recreated the Four Freedoms murals after the original building was demolished. The Silverton Mural Society, established in 1992 and inspired by the mural program in Chemainus, British Columbia, has supported the installation and ongoing care of more than 30 murals focused on local history, people and landmarks.

 The organization estimates annual maintenance costs of about $10,000 to $14,000. The murals, painted primarily with oil-based paints and coated for ultraviolet protection, have become a tourist draw for the community of roughly 10,000 people near Silver Falls State Park and the Oregon Garden. 

Meanwhile, the City of Silverton is developing a formal public arts policy. In January 2026, the City Council established the Public Art Policy and Program Creation Task Force to guide and expand public art opportunities. City officials have indicated they want artists to pause new mural projects until a clearer process is in place. 

During a March 4, 2026, City Council meeting, the current president of the Silverton Mural Society addressed the council and objected to a proposed prohibition on new murals in the draft sign code. New murals are the engine that drives mural funding and muralist excitement and keeps mural society humming along. Turning off new murals is like draining the fuel out of a tank in a car and seeing how long it can run,” he said. “We understand the city wants a policy to regulate art in the city. 

This was made clear by the city in February. But what is the issue? It seems to be a moving target. First it was content, and now it’s about control.”He clarified that the society does not originate mural ideas — residents and community members do — and that the nonprofit is open to the public. He questioned the timing of any ban ahead of a completed arts policy, noting the society has operated for more than 34 years and that the murals drive tourism, local business and community spirit. 

He asked the council to hold off on prohibiting new murals until the policy is in place and sought confirmation that work could continue on the Fallen Heroes mural. A March 18, 2026, city update stated that the task force aims to ensure public art—whether through the Mural Society or other projects—is community-driven, transparent and accessible. 

City staff continue discussions with the Mural Society and remain committed to keeping public art a priority. Officials are also updating the city’s sign code separately to address constitutional and legal considerations. Silverton’s murals, which include depictions of Homer Davenport, astronaut Don Pettit, the Old Oak Tree and Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms series, have been credited with encouraging visitors to walk downtown and supporting local businesses. 

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