If you were among the millions by Travel Oregon’s whimsical Only Slightly Exaggerated advertising campaign last spring, now is your chance to behold the enchanting illustrations in the real world. Travel Oregon, in partnership with the Oregon Cultural Trust, worked with Oregon-based non-profit Forest for the Trees to create seven hand-painted murals in rural communities around the state, bringing the campaign’s captivating visuals to life along the new Oregon Mural Trail.
“We loved seeing the enthusiastic responses to Only Slightly Exaggerated and believe the new Oregon Mural Trail will inspire visitors and Oregon residents alike to hit the road and experience this compelling artwork,” said Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson. “When people travel to these locations they won’t just snap a photo and head home. Instead, they will be inspired by regional itineraries to try out restaurants, visit a museum, stay in a nearby hotel and experience all the town has to offer. In the end, this will not only create a positive economic impact in the community, but will also give visitors memories—and photos—to cherish.”
The trail was developed to inspire Oregonians and visiting explorers to get outside and explore the natural wonders of each destination, generate a sense of community pride, enhance economic impacts and contribute to local arts and culture initiatives. Murals in The Dalles, Roseburg, Prineville, Oakridge and Ontario are complete. Murals on the Oregon Coast and Tualatin Valley will be installed soon. Communities were selected based upon their successful completion of a Travel Oregon Rural Tourism Studio and the myriad of quality experiences travelers can enjoy in each area. Community mural ribbon-cutting events will be held in Roseburg (Oct. 20) and The Dalles (Oct. 27). To learn more and follow along visit OregonMuralTrail.com or follow the hashtag #OregonisMagic.
“We are excited that our five statewide partners – the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Humanities and the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office – are supporting this innovative project that celebrates the cultural beauty of our state’s communities,” said Brian Rogers, executive director of the Oregon Cultural Trust. “We have always felt a natural kinship with Travel Oregon and look forward to exploring more shared opportunities to promote culture.”
In addition to billboard-size murals, Travel Oregon, in partnership with Wieden + Kennedy, will release all-new Only Slightly Exaggerated artwork emphasizing the magic of fall and wintertime adventures in Oregon with seven limited-edition posters. The posters will be released weekly and feature illustrations that will inspire travelers to explore the state in the fall and winter months—from strolling through the vibrant fall foliage in Ashland’s Lithia Park, to hitting the alpine slopes in Eastern Oregon, to exploring historic lighthouses on the Oregon Coast, and more. Fresh winter content will be rolled out on TravelOregon.com showcasing each region and all the fall and winter adventures to experience.
You can capture a bit of Oregon’s magic by collecting the travel posters at one of the official State Welcome Centers and other locations around the state, while supplies last. Consumers are encouraged to follow along on TravelOregon.com, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to find out when and where to collect the posters.
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