Public Art at the Y
The Eugene Family YMCA believes that public art is a vital part of community spaces and highlights the talents of local creators who are deeply connected with our Y community. The artwork shown throughout the Y fosters connection, pays homage to the Pacific Northwest, and enhances the vibrant atmosphere for all who visit.
Ila Rose
Ila Rose, artist and Eugene local has many memories of her times at the Y. Her mural depicting Sasquatch located between the North Studio and Movement Studio is a nod 
to the mysterious and mythic figure who has become an icon and symbol of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She has added a twist of bright, popping colors to honor diversity and to bring playfulness to a character who is usually depicted in the shadows. In Ila's representation, the infamous Bigfoot has come along to join us in journeying toward better versions of ourselves, and the bigger brighter future we can create together.
Learn More About Ila Rose
Inspiration at the Y: Ila Rose's Sasquatch Mural in the Health & Wellness Center.
Ila Rose and Noel Sherwood
Ila Rose teamed up with Noel Sherwood, a proud Kalapuya descendant and member of the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde to pay homage to Indigenous heritage and ongoing traditions. Located in the Kalapuya Community Room,
the mural features dancers, drummers and symbols significant to Indigenous culture. The mural celebrates the living heritage of Indigenous peoples, acknowledging their continued presence and the endurance of sacred traditions.
Learn More About Ila Rose and Noel Sherwood
Inspiration at the Y: Ila Rose and Noel Sherwood's mural in the Kalapuya Community Room.
Esteban Camacho Steffensen
Created by Esteban Camacho Steffensen, the mural located in the Aquatics Center is an immersive work of art that offers swimmers a chance to submerse themselves in images of marine life and the ancient rhythms of the ocean, where life began. The life-sized
swimming whales, fish, sea turtles and other symbolic marine species invite pool users to swim with them. They are here to inspire us to be good stewards of both our own bodies and the natural world—our home. Esteban painted his first mural at the YMCA's former location at 2055 Patterson St. when he was a student at South Eugene High School.
Learn More About Esteban Camacho
Inspiration at the Y: Esteban Camacho Steffensen's mural in the Aquatics Center.
Chelsea Lovejoy
The mural located in the PeaceHealth Wellness Center was created by local artist Chelsea Lovejoy. Chelsea has been an artist and illustrator in Eugene for over a decade. Her mural depicts a whimsical Pacific Northwest scene inspired by the joy of light and texture,
and the grounding tenderness of nature. In 2021, Chelsea learned to swim at the 2055 Patterson St. YMCA pool at the age of 31. Since then, she has joined a swim team and become a competitive swimmer!
Learn more about Chelsea Lovejoy
Inspiration at the Y: Chelsea Lovejoy's mural in the PeaceHealth Wellness Center.
Liza Mana Burns
Known for her whimsical designs, Eugene-native Liza Mana Burns is an illustrator and muralist with a background in graphic design. You might recognize her vibrant illustrations on the new Oregon Cultural Trust license plate. Her mural for the Y, located in the
lobby, draws inspiration from beautiful Lane County, stretching from the Cascades to the coast. Liza’s work rewards discovery; she uses details and minutiae within larger and more colorful pieces to create layers of meaning and story. Part homage to our home and part scavenger hunt, Liza’s map highlights the specialness of our community.
Jennifer Andrews
Jennifer Andrews, a lifelong artist, created the mural located under the exterior lights along 24th Avenue. Jennifer’s mural for the Eugene Family YMCA reflects her unique artistic voice, which she describes as "a dance on pa
per"—an otherworldly, vibrant and stylized expression of her love for dance, nature and soul. Her mural beautifully aligns with the Y’s mission of inclusivity. The abstract shapes within her design come together to form a cohesive vision of unity, mirroring the way the YMCA brings people from diverse backgrounds together to form a community focused on health and Youth Development. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Jennifer has been a dedicated group fitness instructor at the Eugene Family YMCA since 2012.
Learn more about Jannifer Andrews
Inspiration at the Y: Jennifer Andrews' mural on the Y's north exterior wall.
Von Bruton PrintShop
Nick Rusnock (Von Bruton Printshop) is a Eugene-based multimedia artist, focusing on creating work for positive organizations in our community. In collaboration with Urban Lumber Co, they’ve designed an immersive learning space for kids. “Harmony Valley”
reflects on the importance of forest preservation and the impact it can have on the world. The Amazon Lookout fire tower allows kids to explore with new friends and engage their minds within the setting of a Pacific Northwest forest.
Learn more about Nick Rusnock
Inspiration at the Y: Nick Rusnock's mural in the new Y's KidZone child care space.
