Downtown Portland is preparing for a new large-scale art installation featuring dozens of 6-foot-tall crow sculptures. This free, self-guided art trail, named "Wildwood: Follow the Crows," is set to launch in summer 2026. Each sculpture will be uniquely designed by artists from Portland and the Pacific Northwest, transforming the city's core into an expansive open-air gallery.
The project aims to revitalize downtown Portland by attracting visitors and raising vital funds for pediatric healthcare. It follows the successful "Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail," which previously brought significant pedestrian activity to the area.
Key Takeaways
- Dozens of 6-foot-tall crow sculptures will form a new art trail.
- The installation, "Wildwood: Follow the Crows," opens in summer 2026.
- Artists from Portland and the Pacific Northwest will design each unique crow.
- The project supports OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital through sculpture auctions.
- It aims to boost downtown Portland's visitor numbers and cultural engagement.
Art Trail Inspired by New LAIKA Film
The "Wildwood: Follow the Crows" installation draws its inspiration from LAIKA’s upcoming stop-motion film, "Wildwood." This animated feature is scheduled to premiere in theaters on October 23, 2026. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Colin Meloy, the lead singer of The Decemberists, with illustrations by Carson Ellis. Meloy's story begins just outside Portland, focusing on a mysterious forest that many residents do not even realize exists.
LAIKA’s President and CEO, Travis Knight, is directing the film adaptation. The voice cast features notable actors including Carey Mulligan, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits, and Richard E. Grant. This cinematic connection adds a rich narrative layer to the public art display.
Quick Facts
- Sculpture Height: Each crow stands 6 feet tall.
- Launch Date: Summer 2026.
- Film Release: October 23, 2026.
- Beneficiary: OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
A Collaborative Effort for Urban Revitalization
This ambitious project is the result of a significant collaboration among several key organizations. LAIKA, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Wild in Art, the Portland Metro Chamber, and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe are all partners. Additional support comes from the Visit Downtown Campaign.
Organizers emphasize that the initiative goes beyond simply decorating city sidewalks. It is a strategic effort to encourage exploration within the city's core, draw visitors back to downtown areas, and generate funds for pediatric healthcare. The previous cat sculpture trail demonstrated the potential for such installations to significantly increase pedestrian activity and community engagement.
"After seeing the joy and energy that Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail brought to Downtown Portland, we knew we wanted to build on that momentum," stated Andrew Hoan, President and CEO of the Portland Metro Chamber. "Downtown pedestrian activity has been steadily increasing, with events and cultural experiences helping fuel that growth. ‘Wildwood: Follow the Crows’ will once again invite people to explore downtown in a playful and meaningful way while supporting an important cause.”
Boosting Downtown Engagement
The success of the earlier "Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail" serves as a strong precedent. That installation featured thirty cat statues placed around downtown, drawing tens of thousands of visitors. The crow trail aims to replicate and even surpass this level of engagement. An interactive map, accessible via a mobile app, will guide visitors to each sculpture, turning the experience into a citywide scavenger hunt.
This digital component makes the art trail accessible and engaging for a wide audience, encouraging both locals and tourists to explore different parts of downtown. It transforms the city into an interactive gallery, promoting discovery and appreciation for public art.
Background Information
The concept of large-scale, animal-themed art trails has proven effective in urban revitalization efforts globally. These installations often combine public art with community engagement and fundraising for charitable causes. They provide a unique way for cities to celebrate local culture, support artists, and attract tourism.
Portland's previous cat trail, also a collaboration involving LAIKA and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, successfully demonstrated this model, leading to increased foot traffic and positive community feedback.
Supporting Pediatric Healthcare
A crucial aspect of the "Wildwood: Follow the Crows" project is its charitable component. At the conclusion of the exhibition, each individually designed crow sculpture will be auctioned off. The proceeds from these auctions will directly benefit OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
This fundraising model provides a tangible impact beyond the artistic and cultural benefits. It connects the joy of public art with a vital community service, encouraging broader participation and support. Visitors can enjoy the art knowing their engagement contributes to a meaningful cause.
- The project creates a unique cultural experience.
- It encourages residents and tourists to explore downtown.
- Funds raised from sculpture auctions support children's hospital.
- It leverages the appeal of a new LAIKA film.
What to Expect Next
Organizers plan to announce specific details regarding the artists, exact trail locations, and additional event programming in the spring. This phased rollout will build anticipation leading up to the summer 2026 launch. The diverse artistic styles promised for each crow sculpture will ensure a varied and visually rich experience for all who participate.
The "Wildwood: Follow the Crows" installation represents a significant investment in Portland's cultural landscape and economic recovery. It highlights the power of art to bring communities together, stimulate local economies, and support critical social initiatives.