Latest Oregon license plate was designed by a Eugene artist

A new license plate designed by a Eugene resident will debut Oct. 1 in recognition of the Oregon Cultural Trust’s 20th anniversary.

The artwork, called "Celebrate Oregon!" and created by Liza Burns, also will be installed as full-scale murals at the Eugene, Medford, Portland and Redmond airports through a partnership with GreenCars.com. In addition, a 38-foot outdoor banner will be installed at the Northwest Film Center at the Portland Art Museum.

“The new design, built on a panorama of Oregon geography, reflects and respects the diversity of our culture at a time we need it most,” Cultural Trust Board Chair Niki Price said. “Cultural expression is how our communities define themselves — how they live their everyday lives, their traditions, their heritage, their creativity, their celebrations, their values and how they connect with one another.”

Thirty-six artists submitted statements of interest and work samples. A jury evaluated the submissions and recommended 20 artists be invited to submit preliminary concepts in exchange for a $250 honorarium. Burns met with several content experts, identified through the Governor’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, to finalize symbols included in the design.  

“We knew that reflecting the breadth of Oregon culture, and how it brings us together, in one design was an extremely ambitious goal,” Cultural Trust Executive Director Brian Rogers said. “Liza’s creation does that and so much more. It captures the spirit of Oregon and also serves as an educational tool for exploring our diversity. We are incredibly proud and excited to share it with Oregonians.” 

The license plate artwork will be accompanied by an interactive visual key that explains each of the symbols and how they connect to Oregon culture, accessed via a QR code. 

Events celebrating the unveiling of the murals are scheduled for Sept. 21 at Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport; Oct. 15 at FlyRedmond; Oct. 28 at Eugene Airport; and mid-November at Portland International Airport. The artwork will also be available as a poster and a limited-edition print. 

The new license plate will be available Oct. 1 on the Oregon DMV website, at DMV field offices and at car dealerships across the state.

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