Oregon’s small towns each have something unique to offer, and that’s certainly the case in the little coastal town of Bandon. Check out the art installations here that are far from typical. In fact, they’re helping educate, inform, and inspire change.
Located just south of Coos Bay, there are so many things that make Bandon special. From its quaint, charming Old Town…
Jasperdo/flickr
…to Elephant Rock and the beach…
Bandon Oregon/Facebook
…to its distinctive lighthouse, this little town is a true gem on the coast. But there’s one thing that makes it truly unique: its outdoor art.
John Getchel/flickr
You’ll find several jaw-dropping art installations around town, and they’re not your typical bronze sculptures. These artistic displays are all made of trash.
Joe Mabel/flickr
That’s right - each sculpture created by the organization, Washed Away, is constructed using trash found on Pacific beaches.
Steve Walser/flickr
Washed Ashore is a non-profit that seeks to educate the public about the trash in our oceans and on our beaches, and the organization gets its point across in the most beautiful way. Now a worldwide venture, Washed Ashore got its start right here in Bandon in 2010, when creator Angela Haseltine Pozzi decided to use art to make a difference.
Washed Ashore
Did you know that humans produce approximately 300 million pounds of plastic every year? Only about 10 percent is recycled - much of it ends up in landfills, and millions of pounds of plastic ends up in our oceans.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo/flickr
You’ll find several outdoor sculptures around Bandon, and each one is breathtaking. From afar, these pieces of art look like any other sculpture. But when you get get close, you’ll find all kinds of recognizable trash. Remember that time your sand pail got left at the water’s edge and a wave carried it away? How about the time you accidentally dropped a plastic cup off the side of a boat? It’s all right here.
Dogymho/flickr
Visit the Washed Ashore Gallery and Volunteer Workshop to see even more art, and learn how you can help.
Brave Traveler/Google
The exhibit is full of even more ocean trash sculptures - from fish, to sea turtles, to a huge sculpture that looks just like the ribcage of a whale.
Brave Traveler/Google
You’ll learn about the devastating effects of trash in our oceans and on our beaches, and can even take a workshop where you’ll help wash and sort plastic debris to make more art.
Tu Nguyen/Google
The gallery is located at 325 2nd St. SE, Bandon, OR 97411, and is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m..
Brave Traveler/Google
If you haven’t yet seen Bandon’s most inspiring art, you need to visit soon!
Bandon Oregon/Facebook
Visit the Washed Ashore website to learn all about this project, which now includes exhibits all over the country.
Jasperdo/flickr
Bandon Oregon/Facebook
John Getchel/flickr
Joe Mabel/flickr
Steve Walser/flickr
Washed Ashore
Smithsonian’s National Zoo/flickr
Dogymho/flickr
Brave Traveler/Google
Tu Nguyen/Google
While you’re in Bandon, stop in for a visit to this candy store that you’ll want to visit again and again.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
