New steel "Autumn Leaves" sculpture installed along Highway 20 near school

A large public artwork titled "Autumn Leaves" was installed along State Highway 20 near the North Whidbey Middle School play fields on Jan. 13, creating a new visual marker for drivers entering Oak Harbor. The steel piece stretches about 40 feet, rises roughly 15 to 16 feet high, and is made of 10 perforated oak-leaf forms engineered to catch light and give an illusion of wind and changing tones as motorists pass.

City arts commission members collaborated with fabricators and local contractors on the delivery and installation. Workers from Architectural Elements, Faber Crane Service and Independent Trucking coordinated placement, and the project totaled about $45,000, a figure that includes engineering and design revisions. The commission has characterized the sculpture as an iconic entry marker for Oak Harbor.

For residents, the installation matters beyond aesthetics. Placed adjacent to a school play area and visible from a busy stretch of Highway 20, the sculpture changes the look and rhythm of a daily commute for students, parents and workers. Public art can bolster community pride and offer moments of calm or wonder during routine travel. At the same time, any new roadside installation warrants attention to sightlines, driver distraction, and durable, low-maintenance materials to ensure long-term safety and cost control.

The project was paid for through a 0.25% utility tax, a local funding mechanism that channels a portion of utility bills into city priorities. That funding choice highlights broader policy and equity questions: utility taxes can be regressive, affecting households across income levels, and merit transparent community discussion about how public dollars are allocated. Equitable distribution of public art, maintenance commitments, and clear communication about costs and benefits help ensure that pieces like Autumn Leaves serve the whole island community.

Placement near North Whidbey Middle School also raises practical questions for parents and school staff about vehicle and pedestrian traffic during installation and for future events. City planners and the arts commission will need to monitor the piece for corrosion, vandalism and any need for lighting or signage adjustments to protect students and drivers.

Our two cents? Go see the leaves on your next drive along Highway 20, notice how the light changes, and if the funding or placement matters to you, bring that voice to city budget and arts discussions. Public art is part of our shared landscape—leave a mark by staying involved.