Over the past several years, outdoor art installations have popped up across the country. It seems that everywhere I go, from major cities to small towns, I find colorful pops of creative expression adorning the streets and building walls. And many of the places offer self-guided tours with maps and info about each of the works. 

Recently, I was in Lake Oswego to visit family and while meandering through the town’s main hub, I discovered plenty of great artwork on display. It was akin to touring a museum or gallery, and free to boot! 

There are eighty permanent and loaned works of art within Lake Oswego’s Gallery Without Walls and of those, thirty are located downtown. These often rotate, as many are on loan from artists for two years. 

Gallery Without Walls is administered by the Arts Council of Lake Oswego. The organization’s mission is to ensure the arts are an integral part of life in the town and as such, it works in partnership with city agencies, local businesses and community members to bring sculptures to the streets. 

There are so many gems. Like “Angler/Fish” by Rick True, for example. This colorful, aluminum and steel piece depicts a fisherman sitting within the mouth of a fish, as they “share their bioluminescence in the ocean deep, hoping for a bite.” It’s situated at the trolley stop and gets a lot of attention.

It’s hard to miss “Fortuna,” by Simon Topanovsky, a seven-foot bronze atop an eight-foot rock pedestal and fountain at Millenium Plaza Park. The Fortuna image is said to have come from traditional Mexican ceramic water basins. Each basin is held up above the ground in a ceramic basket above the head of a female figure. Fortuna is regarded as “the source for all the water in the lake and is the symbol for all that’s good and plentiful.”

Nearby is Lee Kelly’s “Angkor 1,” a ginormous steel sculpture standing fourteen feet tall and weighing 1,000 pounds. Kelly is one of the premier sculptors in the Pacific Northwest and is known for his monumental pieces. “Angkor 1” was said to have been influenced by his visit to Southeast Asia.

Also by Topanovsky is “The Flight of Icarus,” a bronze representing the Greek myth of Icarus and “celebrating the importance of daring and living courageously.” Most of Icarus’s body is splayed upon a brick wall, alongside what could be his smashed head. Nearby, is yet another of the artist’s pieces titled, “Aglaope,” depicting the face of one of three of the Sirens.

For a bit of whimsy, look for “Alpha Jack” by Mark Brody. Made of glass and rigid foam, it’s a bigger-than-life jack and a definite visual magnet for all those who pass by.  

There’s no guesswork when it comes to Ken Patecky’s “Sunbathers,” a sculpture of a mother holding a child in her lap while looking up at the sky. The same goes for Paul Reimer’s “The Family.” 

You’ll gravitate to “3 Blue Spires” by Gerry Newcomb. This steel and stone work is eye-catching for its height and vivid color.

I stopped to ponder “One: Nothing” by Susan Schimelf. The figure in this steel sculpture appears in agony or maybe ecstasy, with its bent body and raised arms. 

It’s easy to see why “Inspiration & Pollination” by Melissa Cole was a People’s Choice winner. Made of steel and spray painted, along with hand-painted details, this piece depicts a bumblebee landing on a bright pink flower. Cole highlights native flora and fauna in her artwork. As an artist, Cole “relish(es) the moments when my artwork makes people stop their mad hurtle through life to pause, breathe and enjoy and experience.” 

I also liked “Landdance 1” by Jennifer Kapnek and Mike Suri. This collaborative sculpture is fun to explore from all sides and angles. The artists are obviously inspired by color and interested in the elements of balance and form.

As you appreciate the artwork, also check out Lake Oswego’s eclectic shops and boutiques. And when your stomach grumbles, know there’s plenty of cafes and restaurants all within just a few blocks. Some of my favorite spots are Lola’s Café Bar (delish smoothies, breakfast bowls, salads and more), Bamboo Sushi (unique signature rolls), Holy Taco (the fried chicken tacos and slushie margaritas are a must!), Chuckies Pies (yummy Neapolitan style pizzas) and Lake View Taphouse (well-rounded menu and brews). 

Decadent doughnuts and made-to-order beignets get top billing at NOLA, while cupcakes reign supreme at Kyra’s Bake Shop. It’s hard to believe they’re gluten-free!

For a taste of France, head to Creperie Le Bon Temps. The crepes are made in the authentic French style and come in savory or sweet options. 

You’re in the Pacific Northwest, so you’re definitely going to want to have a glass of wine or mug of craft beer. At Domaine Serene Wine Lounge, Cougar Crest Estate Winery and Willamette Valley Vineyards you can taste the fruit from the vine, while Breakside Brewery offers award-winning, innovative beers. 

If it’s ice cream you crave, make a beeline for Salt & Straw. Try one of the more interesting flavors like Pear and Blue Cheese, Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper or Green Apple Wasabi Sorbet. On warm, sunny days, this is the place to be.

Get your cone or cup and stroll some more. Enjoy the lake views, then return to Millennium Park Plaza, where a bench near the serene reflection pool is calling your name.