Vibrant “Watershed” Artwork Shimmers At Oregon State Police, Central Point (Photo) - 10/07/25
SALEM, Ore. – Sumi Wu’s “Watershed,” a stunning new art installation at the Oregon State Police’s renovated Central Point facility, cascades throughout an open stairwell and elevator lobby space in a series of seven waterfalls made from kiln-cast glass.
Each waterfall is composed of three colored slabs capturing the textures and hues of the Rogue River Basin’s natural environment, from the earth beneath our feet to the skies above, creating a colorful, calming experience for employees ascending and descending the stairs.
“To create interesting textures in the glass, I carved images of natural phenomena from the Rogue River watershed into the original clay shapes that were used as molds to cast the glass,” Wu said.
The molds were cast by Bullseye Glass in Portland and fall into seven categories: Earth, Understory, Leaves, Trees, Landscape, Water and Celestial. Each glass waterfall is held by a stainless steel structure, which Wu says symbolizes the safety structure that OSP provides to the community.
“I hope people will notice the details and think about how everything in nature is interconnected. Every living thing depends on the life and natural forces surrounding it. When we know we are connected, we find compassion for each other,” the Portland-based artist added.
The Art Selection Committee chose artwork that would align with the OSP’s core values of compassion, honor, integrity, loyalty and dedication. Wu’s work was chosen for its focus on the core value of compassion. Wu designed the piece to be restorative and evoke empathy and a sense of connection. Renee Couture coordinated the artwork project. DLR Group of Portland completed the Central Point building renovation.
“The intentional variation of colors, movement and textures of each glass piece affixed by steel are indicative of delicacy, beauty and strength in harmony. It is a joy to walk these stairs and enjoy this handiwork, especially when the sun joins the atrium!” said Tawnya Meyer, OSP Telecommunicator II.
Wu works in a variety of media. Her public and private permanent installations can be seen throughout the Pacific Northwest, with nine public artworks in Oregon and Washington. In addition to her sculptural work, Wu creates abstract, interactive set designs for dance and opera, and has performed as a dancer and musician herself.
Fifty years ago, Oregon was one of the first states in the nation to pass Percent for Art legislation, placing works of art in public spaces throughout the state. Since then, the Percent for Art in Public Places program has maintained a commitment to the placement of permanent art of the highest quality in public places. Committees of local residents across Oregon make selections. The overall collection, numbering almost 2,700 works, enhances the state’s public spaces and contributes to Oregon’s well-recognized quality of life. The “50 for 50” public art series, in celebration of the Percent for Art in Public Places program’s 50th anniversary, highlights some of the state’s many fine public artworks.
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The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon Legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development.
The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at artscommission.oregon.gov.
