By Barbara Quinn
30 unique crow sculptures have landed in the city. “Wildwood: Follow the Crows” is a new public art trail launched on August 7, promoting the upcoming stop-motion fantasy film “Wildwood” by LAIKA Studios. The trail features the 5-foot-tall one-of-a-kind sculptures, hand-painted by local artists.
One crow landed at the St. Johns Library on August 7, for a kick-off ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 am with the artist Carson Ellis, Laura Streib of the St. Johns Boosters, and representatives of sponsors, LAIKA and OHSU.
Crows play an important role in the original fantasy adventure novel, Wildwood, by former Linnton residents, Colin Meloy and illustrator Ellis. The novel and film story takes place mainly in Forest Park. See the film trailer here.
The authors are a celebrated local creative couple. Meloy is the lead singer and songwriter of the indie-folk band The Decemberists, and Ellis is an acclaimed artist and children’s book author and illustrator. They frequently collaborate on artistic projects, most notably the bestselling Wildwood Chronicles.
Artist Carson Ellis is standing behind the sculpture. Photo from Fox 12.
Most of the sculptures are placed throughout downtown Portland to create a free, self-guided art adventure. You can download the Follow the Crows app ($1.49) map to visit all 30 of the magical creatures. Ellis’ crow is at the St. John’s Library.
The sculptures will be auctioned off once the art trail closes in fall of 2026, and the proceeds will support OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. To see more information about the artists and view a larger map of the art trail click here.
The project is sponsored by LAIKA, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Wild in Art, the Portland Metro Chamber, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, and supported by the Visit Downtown Campaign.
