Tom Novak’s Art Adorns The Baker Heritage Museum

By Lisa Britton

For the Baker City Herald

An art project four years in the making now adorns the exterior of the Baker Heritage Museum.

Eighteen painted panels depicting scenes from Baker County’s past were installed Saturday.

Tom Novak has worked on the project for quite a few years, beginning with the original eight that face Campbell Street.

In 2012, the museum secured a grant from Meyer Memorial Trust to fund 18 more.

But Novak fell ill and the project was delayed.

The grant was extended.

“Meyer Memorial has been so patient,” said Lea Gettle, museum manager.

Once he was able to paint again, he resumed the project and recently finished the final piece.

Each is painted on a wooden panel with house paint.

“These should last 35 to 40 years,” Gettle said. “We feel proud to have used a local artist and the murals are beautiful. I’m just thrilled.”

The paintings are secured to the concrete that sealed the original second-story windows. The museum, built in 1920, was originally the Natatorium. The swimming pool was closed and the building used for manufacturing during World War II.

It was later renovated into a museum to preserve the history of Baker County.

Novak used photographs from the museum’s archives as references for the paintings, which include mining, homesteads, rodeo, horses and fishing.

Gettle said the agriculture-themed paintings all face north, toward the fairgrounds.

The newer subjects – an Airstream trailer, car, motorcycle and train – adorn the south side of the museum.

The east side features five panels that together make up a panorama of Baker Valley similar to what the Oregon Trail pioneers would have seen as they crested Flagstaff Hill.

Novak created this depiction, based on the modern-day view.

“It’s a scene we know happened, but we don’t have a photo,” Gettle said.

Prior to Saturday’s installation, the 18 new paintings were on display inside the museum, along with a self-portrait Novak created of himself with the historic images in the background.

The paintings are done in a pointillism style, which looks a bit abstract up close but blends into an image when viewed from a distance.

Now, Gettle said, museum visitors can expand their experience.

“There will be stories outside the museum too,” she said.

See more in Monday’s issue of the Baker City Herald.