New Ashland entry signs were among high priority recommendations of a Downtown Beautification Committee in May 2014. Their report stated: “Design and install artistic signs at north and south entrances [to Ashland].” Because of the emphasis on “artistic,” the city gave the sign design assignment to the Public Arts Commission (PAC). Commission members were actively involved in the design process.
In 2015, the Public Arts Commission chose Eric Warren and his company Rogue Design Group to create three new Ashland Entry, or Gateway, signs. Eric had previously done work for the City of Ashland, Southern Oregon University Foundation, and Britt Festival, among others, so he was well respected locally.
Articles by Peter Finkle, on his Walking Ashland website