Ashland Town Council passed a resolution to accept an artwork donation agreement with Charles Sthreshley that includes eight pieces of artwork, ranging from functional art to abstract sculpture to photography, to be added to the Town of Ashland’s growing Public Art Collection.
Earlier this summer, members of the Public Art Commission visited Sthreshley’s home and studio to see the pieces in person and discuss the possibility of a donation. The Commission then received a formal proposal and presentation from Sthreshley. At that meeting, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend acceptance of the eight artworks into the Town’s Public Art Collection by town council.
“On behalf of the Town of Ashland’s Public Art Commission, I would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Sthreshley for his generous donation,” said Leslie Bax, chair of Ashland’s Public Art Commission. “Mr. Sthreshley’s unique perspective and creative spirit will help fulfill our mission by enhancing our public spaces and perhaps generate conversations about art within our community.”
Donated Sthreshley Artwork Valued at $20,000+
A long-time Ashland resident, Sthreshley is an accomplished multidisciplinary artist working in stained glass, steel, wood, ceramics, painting, photography, and installation art. Mr. Sthreshley is best known as a studio furniture maker working in concrete. His career includes exhibits in New York City, the Meredith Gallery in Baltimore, the Franz Bader Gallery in Washington, DC, and a continuous exhibit at the former Gallery Flux in Ashland.
“I’m happy to donate these artworks,” Sthreshley said in remarks to Town Council. “Especially right here in my hometown where I will be able to see them often and hopefully being enjoyed by my community.”
“Mr. Sthreshley’s contribution is momentous as it is the first acquisition for the town’s newly-formed Public Art Commission,” said Martha J. Miller, the Town of Ashland’s community engagement manager. “The Town of Ashland values and recognizes the important role that arts and cultural activities play in enhancing the quality of life for our residents. The arts help define a community, encourage its growth and development, and contribute to our local economy by attracting new businesses, residents, and visitors.”
Exact placement for the artworks is yet to be determined but will be solidified in the coming months by the Town Manager at the recommendation of Sthreshley and the Public Art Commission.
“Ashland’s profile as an arts destination is growing thanks to events like Ashland Fourth Fridays, cultural programming at our beloved Ashland Theatre, our growing collection of murals, the future arrival and installation of the ‘Secretariat: Racing Into History’ monument, and now this generous donation from Mr. Sthreshley,” Miller added. “Ashland has always been a town full of bonafide artists and art lovers, and the Town is more than happy to be a part of bringing that to light.”
About Ashland’s Public Art Commission
Formed by a 2022 Town Council Ordinance, the Town of Ashland’s Public Art Commission is comprised of five appointed members, a staff liaison, and a liaison from Town Council. The Commission advises and makes recommendations to Town Council regarding the placement, support, and value of public artwork as a means to beautify the Town of Ashland and promote creative place-making within public spaces.
