The eagle has landed
Local artist Harmony Conley and Post Falls' newest art piece Victor, the bald eagle, stand side-by-side on Spokane Street Tuesday afternoon. Named after the future victory the United States will have against the coronavirus and these dark times, Victor was painted by Conley with enamel lacquer commonly used to decorate cars. (MADISON HARDY/Press)
Post Falls welcomed a new feathered friend this week: Victor, the bald eagle statue on Spokane Street.
Victor and Max, the fish art piece located a few blocks north, are an homage to Post Falls' history, city administrator Shelly Enderud said, adding that they show an appreciation for North Idaho's great outdoors, too.
Resting on Spokane Street between First and Second Avenues, Victor, the 5-and-a-half-foot bird, officially landed in Post Falls Monday afternoon.
"Art often brings a sense of pride to the community and bolsters the existing beauty of an area," Enderud said. "The eagle will serve as a talisman to residents when they come from the other side of the river."
Bringing the eagle statue to the city has been a long time coming, Enderud said. It's part of a multiyear project to improve the downtown area.
Ordered out of Nebraska and installed by JUB Engineers and Justin Miller, Victor — named by local artist Harmony Conley, who painted the bird — was funded through donations.
Councilwoman Linda Wilhelm, a Post Falls native, spearheaded the project. She said for many years, eagles have come to the Spokane River and rest on the pilings.
"For the last several, they've stayed all year long, and you can still see nests down there," Wilhelm said.
Since late Post Falls' Mayor Clay Larkin's leadership, Wilhelm and city staff have beautified the town, including adding the water features, blue lights, fish across the Spokane Street overpass, and the two fiberglass statues.
"Post Falls is, and always has, liked wildlife, so I think the public enjoys when we put those into art," she said. "People seem excited about it. Hopefully, this will move people to become more involved."
Mayor Ron Jacobson and Councilman Steve Anthony have discussed a potential commission to help adorn the town. Anthony, who aided in creating the Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission, has been developing something similar, Jacobson said.
For the last six months, the city has been holding the statue in the basement, waiting for the right time to let Victor spread his wings, Enderud said, but COVID put a damper on a formal introduction. Now, he is on display greeting drivers entering the city of Post Falls.
"When we're talking about the economic development of the area, one thing businesses look for in a community is art," Enderud said. "It brings people together in unexpected ways."