Who knew that alongside its renowned wineries, Prosser was also fermenting a fantastic public art scene? From murals bursting with colors bold enough to rival Cabernet hues to sculptures rooted in the soil of local history and installations that twist the ordinary into the extraordinary, the city is pouring up a fresh vintage of creativity that’s hard to ignore with every art piece just as intoxicating as the region’s finest blend. So, prepare to have your artistic thirst quenched – it’s time to take a sip of Prosser’s public art and discover the rich and full-bodied masterpieces on tap!
Edgar E. Whitehead Statue
Raise a glass (or a camera lens!) to Nancy Lewis’ bronze ode to Edgar E. Whitehead, an early Whitstran orchardist turned philanthropist whose generosity fermented into Prosser’s cultural soil. The statue, rooted near Meade Avenue’s fountain and the post office, commemorates the man who cultivated the Benton County Museum’s future.
In his life, he donated a substantial amount of money to fund the museum’s construction. Two hundred antique cameras have since been donated to the museum by the Whitehead Family, and in 2011, the Whitehead Foundation provided funds to add new lighting as well as a heating and cooling system to help preserve its collection of delicate textiles.
Mail Train in the ’80s
1103 Meade Avenue, Prosser
Inside the historic lobby of the Prosser Post Office, Ernest Norling’s 1937 mural “Mail Train in the ’80s” transforms the space into a dynamic snapshot of railroad life. The 6-by-14?foot oil on canvas, mounted over the postmaster’s door, portrays a vivid 1800s-era inspired scene of activity at the Northern Pacific depot—complete with billowing steam, railroad cars, and an array of colorful characters.
Funded by the Treasury Department’s Section of Fine Arts at a cost of $550 (a little over 12k today), this masterful work delivers a burst of historical energy, inviting modern viewers to experience the old-world charm and vibrant everyday drama of America’s railroads.
Mini Critter Hunt
Forget vineyard hopping—Prosser’s newest treasure hunt pairs art with animal mischief! Five local artists have unleashed 12 whimsical critter scenes downtown, turning storefronts and alleys into a playful “Where’s Waldo?” of native wildlife in this Mini Critter Hunt Exploration.
Championed by the Historic Downtown Prosser Association, this creative scavenger hunt will have you exploring downtown Prosser while spotting carrot-eyeing rabbits and colorful frogs and having a hopping good time. Consider it a blend of art walk and safari—no binoculars required, just a sharp eye and a sense of fun!
Parade of Ponies
Prosser’s downtown is prancing with personality as a vibrant herd of fiberglass ponies trots through the streets. Resembling a playful mix of carousel fantasy and modern public art, the Historic Downtown Prosser Association has unleashed a carousel-worthy herd of 4-foot-tall ponies around the city, with each noble steed having been individually hand-painted by a local artist.
Their bright hues and intricate designs add a whimsical flair to familiar sidewalks, inviting both residents and visitors to pause and enjoy a surprise moment of delight as these equine creations transform everyday spaces into a living gallery.
Much like a fine wine that evolves with each passing year, Prosser’s public art deepens in flavor and allure as you explore its streets. Raise your glass and cheer to an urban tapestry where creative expression is as perennial as the vineyards, and every mural and sculpture is a sip of inspiration waiting to be enjoyed!
