Exploring Wilsonville’s Open-Air Art Installation
Before Wilsonville’s newest public art installation officially debuted, Houston and Katie Vandergriff of Downs & Towns enjoyed a private, up-close look at the colorful creations.
heARTs of Wilsonville: Many Cultures, One Heart is more than just a striking display. The installation celebrates the diversity, creativity and shared spirit that define the community. Scattered across the city, 10 oversized fiberglass hearts — each hand-painted by local artists — invite visitors to turn their exploration into both an art walk and a scavenger hunt.
In this behind-the-scenes account, Houston and Katie reveal Wilsonville’s artistic debut through vivid photography and storytelling. Their work captures the vibrancy, emotion and inspiration that make the project a source of civic pride — and a reminder of art’s power to bring people together.
Art. Adventure. Advocacy. Changing the world — one photograph at a time.
Houston Vandergriff is a globe-trotting photographer, travel leader, and creator rocking an extra 21st chromosome. Houston and Katie (mom) Vandergriff are the dynamic duo behind Downs & Towns, LLC.
Houston’s camera opens doors and builds relationships around three pillars of travel, photography, and advocacy - and the magic that happens when you combine all three. The Vandergriff family journey inspires both inside and outside the disability community. They have shared their story on local, national, and international stages. By working together, Houston and Katie are helping to redefine outdated stereotypical views on disability.
Houston’s photography and personal story have inspired a global audience. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee Houston has traveled to 30 countries and all 50 United States. Houston's camera is a voice for inclusion. His award-winning photos have been featured in books, art and travel magazines, and have been curated in gallery shows. His work has been exhibited in group and solo shows in Venice, Rome, Lisbon, Paris, New York City, Los Angeles, Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Estonia, Perth, Scotland and even on the surface of the moon.
Houston is a Nikon Creator with Nikon USA.
Using photography as a metaphor for life, their message encourages others to throw away the impossible dream of wanting “normal.” They share fun ways to break the “rules,” and embrace the crazy. Houston and Katie share the challenges and joys surrounding disability on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X. The entire family works together to offer his photography and NFTs via his website DownsAndTowns.com.
Through sharing the gift of photography, they share gifts of hope and beauty.
