Oregon's donkey was painted by Philadelphia artist Nora Einbender Luks.
Allison Frost / OPB
What do you do with 57 fiberglass donkey sculptures left over from the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia?
That’s not a joke setup: It’s the question DNC officials are asking as they try to arrange for each of the massive sculptures to get back to their respective delegations. The donkeys are being rounded up between now and the end of August. Some will be shipped back, but others — like Oregon's — will be waiting around for a while.
The city of Philadelphia sponsored the massive art project of painted, life-sized donkeys throughout the city. During the convention, Oregon's was ensconced in the venerable Franklin Institute. Washington's sat in the back patio of the historic City Tavern, just around the corner from Independence Hall.
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Brad Martin, executive director of the Democratic Party of Oregon, said the state's donkey — and those of more than a dozen other states — will be stored at a volunteer's home in the Philadelphia area until they're ready for transport. He said Oregon is eager to preserve a bit of history from this presidential election.
"We’re really excited about getting our donkey back here to Oregon," Martin said.
Martin said an informal committee of Oregon Democrats suggested iconic images for Philadelphia artist Nora Einbender Luks to paint on the donkey.
"Images of the Painted Hills, Mt. Hood, Crater Lake, Cannon Beach and our Oregon state flower: the Oregon Grape blossom," Martin said.
Since the cost of shipping the donkeys would have been upwards of $2,000, staffers from Oregon, Washington and other western states are putting together what's being called a "donkey caravan."
The plan is to have interns drive the donkeys across the country by U-Haul this winter and deliver them to their respective states.
Martin said the Democrats will have Oregon’s ass on display at their annual Wayne Morse Gala and other party activities in the future.