GalleryThis is the growing visual archive of Collective Cartography — personal maps created by students, artists, teachers, and community members.
Each map tells a different story of connection to place.
(most) little libraries across Ashland! Eli Samas, 20, Student & Queer
Dylan Markus, 27, Latino. Realtor and free spirit!
Where I Grew Up by Brian Chu The fun of Ashland happens in and out of the city center. I prefer to stay in the city because I was born in a highly urbanized country. Ashland is my first exposure to nature. There is a fireroad in Lithia Park that allows you to either drive or walk. If you have the patience to get up there, and you look at the cityscape alongside its beautiful rustic surroundings, then you understand how humans can be great managers of the world. The views remind me of the serene Lake District in England, where Beatrix Potter lived.
Cozy Escape by Rowan This is a truly lovely town, in every sense of the word. The trees, the water, the mountains, the people. It's something approaching magical, and yet the beauty of it is so deeply embedded, so unassuming, that it oftentimes becomes easy to overlook. Moving here felt like moving into a storybook, like becoming part of a new and fantastical world. It gave me a place to belong, to feel wanted, feel human, possibly for the first ever time. I don't ever want to take that gift for granted. Thank you for everything, Ashland.
"Portal" by Fawn, 52 Young woman. Geographies. Cities. Roads. The places I loved—Ashland, Petaluma, San Francisco, Seattle, Missoula—eventually became places I lived, or lived near. As if loving a place long enough pulls you into its gravity. Returning feels like stepping through a portal in time. Each arrival layers new experiences onto what and who came before. I find myself collaging memory onto present tense, tracing old paths with older hands. Human made places are palimpsests– written, erased, and written again. And yet, something essential remains… a spirit of place that remembers us. I’m back. Or maybe I never left.
Lithia Heart by Erick Gordon
La elección por Death Morales 20 años de edad, estudiante de tercer año en la Southern Oregon University, con especialización en teatro (orientación a la interpretación).
Untitled, Anonymous, 18 years old, Mixed race, freshman student at SOU and baker.
Fairy Tale: Maximilian Donner Freshman at SOU– Psych Major Mexican Jew
Work in Progress: Fawn, 52 Sister Corita's hand looks like ashland. Words, words, words!
Tommie Owens, SOU Student Ashland is a close-knit, local community that drew me in from an early age. I used to come when I was young to white-water raft. And now having chosen Southern Oregon University to pursue my degree, I am overjoyed to experience all the seasons. My map shows places with lots of emotions and experiences attached, and I hope to highlight the beautiful natrural areas across the town.
Alexandra Attes, 18 Mexican, German Freshman, SOU This is a representation iof Ashland from my point of view. My favorite places are Zoey's Cafe, that is ia wonderful ice cream shop it's so delicious. Matcha Boba mousse is also amazing. I word at the SJEC in the Stevenson Union of SOU. I am an Education major, minoring in Early Childhood Development and I love Ashland and love SOU! People here are so nice and accepting and fun here. More people should come and visit.
Anonymous, 20 Latino & White SOU Sophomore
"Dear Ashland" by Noah Juniper Aries, 20 Caucasian/Hispanic Social Justice and Equity Center Staff & SOU Sophomore Dear Ashland, I had no idea I would fall so deeply in love with you when I moved here two years ago. You have provided me with amazing experiences that I will carry with me throughout all of my travels. Thank you <3
Eli Samas, 20! White, Queer 3rd year SOU student Living in Ashland is a sweet and subtle dream. This is a map of my fav spots for food, dates, and casting memories!
Kimi, 21 months "Purple Rainbows"
"Levi + Kai's Memorable Places" by Levi Johnston, 21 Mexican-American, trans masculine + bisexual Program Coordinator SJEC SOU + SOU SU front desk. Senior in college. I made a map of Ashland based on significant/memorable places from the course of my 3 year relationship with my amazing partner Kai. I have loved every moment we have spent together and look forward to a lifetime of more memories together. I love them with my whole heart and soul, they are the best gift Ashland could have given me. Forever thankful to Biology 101 for bringing us together and even more thankful to Kai for making the effort to bring us further together. I love you Kai!!! <3
Mason George, 18 White SOU Freshman & EMDA Major I made this as a little map of the places I love to go to and have found since moving down here. There's lots to do so please, add to this map with the small places you frequent :-)
Natalya Smith, 18 White, SOU Freshman
Hazel Owen, SOU, Dr. Werner Fall 2025
Joseph Dabranca, SOU, Dr. Werner Fall 2025
Shay Larson, SOU, Dr. Werner Fall 2025
Reese Grube, SOU, Dr. Werner Fall 2025
Hayden Hatcher, SOU, Dr. Werner Fall 2025
Emmy Brandenberg, SOU, Dr. Werner Fall 2025
Samantha Payne, SOU, Dr. Werner Fall 2025
Nathan Morrison, SOU, Dr. Werner Fall 2025
Aubrey May, SOU, Dr. Werner Fall 2025
Liora Solomon, SOU, Dr. Werner Fall 2025
Marissa Milne, SOU, Dr. Werner Fall 2025