January 13, 2026
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Picture This: Guanajuato, Ashland, renew 55-year-old relationship

Ashland leaders, Amigo Club members, SOU staff, and the Guanajuato delegation pose with one of the new “Heart of Guanajuato” sculptures created by Mexican artist Gilberto Salazar Montes for Ashland. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
July 4, 2025

Document signing Thursday followed by art unveiling

Officials from the cities of Ashland and Guanajuato renewed their 55-year-old Sister City relationship during a breakfast gathering Thursday in the Rogue River Room of Stevenson Union at Southern Oregon University. The document was signed by mayors Samantha Smith of Guanajuato and Tonya Graham of Ashland. The event wrapped up with the unveiling of the Heart of Guanajuato artwork. Members of the Guanajuato delegation rode in the Fourth of July parade Friday.

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Guanajuato Mayor Samantha Smith and Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham sign documents renewing the Sister City relationship, now in its 55th year. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
Ashland leaders welcomed a delegation from Sister City Guanajuato, Mexico, at a breakfast Thursday, July 3, on the SOU campus, celebrating their visit for the 4th of July Parade and Celebration. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
SOU President Dr. Richard Bailey, Guanajuato artist Gilberto Salazar Montes, SOU Behavioral Health Initiative Strategy Specialist Dee Carreon, Guanajuato Mayor Samantha Smith and Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham unveil the “Heart of Guanajuato” sculpture — one of two being installed in Ashland — Thursday behind the Schneider Museum of Art on the SOU campus. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
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Bert Etling

Bert Etling is the executive editor of Ashland.news. Email him at [email protected].

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