During the discontent of the 1960s and ’70s, people found inspiration in music. In today’s economic turbulence, artists again are lifting up the community.

This time it is through windows of hope.

The Coos Bay Oregon Coast Etsy Artist Network, OCEAN, has initiated the adopt-a-window program.

The concept is to inject life into dilapidated streets by decorating downtown windows in vacant or underutilized storefronts.

“When things are down and out, artists revive the world,” said artist Cecilia Loforti-Mueller.

Rather than let the economic depression bury the city in an avalanche of blight and drear, group innovator Brenda Salzano and 11 other women, decided they needed to do something. The idea sprang to life.

“We have become so depressed,” Salzano said. “When something new opens in Coos Bay, we don’t think anything is going to make it.

“We wait for it to go out of business.”

Salzano’s first endeavor took her to The Green Spot in Coos Bay.

“I just wandered in,” Salzano said. “It’s such a cool place, but I hated the way the windows looked. It looked like the place was closed.”

When Salzano proposed her idea in July to manager Anthony Pescatore, he said, “Why not? It’s not like it’s costing us anything.”

It certainly paid off, though. People frequently linger to check out the window collages, some even take pictures. This month’s fall display features red and orange leaves sprinkled around a paper maché witch showcasing beaded necklaces and earrings. Along the back wall hangs a festive quilt illuminated by hanging stars.

“We couldn’t be happier with what they’ve done,” Pescatore said. “They definitely know what they are doing.”

The OCEAN team is asking permission to decorate vacant storefronts in the downtown Coos Bay area — for free. The women don’t charge for labor, and they bring their own supplies.

Cities in California, New York and Connecticut, to name a few, have implemented similar programs. Palm Springs, Calif., requires vacant stores fill their windows, while some places offer $500 per display.

OCEAN members hope the artsy window dressings will attract new business owners and lure tourists to stroll the streets. Salzano even thinks the illuminated exhibits would reduce crime.

The group is encouraging more local artists to become involved and to showcase their work. Teachers could even make displays with their classes.

 “We believe in the downtown area,” artist Nadine Archer Allen said. “It can be revived.”