DISCOVER THE CENTRAL EASTSIDE
EASTBANK COMMERCE CENTER
POrtland, Oregon
Illustrator and muralist Alicia Schultz diligently built a delightful design that invites people to “Discover the Central Eastside.” This new landmark mural, titled Discover the Central Eastside: Built to Last, was commissioned and funded by the Central Eastside Industrial Council and Central Eastside Together, with support from Venture Portland.
“We are incredibly proud to commission this 2,000 square-foot mural that invites everyone to explore the Central Eastside. We want visitors to know when they’ve arrived in the District, and we want them to feel inspired by what’s happening here. This artwork reflects both where we’ve been and where we’re going. The cargo boxes nod to the Central Eastside’s legacy as an industrial hub, while the hand, acting as a crane, represents the makers, creators, and innovators who are shaping the district’s future.” – Carolyne Holcomb, Executive Director, Central Eastside Industrial Council
“Discover the Central Eastside: Built to Last” honors the past while lifting it into view, inviting reflection on what we carry forward. It’s a story of a place made not just of steel and structure, but of people, persistence, and community. Working on this project and painting this mural has allowed me to connect with Portland’s Central Eastside Industrial District – a neighborhood layered with history, industry, and resilience. Learning some of the stories behind this neighborhood was inspiring – you can feel how the past still shapes the neighborhood today. Creating artwork on a wall that faces downtown and the constant movement of the highway made me feel in the middle of it all, connected to the pulse of the city. I feel gratitude for being a part of this project and creating the mural that shares this story of the Central Eastside.” – Alicia Schultz, Muralist
Visible from I-5, Alicia’s captivating and colorful design draws attention to the Central Eastside and its transformation to a cultural hub. As a highly visible participant in the Central Eastside Mural District, PSAA is thrilled to help contribute to this iconic new mural in the heart of the well-loved central district.
“This piece is more than just a striking visual landmark; it’s a tribute to the district’s rich legacy and dynamic evolution. We’re proud to have worked closely with artist Alicia Schultz, the Central Eastside Industrial Council, Central Eastside Together, Beam Development, and Cargo to shape a design that honors that complexity. A special thank you to Venture Portland, which was also a major funder of this project. Part of the charm of this mural is its ability to invite people to slow down, explore what’s inside, and discover (or rediscover!) one of Portland’s most iconic neighborhoods.” – Tiffany Conklin, Founding Executive Director, Portland Street Art Alliance
Partnering with Portland Street Art Alliance to commission 12 murals in the past year has been a joyful and collaborative effort to bring more beauty and meaning to our streets. We’re especially grateful to Venture Portland for helping to make this project possible.” – Carolyne Holcomb, Executive Director, Central Eastside Industrial Council
“The Central Eastside Industrial Council has been integral in transforming their business district into a wonderful place to shop, dine, and play with mural projects like this. Venture Portland is proud to support their efforts through our grants program and encourage Portlanders to Venture Out and discover the wonderful small businesses that call the Central Eastside home.” – Venture Portland
Next time you are driving down I-5, get off at the Central Eastside exit to explore the district and see this mural in person on the backside of the Eastbank Commerce Center.