HONORING SENS. BLUMENAUER & DEFAZIO
PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
(L to R) Former Congressmen Blumenauer and DeFazio, Julz Clementine, and Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold.
A mural unveiling event was held with former Congressmen Blumenauer and DeFazio, representatives from the Port of Portland, Portland Street Art Alliance, and muralist Julz Clementine. The mural, titled Going Places, now greets travelers at Portland International Airport (PDX).
Located at the airport's last approach to the terminal, the mural can be seen by travelers arriving by car or MAX and by people using the multi-use bike path.
Going Places was created by Portland muralist Julz Clementine for PDX in partnership with the Port of Portland and Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA). The murals enliven the airport’s multi-use path, reflect the beauty of Oregon for travelers and daily path users, and serve as a joyful tribute to Congressmen Earl Blumenauer and Peter DeFazio, honoring their decades-long advocacy for transportation and land.
To begin this project, Julz took a road trip to research what makes Oregon unique. The research trip not only inspired her to learn more about the state, but also helped reawaken the dream of doing this work globally. “The murals became a portrait of this powerful place, work that now guides me to travel the world making murals shaped by what communities find magical about their own place,” says Clementine.
Julz’s illustrative mural style incorporates individual graphics separated into sections that flow together to create a whole. The iconography throughout the mural represents special callouts for each congressman. Every square was created with intention.
Some important symbols that can be found in this mural include:
Bicycle: “Welcome to PDX” represents the bicycle Blumenauer famously rode to the Capitol for nearly three decades while he served in Congress.
Natural Landscapes: Imagery of Multnomah Falls, Mt. Hood views, wildflowers, and Vista House with gorge views, which represents Congressman Blumenauer’s significant role in the environmental and land-preservation efforts in the Columbia River Gorge.
The Bow Tie and Bike Pin: A close-up of Congressman Blumenauer’s signature bow tie he wore every day while serving in Congress, along with the bike pin he wore on his lapel. The iconic pin serves as the official membership badge for the Congressional Bike Caucus, which he founded.
MAX Train: Signifies Congressman Blumenauer's fight for federal funding for Portland’s light rail system and both congressmen’s championship of light rail expansion to Portland’s west side.
Aviation Iconography: Multiple airplane and airport icons represent both Congressmen’s advocacy for airport and infrastructure safety.
Coastal Bridges: Multiple images of Oregon’s famed coastal bridges represent Congressman DeFazio’s role in securing funding to repair and save these historic bridges from being demolished.
The Railroad Tunnel: Symbolizes Congressman DeFazio's rally to acquire federal funding to keep the Coos Bay Rail Line operating.
Devil’s Staircase Wilderness: Symbolizes Congressman DeFazio’s dedication to protecting special places in Oregon that serve as critical habitat for several endangered species.
Dodge Dart: Represents the car that became a symbol of the humble nature of Congressman DeFazio and reinforced his image as "the people's congressman."
Each wall demonstrates Oregon’s uniqueness and reminds travelers and locals alike why Oregon is such a special place to live, while honoring those who helped grow and protect it.
“Whether it’s connecting us to each other or to Oregon’s great outdoors, Julz Clementine’s Going Places beautifully captures the central role of travel in making our lives go round. We’re proud to have this art permanently placed at PDX to honor the lasting impact of Congressmen Blumenauer and DeFazio, whose career-long commitment to safe, accessible, and connected transit transformed our state.” – Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland
“It was especially meaningful to bring art and color to a space shared by travelers from all over the world and the people who pass through it every day, and to honor Congressmen Earl Blumenauer and Peter DeFazio for their decades of advocacy for transportation and land. Painting a rainbow of color in such a public place is the sweetest part of the job. I get to meet people and hear their stories, and it connects me with our shared humanity.” – Julz Clementine, Muralist
“Julz Clementine did an incredible job transforming what used to be a pretty ordinary space into something deeply meaningful. This mural perfectly captures the spirit of Oregon and honors the impact that former Congressmen Blumenauer and DeFazio had on our state's transit. This project exemplifies exactly what PSAA strives to do: empower local working artists to activate the spaces where we all live, work, play, and connect. It is always an absolute pleasure and honor to work with the Port of Portland.”
– Tiffany Conklin, Executive Director, Portland Street Art Alliance
