More Murals Spring To Life
in Portland’s Jade District
PORTLAND, OREGON
New mural at Ocean Blue Seafood on Division Street
Located in the heart of the culturally rich Jade District near 82nd Avenue, a once forgettable wall has come alive with a stunning aquatic scene complete with marine life and deep blue ocean hues. The captivating underwater landscape enlivens Division St, providing a relaxing view for this busy East Portland thoroughfare.
Bing, the owner of Ocean Blue Seafood, had been discussing the possibility of a mural with the APANO for a number of years. This year, the dream turned into a reality as APANO was able to commission a piece by renowned Asian American artist, Jeremy Nichols, with the support of grant funding from Venture Portland and project management support from Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA).
This underwater mural features expertly rendered corals, with blue flowing waves providing a soothing sensory experience. “I wanted to create something bright and in line with the business,” says artist Jeremy Nichols. “I thought a colorful mural depicting an underwater coral reef scene would be an effective approach that would catch the viewer's eye.”
APANO was thrilled to be able to bring the mural idea to fruition with Bing, who has been incredibly supportive of the Jade District and APANO's work for many years. For Bing, she's happy she can help bring more public art to the Jade District.
“Thank you, PSAA and Jeremy Nichols, for helping make the Jade District a little brighter! We have been talking with the owners of Ocean Blue about doing a mural for years, and now we're making these conversations a reality. Thanks to Venture Portland's Major Impact Award, we are able to highlight this local business while creating interesting and beautiful street art. We hope it will invite more people to walk through the Jade District and visit our local small businesses!” – Alisa Kajikawa, APANO Community Development Director, Place Based Programs
The Jade District has long served as a beacon for the immigrant and refugee community, where families have built businesses for decades and shared traditions that define Portland's multicultural identity.
One of the district’s biggest champions has been APANO, one of Oregon’s longest-standing Asian grassroots advocacy organizations, uniting Asians to build power, develop leaders, and advance equity through organizing, advocacy, community development, and cultural work.
"PSAA was thrilled to partner with APANO on this mural project. Jeremy Nichols brings exceptional artistic vision that perfectly aligns with celebrating the rich cultural heritage and community spirit of the Jade District. This underwater Pacific Ocean scene represents everything we love about street art – authentic community collaboration, cultural celebration, and transformative public art that brings neighbors and businesses together. We're honored to help create this vibrant tribute at Ocean Blue Seafood – a perfect pairing of art and place that celebrates both the Pacific connections of our communities and the entrepreneurial spirit that makes this unique district thrive." – Tiffany Conklin, PSAA founding Executive Director
This collaboration between a local artist, two nonprofits, and a business exemplifies how street art can strengthen community identity while honoring both the environment and the immigrant communities that call East Portland home.
SPONSORED and supported BY:
