New Mural Brightens Kalama Through Regional Partnership
KALAMA, WASHINGTON
During a warm week in early September, artist Adam Friedman transformed a utilitarian concrete freeway wall, into a stunning work of public art. Known for his landscape work featuring both realistic and abstract mountain scenes, Friedman proved the ideal artist for this project, bringing his signature vibrant palette and crisp details to create a warm beacon of beauty against the stark concrete infrastructure.
Commissioned by Envision Kalama and Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA), Sunset on the Columbia captures the breathtaking scene of the sun setting over the Columbia River in brilliant, eye-catching colors. The serene landscape offers viewers a glimpse of the natural beauty that lies beyond the concrete barrier - a stunning vista that is a fond sight and appreciated from multiple vantage points throughout Kalama's hillside neighborhoods. This marks PSAA's second collaboration with Envision Kalama, following the successful completion of the Kalama Public Library mural in 2019 with Ukrainian-American muralist Tatyana Ostapenko.
The Sunset on the Columbia mural project received additional support through grant funding from ArtsWA and paint discounts provided by Rodda-Miller Paint, making this community enhancement possible through the combined efforts of multiple stakeholders.
The warmth of Friedman's sunset landscape was matched by the enthusiasm of Kalama's residents. Throughout the painting process, community members offered encouragement and praise, expressing genuine excitement about this beautiful investment in their historic river town's future.
“Painting in Kalama has been a great experience. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. It's been very humbling how kind and welcoming everyone has been. It is obvious that Kalama has a strong community that cares deeply about its town.” – Adam Friedman, Artist
The project also drew support from regional photographer Jacob Greenslade, who documented the mural's progress. Inspired by the public art movement emerging in nearby Longview, WA, Greenslade connected with PSAA to offer his photography services.
Photos by Jacob Greenslade
“I grew up in a time and place where public art was a rare sight; we maybe had a faded historical painting on Main Street. Unfortunately, it wasn't until recently that I came to a place with a drive for art. In Longview, we have an amazing, growing public art scene driven by The Broad Strokes Project that is transforming downtown Longview into a place of bright optimism. I absolutely love capturing the progression of the mural process; building relationships not only with the artists and volunteers, but with the mural itself.” – Jacob Greenslade, Photographer
The enthusiastic feedback from residents and supporters like Jacob demonstrates the transformative power public art can have on communities of all sizes. Murals like Sunset on the Columbia help tell local stories, foster connections, and build stronger communities that residents can take pride in.
L: Adam Friedman, with regional photographer, Jacob Greenslade R: Local Residents passing mural
“This project perfectly exemplifies the power of regional partnerships in bringing public art to communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. Art has this incredible ability to connect people; whether they're from Portland or small towns like Kalama, we all share the same appreciation for the beauty around us and local creativity.
Part of PSAA's mission is working with artists across the region to partner with communities of every size, creating murals that make a meaningful impact in the spaces where people live, work, and play. We believe every community deserves access to beautiful public art that reflects their unique character and brings people together around shared experiences.” – Tiffany Conklin, Founding Executive Director, PSAA
Sunset on the Columbia represents the successful culmination of a multi-year collaborative effort between PSAA and Envision Kalama, a non-profit organization founded in 2005 by dedicated citizens committed to enhancing Kalama's livability and future. Under the skilled project management of Eric Yakovich, this vibrant mural demonstrates the power of community partnerships and shared vision.
“Thank you to artist Adam Friedman and PSAA for the beautiful addition to our community. Envision Kalama worked through the PSAA because of their excellent reputation and the complexity of working on a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) owned facility in a public street. We also wish to thank WSDOT and the City of Kalama for their partnership on the project.” – Mark Wilson, President, Envision Kalama Board of Directors
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS by jacob Greenslade
