MURAL HONORING RABBITT
Portland, OREGON
PSAA and Pedalpalooza teamed up to create a mural to honor Portland icon and dearly departed friend, Rabbitt. Located at NE Broadway & 24th (on the side of Broadway Vet), the mural was designed and painted by local artist and friend of Rabbitt, Hayden Senter.
Hayden worked closely with some of Rabbitt’s close friends for input on the mural. The result is a stunning collage of Rabbitt’s favorite things; trains, bikes, wildflowers, Markal grease markers, and more. The background even includes some of Rabbitt’s geometric artwork.
Hayden’s style was the perfect fit for this tribute as he and Rabbitt shared the many of the same loves, namely trains and nature, that Hayden often incorporates into his works. Hayden did a phenomenal job not only capturing Rabbitt’s favorite things, but also his likeness as well. This was one of Hayden’s first mural portraits and he captured Rabbitt’s essence beautifully.
This is a completely community-driven and supported project, with financial support coming from a contribution from the property owners and numerous donations from the community.
ABOUT RABBITT
Described by Bike Portland as a “giant of Portland’s bike scene” Rabbitt was a pioneer in Portland bike culture (Zoo Bomb, Chariot Wars, Pedalpalooza, Dead Baby bikes, etc.). Rabbitt was a fearless, skilled rider. He could be seen flying effortlessly through the city, like a bird perched atop his tall bike. Rabbitt helped make “Portland Weird.” Rabbitt was a lifelong rail rider. He had the wildest tails from his adventures. Sometimes he would still rail ride and hop trains. His classic rabbit ear moniker graced many locomotives. He was an excellent photographer, especially of train engines. Rabbitt loved cruising his motorcycle along the tracks, camping, being in nature, collecting flowers for friends, and excavating marbles from a rail spill.
Rabbitt started working with PSAA in 2018. In desperate need of a quick hired hand to help prep walls at Taylor Electric, he spent two blazing hot weeks removing soot, peeling paint, and laying down the base coat. He slept in his truck, starting early to beat the heat. Rabbitt proudly claimed he had the largest piece at PSAA’s now iconic Taylor Electric Project site (a.k.a. Nova at the Electric Blocks). He also painted a beautiful garage pillar. Rabbitt hung around, got to know the artists, and was on the Taylor Electric Block Party’s security team, hosting over 2500 event attendees in one evening. Even at the most stressful times, he would crack the best jokes. He would say, “It’s coming together like buttcheeks kids!” And it certainly was.
Rabbitt also painted existing murals, a doorway at the Oak St Studios Building (SE 2nd & Oak) and doorways at Solterra’s Construction Office (NE Alberta & 14th). He’d bring artists red clown noses to wear. Any paint we didn’t need, PSAA donated to Rabbitt. He was always eager to help. He was excited and proud to be a part of the street art community.
Rabbitt meant a lot to so many communities. He appeared to some as tough on the outside, but on the inside, was the gentlest soul. Rabbitt dove into life headfirst, wild, free, seemingly without fear. He lived an adventurous life, one most of us will only dream of. A one of a kind. A clown. A biker. A motorcycle adventurer. A rail hopper. A carpenter. An artist. A genuine soul. His legacy will continue to inspire and shine on.
Rest Easy Rabbitt.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Hayden Senter (a.k.a. Chairboy) was born in 1991 in San Jose, CA and is now based in Portland. His techniques primarily consist of painting, drawing, printmaking and murals. Using a combination of muted and pastel color palettes, Hayden’s work evoke a feeling of separation. He collects imagery from daily walks, overgrown weeds in alleys, and abandonment.
MEMORIAL BIKE RIDE & Mural Unveiling
Honoring Rabbitt at the unveiling.
On August 30, 2023, PSAA and Pedalpalooza co-hosted a memorial bike ride for Rabbitt that weaved through Portland and visited Rabbitt’s murals before working its way up to the mural. The mural was officially unveiled with speeches by Meghan Sinnott of Pedalpalooza, Tiffany Conklin of Portland Street Art Alliance, and muralist Hayden Senter.
This project is part of PSAA’s Community Art Program. Special thanks to the building owners and Broadway Veterinary Clinic for providing access to the wall, help with logistics, and for providing a donation to PSAA to get the mural started. And a huge thank you to all the individuals and friends of Rabbitt who donated through the GoFundMe campaign to get this mural across the finish line. PSAA would also like to thank the local businesses who pitched in by providing us their paid parking space access and discounts for the mural unveiling. And finally, to Metro for their grant support and Miller Paint for their sponsorship support. It takes a village.
This was truly a Community Art Project in every sense of the word. The Portland community came together beautifully to honor one of their own.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
Photography by Sara Sjol for Portland Street Art Alliance
PHOTOS OF RABBITT SUBMITTED BY THE COMMUNITY
Special thanks to Rabbitt’s friends who submitted so many amazing photos of him to be used for inspiration in the mural and included in this community image archive (Tiphani, Meghan Sinnott, Meg Holland, Cloe Ashton, Tim Trautmann).