A NEW MURAL AT ONE OF PORTLAND’S OLDEST RESTUARANTS
PORTLAND, OREGON
The exterior of the historic Republic Cafe & Ming Lounge in Portland’s Chinatown neighborhood has been transformed with the addition of a dreamy new mural by PacificNorthwest-based Asian-American artist Derek Wu.
Titled, Still We Bloom, this sublime mural features a branch of plum blossoms atop an ethereal gradient of pink to green overlaid with a white floral pattern. At the end of the branch, the background green leads the eye into a viridescent forest and mountain scene with hints of pink sky. The trees and mountains were rendered in a traditional Chinese style, elegantly tying together the natural elements in the mural with the Republic Cafe’s rich heritage and classic interior.
The imagery of plum blossoms and a traditional Chinese watercolor-inspired landscape was chosen intentionally. In Chinese culture, plum blossoms symbolize perseverance, resilience, and renewal because they bloom even in the cold of winter. Derek wanted Still We Bloom to reflect that same spirit for Chinatown: the idea that beauty, culture, and community can return and flourish again.
As a former Portland resident, Derek can remember Portland’s Chinatown as a vibrant center of culture and community. This mural honors those roots while also looking toward the neighborhood's future. These memories along with his Chinese heritage made this project incredibly personal.
”Working on this mural gave me the chance to reconnect with my own cultural heritage while contributing, in a small way, to the ongoing story of a place that shaped many memories for me. My hope is that the mural offers a moment of calm, safety and optimism to a neighborhood that deserves the city's love and support. A quiet reminder that neighborhoods, like people, can endure and bloom again.” - Derek Wu, Muralist
A HISTORIC LOCALE
The Republic Cafe has a rich history in Portland. Established in 1922 by the Mui family, in its early years, similar to other immigrant-owned businesses, along with serving their native cuisine, Republic Cafe also served as a social center for Chinese Americans.
In 1951, the restaurant was expanded to include the Ming Lounge, which quickly became a Portland hotspot. So much so that the operator at the time, Dr. Victor Wong, earned the nickname “Mayor of Chinatown.”
Along with serving as a hub for the Chinese community, the restaurant and lounge has hosted a variety of famous diners, including Louis Armstrong, Harry Belafonte, Victor Borge, Tommy Dorsey, Marcel Marceau, and Shaquille O'Neal. Former Portland Mayor Bud Clark enjoyed the Republic Cafe so much that he selected it as the location to propose to his wife.
In 1989, the Republic Cafe and Ming Lounge were added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Portland New Chinatown/Japantown Historic District. The Mui Family still operates the Republic Cafe and Ming Lounge, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Portland.
QUOTES ABOUT THE PROJECT
感谢画家Derek、波特兰街头艺术联盟以及波特兰市为我们提供的这个新壁画。梅花寓意吉祥，劲松代表坚韧不拔，共和楼自1922年已经在Old Town Chinatown经营了100多年，几经变迁，这个新壁画是一份很好的礼物。– Wingwai Mui, Owner, Republic Cafe
Translation: “Many thanks to artist Derek, the Portland Street Art Alliance, and the City of Portland for providing us with this new mural. Plum blossoms symbolize good fortune, and the pine tree represents resilience and perseverance. The Republic Cafe has been in Old Town Chinatown since 1922. It’s been through many changes over the decades. This new mural is a wonderful gift.”– Wingwai Mui, Owner, Republic Cafe
“It’s wonderful to see the iconic restaurant transformed! Thanks to the City of Portland and artist Derek, who’s done a smashing job paying homage to the essence of the business whilst bringing light and beauty to the block.” – Lori Wiechec, Old Town Chinatown Community Association
“We are always excited to partner with PSAA on mural projects. Collaborating on something that brings the community together is exciting, and to work on a project that also supports a historic business in Portland’s oldest neighborhood makes this even more special. This beautiful mural speaks to the power art has to create positive attention and energy in the community and uplift businesses. I’m proud of our role supporting Republic Cafe and this collective effort.” – Cornell Wesley, Executive Director, Prosper Portland
“Bringing public art to this space feels like an act of honoring what remains. Derek's mural reflects that weight beautifully. The elegant floral motif flows into a sweeping mountain and forest scene rendered in traditional Chinese style, blending realism with imagination in a way that feels both rooted and timeless.” – Tiffany Conklin, Executive Director, PSAA
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
