THE GATEWAY
ASTORIA, OREGON
The Gateway, by Casey McEneny for CareOregon.
PSAA, CareOregon, and the Astoria Armory are pleased to announce the creation of an expansive, nearly 4,000 sq. ft. mural in downtown Astoria, Oregon. The mural, titled ‘The Gateway,’ celebrates Astoria, its history, people, and culture. The mural was commissioned by Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) for CareOregon and was designed and painted by regional artist Casey McEneny.
FRESH PAINT AND A NEW BEGINNING
When the Astoria Armory re-opened as a community center, part of that dream was to help elevate the space with the inclusion of a mural that would draw attention to the building's facade, but cost and logistics were a huge hurdle. Years later, CareOregon and Columbia Pacific CCO were looking to celebrate the North Coast and their dedication to keeping the community healthy. A connection was made, and the dream of a mural on the Astoria Armory sprang to life!
"When Robert 'Jake' Jacob, Robyn Koustic, and I reopened the Astoria Armory to the public in 2014, most of Astoria had forgotten that the building existed. As large as it was, the monochromatic building simply faded into the background. The idea of a colorful mural on the expansive north wall to bring attention to the Armory was central to our efforts to have a community space that was open and accessible to all. I commend the efforts of those involved in moving this beautiful mural forward, and appreciate the contribution of this mural in making people aware that the Astoria Armory is again an integral part of our community." - Sean Fitzpatrick, Mayor of Astoria
With the help of PSAA, the team was able to find a regional artist to capture all the details that make the Oregon Coast special and capture the essence of Astoria. Casey McEneny is an artist, muralist, and high school teacher originally from Seal Rock, OR, and now resides in South Beach. Casey grew up in an artistic family and has a deep love for the Oregon Coast, making him a fitting artist to help visually tell Astoria's story.
A SENSE OF PLACE
CareOregon wanted to help create a mural for and reflective of Astoria. Casey worked with a large team to develop the concept and delivered a stunning design that captures the people, landmarks, and cultural touchstones that make Astoria such a unique and special place.
Astoria is the oldest settlement west of the Rockies, a picturesque port city with Victorian-era homes etched into hills overlooking the Columbia River. The city's character emerges from its unique position, ‘where river meets ocean,’ blending centuries of maritime heritage with a thriving downtown district. From the iconic Astoria Column to the historic waterfront, Astoria seamlessly weaves together its storied past with modern cultural attractions.
Casey's mural perfectly captures this essence: a tight-knit community that honors its maritime roots while welcoming the future, just as Astoria itself has done for over two centuries. Its title, The Gateway, is a reference to the mural’s prominent location in Astoria, where the mural serves as a visual gateway to the city, whether you arrive by car, foot, or boat.
The artist’s vision
“Home and community are the core themes of this mural,” explains Casey McEneny. “At the center of the design is a Chinook Salmon, seemingly leaping forth from the wall. Salmon spend their entire lives migrating from their birthplace to the sea, and then valiantly fighting their way upstream to return home. Many people make similar journeys, leaving to find their place in the world. Often, we come to realize the special place home occupies in our hearts and minds.”
Casey sees himself as one of those salmon. After attending college at Laguna College of Art and Design, McEneny realized how much he loved the Oregon Coast and returned home to create a new life for himself. He even has a salmon tattoo as a reminder of who he is and where he comes from.
The mural weaves together symbols of Astoria's rich heritage and natural beauty. On the far left, an artistic depiction of the historic Astoria Column overlooks the composition, just as it has watched over the city for nearly 100 years. Adjacent to the Column, a ship's wheel pays homage to Astoria's deep maritime culture. Beneath the migrating salmon, the iconic Astoria-Megler Bridge spans the scene as a symbol of movement and connection.
“To the right of the salmon, we incorporated patterns representative of the indigenous tribes whose people have occupied this area for thousands of years,” McEneny notes. “On the far right, wild roses symbolize indigenous culture, good health, and vitality. Wild roses have been used medicinally by indigenous tribes in tinctures, teas, and jellies for generations.”
The mural's vibrant color palette draws inspiration directly from the Oregon Coast. Various shades of blue contrast beautifully with orange, red, and yellow sunset hues that reflect the dramatic coastal light. Casey designed certain elements to "break the plane," creating a three-dimensional effect where parts of the mural appear to leap from the wall.
“Together, these images tell a story of Astoria's past and present, and why so many people, whether they're residents or visitors, feel welcome here,” McEneny reflects. “This mural is ultimately about celebrating the journeys that bring us home.”
"Everybody in Astoria has been great, and the town is amazing! There's so much history here and around this area to learn and explore. I’ve really enjoyed getting the chance to be here for a month. I've gotten immersed in the culture and met a bunch of people. That’s one of the coolest aspects of doing murals, people just wander upon you and see what you're doing, and want to know more." – Casey McEneny, Muralist
PARTNER QUOTES
“Columbia Pacific CCO and CareOregon are proud to support PSAA's new Astoria Armory mural, ‘The Gateway.’ As part of our commitment to strengthening community health, we look for ways to partner with local organizations that provide unique resources for Oregonians, as PSAA does for street artists, and to promote Oregon artists such as Casey McEneny, who grew up and lives on the north coast, the mural's designer.” – Mimi Haley, Executive Director, Columbia Pacific CCO
“Our community is delighted to have been selected to receive this beautiful, vibrant mural. Every day, folks come by, some with lawn chairs and picnics to watch the daily progress! The mural is the gateway to the Coast and will bring joy, beauty, and connection for years to come!" – Susan Hobson, President, Friends of the Astoria Armory
“At PSAA, we believe that murals are more than just art on walls; they are stories of place, people, and purpose. Casey McEneny’s mural at the Astoria Armory beautifully reflects these values. Through vibrant color, local symbolism, and cultural references, this mural honors the unique spirit of Astoria; its indigenous roots, working-class history, and enduring sense of home. We are proud to support a project that not only brings a historic building back into the public’s imagination but also uplifts the voices of local artists and strengthens connections within the community.” – Tiffany Conklin, Founding Executive Director, PSAA
Mural Unveiling
On Thursday, July 24, 2025, Astoria’s largest mural to date was unveiled to the delight of a large gathering of community members at the Astoria Armory in Downtown. Titled “The Gateway,” this mural was painted in partnership with PSAA and Oregon Coast artist and educator, Casey McEneny. At nearly 4,000 square feet, the mural captures the essence of Astoria, with the unifying message “Together we are stronger.”
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