Housekeys, Not Handcuffs


HOUSEKEYS, NOT HANDCUFFS
SOUTHEAST, PORTLAND


Housekeys, Not Handcuffs is an advocacy mural in support of our houseless neighbors who often get pushed aside and overlooked. The mural was painted in partnership with local homeless residents, Street Roots, and a team of local artists.

Housekeys, Not Handcuffs mural on SE Belmont St near 34th Ave.

This was a special project, in that PSAA provided pro-bono volunteer management services, and worked with a team to fundraise and secure a budget for artist stipends and paint supplies.

The mural was designed and painted by a team of 4 local muralists, including Jade Sturms, Maddo, and friends. It is designed in a style similar to other Sunnyside Neighborhood murals PSAA has assisted with including the Keep on the Sunnyside Mural (SE 30th & Belmont) and the mural at the historic F M Knight Building (3300 SE Belmont St.), making it the perfect addition to the neighborhood's art collection.

Street Roots vendor Tony Boone, and Caleb Ruecker in front of the Leroy Memorial Mural. A longtime member of the Sunnyside community, Caleb helped manage the Leroy Blocks mural projects along with PSAA.

With both these new murals, PSAA has been helping to host free BBQs for the local houseless community in the Sunnyside neighborhood and Leroy’s freinds.

Mural detail: housekeys, a Street Roots newspaper, and a nearby tree where Leroy once carved his late wife’s name into.

Inheritance


INHERITANCE

PORTLAND, OREGON


In Spring of 2022, Portland muralists Alex Chiu and Jeremy Nichols took their skills to new heights – Eleven stories to be exact! After over a year of planning with PSAA, the tenant, and property owner, Chiu and Nichols spent 10 days towering above the city to create their new stunning mural, “Inheritance.” This landmark mural in downtown Portland is PSAA’s tallest mural to-date.

Inheritance at the corner of SW 2nd and Salmon 

With its location at the very top of the building, the mural required training and certification on swing stage scaffolding for both artists. As part of the mission of Portland Street Art Alliance, we aim to create opportunities for artists in the Pacific Northwest to continue to grow their skill sets. With this project, PSAA was thrilled to help Alex and Jeremy take the next steps in their already amazing muralist careers. 

“This is the first time I’ve ever worked so high up by far,” said Chiu after his first day on the scaffolds, “The craziest part of the process was stepping over the railing into the scaffold for the first time at a hundred feet up and being told to start painting.”

Artists Jeremy Nichols and Alex Chiu

The piece's title ‘Inheritance’ defines the visual story. At the base of the mural are the hands of an elder placing a bowl in the hands of a child – illustrating the passing on of knowledge and a more sustainable, nourishing and bountiful world for future generations. The bowl is a metaphorical heirloom, brimming with lively symbols of the Pacific Northwest, including ferns, Oregon Grape blossoms, a pinecone, raspberries, blackberries and trillium flowers – all topped with a perfectly perched bluebird. After all, this is Portland, and we love to put birds on things! In the background, three monarch butterflies flutter through the air with Douglas Fir trees framing a silhouetted Mt. Hood – symbolizing home, regional familiarity, and nature.

“This mural was not only an amazing opportunity, it was truly an absolute blast to paint with Alex again. This was our first time working so high up, which I think only added to the fun experience. I am honored to have worked on this project, and to add a little color and life to the city of Portland for everyone to enjoy.” – Jeremy Nichols 

“The theme of inheritance is one that has become important to me as the father of young children, and something that I reflect upon as my parents grow older. For me, the mural is a hopeful depiction of the relationship between the older and younger generations. We become who we are because of the elders, mentors, and teachers in our lives. It eventually becomes our responsibility to pass down our legacy to the next generation. The mural is also a celebration of the beauty of life in the Pacific Northwest.” – Alex Chiu

Inheritance is 11 stories up and can be seen from many vantage points across Portland.

Located at 250 SW Taylor St (at the corner of SW 2nd & Salmon), this massive 52' x 50’ piece of art looks like it’s floating in the sky – providing our beautiful skyline with a locally-made artistic gem to be enjoyed by future generations. 

BEHIND THE SCENES


Photography: Sara Sjol, Tiffany Conklin, Alex Chiu and Jeremy Nichols for PSAA.

A Celebration of Culture


PORTLAND MERCADO FENCE

FOSTER-POWELL, PDX


 On February 12, the Portland Mercado (@portlandmercado) hosted a celebration to mark the completion of Portland muralist Christian Tellez (@w_esi) new mural at the Mercado. The celebration began with a ceremony and dance by Huehca Omeyocan Aztec Dance (@huehcaomeyocan) and closed with music by Ache Son. 

Artist and architect Christian Tellez’s vibrant new mural spans the entire parking area fence, providing a striking tableau for patrons and passers by. This captivating new work evokes the feeling of being at a traditional Latin American Mercado, and is rich in color and cultural references. 

ABOUT THE WORK

Artist Christian Tellez

“The happiness of giving and sharing inspires the Portland Mercado Mural. For Latin American culture, sharing a table with food is a common sign of care and love. We want to share the same with the Portland community. The vibrance of colorful ingredients and fruits, reflects the happiness of sharing a good time with friends and family, and music can't be missing on those occasions. 

In our countries, going to the Mercado means tons of colors, noises, music, people shouting, chatting, laughing, good food, pretty much like a party. A party without friends means the same as a table without people to share food and love for our culture. And the people who work in the Mercado become extended family, and hopefully, the mural becomes a warm welcoming to the community. Hence, we always have room for you to join our table.” – Christian Tellez 

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

This beautiful new mural is part of the improvement project at the Portland Mercado, made possible with support from Travel Oregon (@traveloregon) and Prosper Portland (@prosperportland).  

“We are thrilled to have this beautiful addition to the Portland Mercado which will enhance community space and serve as a testament to the colorful, bold, and dynamic individuals that make up our community at the Portland Mercado and the vibrant and eclectic cultures that are a part of our heritage.” 

– Ernesto Fonseca, CEO Hacienda CDC @hacienda_cdc 

READ AN INTERVIEW WITH THE HACIENDA CDC AND CHRISTIAN TELLEZ


Photography by Sara Sjol for PSAA.

Green Means Go


GREEN MEANS GO MURAL

CENTRAL EASTSIDE, PDX


A brand new mural now greets visitors to the Central Eastside Mural District! This new mural was painted by Maggie Wang (@mag.dre) with the assistance of Portland Street Art Alliance. It’s located in Southeast Portland, next to Taylor Electric.

“It was important for me to do this mural with Leafly because I believe that anyone, and especially Black and brown communities, should be able to enjoy weed without stigma. It’s about joy, and the mural captures what I love most about my hometown: that anyone can do what makes them happy, no matter what other people think.” - Maggie Wang

The mural was also made into a NFT to benefit Oregon Handlers, an organization that helps BIPOC community members get their handler’s card, in an effort by Leafly. The NFT has sold out, but luckily everyone can still enjoy this smokin’ new mural. Roll on over and check it out!

This project was commissioned with the help of Bay Area company, Media Ventures

Time To Get Down


THE GET DOWN

SOUTHEAST, PORTLAND


Geometric wizard Xavi has transformed a drab space in SE Portland in to a funkadelic spot to get down! His colorful abstract aesthetic was the perfect fit to bring this new Portland venue to life.

Using the newly created branding as inspiration, Xavi created a series of record-like shapes across the bar area’s two main walls. Behind the bar the wall is accented by more abstract circular patterns that perfectly frame the Get Down’s neon sign. The same record style is extended to the front entrance and the logo was painted on the interior wall, greeting guests as they enter the venue.

The Get Down is a versatile event and music space, equipped with state of the art sound and lighting equipment. See the their full event calendar at thegetdownpdx.com

Finished interior photos provided courtesy of the The Get Down.

Welcome to Toledo


WELCOME TO MAIN STREET

TOLEDO, OREGON


363 North Main Street, in the heart of downtown Toledo. Toledo’s new mural will span the entire north side face of the historic building, owned by the Krause Family.

Toledo Oregon now has an eye-popping “Welcome to Main Street” mural, designed and painted by the fabulous Jeremy Nichols. Working through high winds, heavy rain, and hail, Jeremy and his assistant Hayden Senter hammered this mural out in just one week. This job site was particularly tricky to paint due to the uneven and extreme slope. Luckily, the City of Toledo hooked us up with a City bucket truck and operator!

​”This mural at the entrance to Main Street will help to distinguish one of the remaining true Main Streets here on the Oregon Coast and bring more awareness to our history and culture here in Lincoln County.”
— Rod Cross, City of Toledo Mayor

The mural features all things Toledo. From left to right: Paint brush and splatters to represent Toledo’s artist community, a Boomer mountain beaver (Toledo’s high school mascot), rhododendron flowers, golden chanterelles, logs and logging equipment (symbols of Toledo’s major paper mill industry, still in operation), railroad spikes (historic and present day rail line hub, check out their awesome railroad museum!), deer antlers, Douglas firs, and the mural’s center piece - a majestic Painted Lady butterfly common in Oregon.

Big thanks to the City of Toledo and Sequoia Consultants for making this happen! Even though it can be a challenge, we love painting on the Coast and in small rural towns across the Pacific NW! It’s very rewarding and amazing to see everyone’s reactions.

“I wanted to create a bright energetic mural that creates a sense of wonderment and curiosity, and help tell a story of the area. This is an exciting opportunity to brighten up the neighborhood, bring people together, and get to know the local community.”
— Artist Jeremy Nichols.

Ladies Up

Artist Kyra Watkins getting started on her first mural in Portland, OR.

Artist Kyra Watkins getting started on her first mural in Portland, OR.

Portland Street Art Alliance’s Ladies Up Project brings new murals to SE Portland, all by female-identifying artists based in Portland, Oregon.

The Ladies Up Mural Project is located at Morrison Place at 1401 SE Morrison St, (along SE Alder St & SE 15th Ave). This mural project was made possible thanks to a partnership with the property owner Killian Pacific, sponsors Miller Paint and Metro Paint, and donations from neighborhood association residents.

This mural space is part of a unique donation-based community mural program, where PSAA is provided full curatorial control and artists are provided considerable open creative freedom in their work.

For this collaboration, PSAA chose a broad theme: a line-up of emerging local female-identifying artists. Female/femme/non-binary artists are highly underrepresented when it comes to overall access to painting in public space. As a result of this gender inequity, not all perspectives and stories are being told in our artistic landscape. Street art is a very male-dominated culture, so PSAA has been working to create opportunities and safe spaces for female-identifying muralists to paint.

MEET THE MURALISTS

SPRING 2022

The first piece along SE 15th Avenue was painted by Villatose is an interconnected wonder, with two women intertwined by hair and hands in a passionate embrace. The next work by Lynsee Sardell features a magic scene with open hands and soft colors popping atop rays of light. The third panel by Bernadette Little depicts a stunning stylized portrait in her signature style. The last mural is a beautiful tribute to a dearly departed friend, painted by Brenda DePriest.

WINTER 2021

In November of 2021, PSAA teamed up with the Independent Publishing & Resource Center (IPRC) to organize two more murals at Ladies Up by Laura Camila Medina and Angela Saenz. Laura is current working on their MFA at Yale School of Art. Angela Saenz originally from Omaha, NE creates paintings and drawings rooted in personal observation of the human experience.

SUMMER 2020

Along SE Alder Street, you will find the original line-up of the Ladies Up murals painted during the height of the racial justice protests the Summer of 2020. Tatyana Ostepenko was born and raised in Soviet Ukraine and painted three Babushkas gazing out onto a rural Ukrainian landscape. Salomée is a bilingual designer with Algerian and Peruvian decent born in Switzerland who has went onto launch a successful mural career after painting this mural. Amaranta Colindres was born in Santa Ana El Salvador and raised in California and painted a powerful tiger using all spray paint. Isis Fisher born and raised in Hawaii painted a trippy pair of figures using only black and white. Kyra Watkins originally from Cincinnati, Ohio painted a man with a parrot on their shoulder and has went on to start a youth program mentoring foster kids in mural art. Sunny Beard is a tattooist and cancer thriver, originally from Reno, NV, who painted a detailed snake along with red carnations. Finally, N.O. Bonzo a Portland-based contemporary artist who is known for their feminine images and hard hitting political content.

This project is part of PSAA's Community Art Program, where property owners and the community provide donations to support public art projects that are fully curated by PSAA. Selected artists are provided small stipends for their work, along with very open creative freedom to produce work that they want to add to their portfolio. This program often supports emerging artists, experimentation, and innovation.

“Imagine a New Sisterhood” Mural by Laura Medina and Angela Saenz, in partnership with IPRC.

“Imagine a New Sisterhood” Mural by Laura Medina and Angela Saenz, in partnership with IPRC.

Muralist Amaranta Colindres uses aerosol spray paint to create her mural, while other participating artists use brush work and latex paint.

Muralist Amaranta Colindres uses aerosol spray paint to create her mural, while other participating artists use brush work and latex paint.

As an organization, Killian Pacific believes that fueling creative expression in our city leads to healthy vibrant communities. We strive to celebrate the arts in each of our projects and have been privileged to work with the PSAA team on many murals and installations throughout our portfolio. The “Ladies Up” mural project spearheaded by PSAA is one of our favorites to date, as we truly appreciate the intent to support local female-identifying artists in creating an all-women’s mural wall in the city of Portland. Additionally, we feel that in supporting artists during the unprecedented times we are experiencing today we are not only supporting individuals, but also providing beautiful, artistic moments of hope for everyone to enjoy. - Chelsea Rooklyn, Killian Pacific

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

The Central Eastside Mural District is funded, in part, by the Regional Arts & Culture Council, Prosper Portland, the Oregon Arts Commission, and the Central Eastside Industrial Council’s Central Eastside Together grant program. Additional support from Buckman Neighborhood community members; Dylan Huff and Katherine Kiely.

We Are Portland


WE ARE PORTLAND

CENTRAL EASTSIDE, PDX


Portland muralist Devin Finley and 7 regional graffiti artists completed an expansive mural titled “We are Portland.” In true PacNW style, this mural took several months to complete amid a wet winter season.

Located at SE 7th & Division, the mural features 6 large colorful portraits of Portlanders. This massive full city block mural can be seen from the 99W bridge, greeting viewers as they head into the Central Eastside, and overlooking the Rail Heritage Center.

Also featured prominently on the wall, brightly between each person, a stellar line-up of prominent Portland & Bay Area writers: Other, Nimby, Purge, Twigs, Raskoe, Norse, and Ckos.

Artist Devin Finley with a self-portrait

“We are Portland” is a mural focusing on several portraits, showing our city’s diversity; LGBTQIA+, people of color, various ages and gender identities, folks who are unhoused, and people living with disabilities. I wanted to turn away from the typical skin tones used to represent people, and experiment with an array of other colors. The additional portions of graffiti are a nod to the roots of where I acquired my skill set for this line of work.” – Devin Finley

The west wall features a self-portrait based on a high school photo. Surrounding the portrait are loving graffiti call outs to his daughters Ki and Miko. The next portrait on the south section of the building is Devin’s wife - completing his family tribute.

The Leroy Blocks


THE LEROY BLOCKS

SOUTHEAST, PORTLAND


In December of 2021, Portland Street Art Alliance and a group of local artists and community members came together to create a mural dedicated to Leroy Sly Scott (1956-2020), a longtime houseless neighbor in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Portland. Artists Kyra Watkins, Caleb Ruecker, Sarah Farahat and Tammy MacKinnon designed and painted the mural. Tony Boone, a community member and Street Roots vendor, helped assist. The mural was painted on the side of the historic Belmont Market located at SE 34th & Belmont, owned by Nick & Genevieve Clock. Many who have lived, worked, and played in this neighborhood likely recognize Leroy. He lived on the streets of Belmont for three decades. Many of us remember Leroy fondly as he always greeted people with a smile and kind gesture.

In August 2019, Leroy finally moved from the streets into housing, thanks to the hard work of his friends who advocated for him until the end. Leroy lived happily in his own apartment, but always missed his friends on Belmont. Less than a year later, Leroy was rushed to the hospital. He was unable to eat or drink for many days because of immense back pain. After a lot of tests, doctors found cancer had spread throughout his entire body. Leroy sadly passed away two weeks later at the Peace Hospice House with his friends by his side, listening to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Folks from all around the city and world sent Leroy video messages, stuffed animals, cards, and his favorite candies. Friends held a socially distant memorial outside of Belmont Market for Leroy in which dozens of neighbors came to pay their respects and share stories about their dearly departed friend.

The Leroy Scott Memorial Mural now graces the side of Belmont Market, right next to the stoop Leroy spent many of his days. The portrait was painted by a muralist, Kyra Watkins. Next to it, in type designed by local artist Alicia Schultz, is his favorite saying, “All around the world, the same song," inspired by the Digital Underground song. 

The lettering and alcove were painted with the help of Caleb Ruecker, Tiffany Conklin, Tony Boone, Sarah Farahat, and Tammy MacKinnon. Additional designs are being added by the team, created by local artist Woke, who also painted the new Belmont Market sign a few years ago

House Keys, Not Handcuffs.

A SECOND MURAL has been created at the Leroy Blocks on the back of Tao of Tea, in a parking lot at 35th & Belmont. This mural is an advocacy piece to support our houseless neighbors that often get pushed aside and overlooked. The mural was painted by a team of local muralists with the message “House Keys, Not Handcuffs.” Also included are call outs to the Street Roots newspaper.

DETAILS OF HOUSE KEYS, NOT HANDCUFF S MURAL

The mural was created by a team of 4 local muralists including Jade Sturms, Maddo Hues, and friends. It is designed in a style similar to the Keep on the Sunnyside Mural (30th & Belmont) and the mural at 3300 SE Belmont St, making it the perfect addition to the neighborhood's art collection. With both these new murals, PSAA has been helping host free BBQs for the local houseless community, working in partnership with Street Roots vendor, Tony Boone. 

Once a year, PSAA chooses one pro-bono community project where we volunteer our management time and work to fundraise to secure a budget for artist stipends and paint supplies. These two murals are 100% community-driven and supported.

LEROY BLOCKS IN THE NEWS

Friends of Leroy, Tony Boone, Frank Sinatra (the dog) and Caleb Ruecker.
Photo Courtesy of: John Notarianni, OPB



PHOTOS OF LEORY AND FREINDS

PHOTOS OF THE IN-PROCESS MURAL WORK on THE FIRST MURAL

Salt and Straw


SALT AND STRAW PRODUCTION

CENTRAL EASTSIDE MURAL DISTRICT


Portland Street Art Alliance is pleased to announce the completion of a tasty installation at Salt & Straw’s Production Kitchen in the Central Eastside Mural District. After nearly a year in the making, in December of 2021, seventeen artists from Portland and Seattle came together to wrap the nearly 7,000 square foot building in a confectionery dreamland!

The Snow Miser by BOSE

All artists worked with aerosol spray paint over a three week period to transform their portion of the Salt & Straw warehouse walls. Artists had the freedom to paint what they pleased, but were asked to keep a loose color scheme and an ice cream and candy theme in mind. 

The South wall runs along SE Ash Street, which is now transformed by three crisp and colorful Candyland-inspired works by GPK crew artists BOSE, FLASH, and CALM.

The East wall that runs along SE 3rd Avenue is anchored by two amazing throw-backs by artist BOSE from the 1974 claymation classic cartoon, The Year Without A Santa Claus.

The Ash Street side begins with Snow Miser spraying snowflakes across the wall. Down the way, a classic work by ABNR (4SK) covers the wall in candy-colored style. Two works on this wall are by street artist OUCH (MLS) with a shout out to HOPS (Seattle). These pieces include a rainbow colored work with a smiley scoop of ice cream on top.

In the center of the wall is a beautiful bombshell named “Candy” decked out with clever candy callouts by artist Villatose, who recently moved to Portland from Miami FL.

Next up are works by notorious Portland graffiti artist ZAE of the MLS crew, and BUNDY, another longtime Portland artist. The end corner is held down by another massive character painted by BOSE, this time a sundae-slinging Heat Miser, another familiar classic from the 1974 cartoon The Year Without A Santa Claus. The end corner is held down by another massive character painted by Bose, this time a sundae-slinging Heat Miser, another familiar classic from the 1974 cartoon The Year Without A Santa Claus.

The entire North facing wall of the Salt & Straw Community Project was managed by longtime artist and community organizer, Jay Meer, and is an ode to the cultural and historic landmark Burnside Skatepark, located just around the corner on SE 2nd Ave under the Burnside Bridge.   

The wall includes several pieces, a massive transition, and is capped at both ends with a skate rat and an ice cream eating, skateboard riding wild hare. Jay Meer pulled together a stellar painting crew including VIDEO (Seattle), YETI (Seattle), Sam Harang (PDX), and Grreviews (PDX).

And there’s an extra sweet surprise on Salt & Straw’s recycling shed on the South side of the building which is covered with delicious works by artists GIVER and EKOSE of the 4SK crew. 

Artwork by Jay Meer

Thank you to all our partners!

PSAA would like to thank the property owners, Michael and Patsy Myers for their support and partnership on this ground breaking new project.Michael Myers built this warehouse decades ago, after starting Coastal Produce when he was just 19 years old.

Not only were they part of making Produce Row what it is today, Coastal Produce was one of the largest produce distributors in the United States and revolutionized the produce distribution industry during its time in business.

“Having done business in the Central Eastside of Portland for almost six decades, I have never seen such a beautiful, rapid, ongoing transformation of a business district as what I am seeing with Portland Street Art Alliance’s mural projects in our Central Eastside. Building by building, mural by mural, Tiffany Conklin and Tomas Valladares of the Portland Street Art Alliance, along with these gifted artists are making Central Eastside such a beautiful place to live and work. I would strongly encourage other business and property owners to work with PSAA to be the next building in this transformation of our beloved Central Eastside.”

– Michael Myers, Property Owner

PSAA would also like to thank the ownership and management of Salt & Straw (a local Portland based ice cream maker) for their incredible support in this effort, from property owner negotiations, to site preparations, and oversight – and for the delicious ice cream party they hosted for the artists and PSAA team!

"We are beyond excited to be a part of this project. We love Portland and the Central Eastside is becoming a hub of local food makers, so investing in this part of the city is very important to us. These artists are incredibly talented and giving them a canvas to display their art is truly an honor. We feel so lucky to be graced with their beautiful work on a daily basis as we come to work - it makes every day better for hundreds of people in the area!”

– Kim Malek, President & CEO, Salt & Straw 

Thanks to The Painter Guys, LLC for laying down such a yummy minty palette and for their help creating the larger-than-life sprinkle motif featured across the top of the building. The Painter Guys are an artist-led commercial painting company.

PSAA would also like to thank Todd DeNeffe for their ongoing support and guidance in the Central Eastside navigating painting sites like this.

Also, a big thank you to the Safety for All team efforts ensuring that our artists have safe access to the walls for painting.

Although we got rained out, PSAA would also like to thank Trash for Peace’s Ground Score for helping us get houseless day workers lined-up for wall prep at this site.

An empowered Villatose, learning to operate a large boom lift for the first time.

And thank you to Tomas Valladares of PSAA for providing free several of the artists with free aerial lift OSHA safety training in preparation for this mural project. These skills help artists grow and gives them the ability to take on larger, well-paying projects.


Photography by Sara Sjol for PSAA. Additional photos by Chris Christian.

Vernonia Mural Festival


VERNONIA MURAL FESTIVAL

VERNONIA, OREGON


October, 2021 (Portland, OR) – Portland Street Art Alliance is pleased to announce the completion of eight new murals in downtown Vernonia. Working alongside PSAA, and local resident Rachael Organ, the Columbia Economic Team secured a grant from Travel Oregon to help beautify downtown, selecting several walls around town to be painted with murals. 

Artists Oliver Casillas and Francisco Morales

This fall, six Pacific Northwest based artists came together to paint at various sites through downtown Vernonia. Artists Jeremy Nichols (@plasticbirdie), Francisco Morales (@laylowcreative), Maddo Hues (@yomaddo), Hayden Senter (@chairboy), Oliver Casillas (@casillas_oliver) and Dan Lee (@bigtroublehandpainted) weaved together stories of Vernonia’s past and present, all while creating art to help expand its future. The area features a variety of outdoor activities including camping, biking the lush Banks-Vernonia trail and fishing on Lake Vernonia. Vernonia’s outdoor beauty combined with its restaurants, shops and murals make Vernonia the perfect locale for a taste of rural Oregon with an urban flair.

Panels from Artist Maddo Hues mural at R&S Market.

With materials ranging from latex to spray paint, artists worked in a variety of styles to create a vibrant mosaic of new public art in Vernonia. While concepting the mural artists worked closely with community members and building owners to bring the best of Vernonia to the walls of its downtown.

Themes include both historic and modern-day commerce – with highlights honoring Vernonia’s rich logging history and references to the historic Vernonia Oregon Lumber company and railroad, the region’s flora and fauna, local outdoor recreation, and Vernonia’s cinematic history.

Since Vernonia is over an hour's drive from Portland down winding roads in the mountains, artists stayed at the Caden Inn, located in downtown Vernonia. This unique experience allowed artists time to enjoy the charming town, eat at its restaurants, and to interact with residents.

I felt like I was a part of Vernonia for that week or two. Seeing the same kids run around the block, or the same few people who couldn’t sleep at night coming up and talking when I was wrapping up painting for the day. I feel lucky being able to paint in a place where public art doesn’t happen that much or at all.”
- Hayden Senter

“Painting in Vernonia was truly an incredible experience. I did not know a lot about this area beforehand. Through my time there, I fell in love with this town. It’s amazing to learn so much about a town and the locals in just a few days. The local community was welcoming, supportive, and very excited to see all of us brighten up the town. Being able to interact with the locals, I was able to learn about their history, the history of the town, and the local culture.”
- Jeremy Nichols


INAUGURAL VERNONIA MURAL FESTIVAL

On September 4, as artists were wrapping up, Portland Street Art Alliance, local non-profit Hands on Art, and community members across town, held an Inaugural Mural Festival to unveil its new gallery of public art. 

Attendees chatted with artists, took photos, and even created a bit of art themselves with chalk provided by Hands on Art. Community members from Hands on Art also hosted a mural festival information booth, handing out maps so people could find the new artwork.

People came by foot, car and bike to see the artists in action and to take in a beautiful rural Oregon day. Both locals and tourists alike enjoyed talking with the artists, learning more about the process and the inspiration behind the art and, of course, taking photos. 

The new public piano, painted by artist Oliver Casillas was put to good use at the festival as locals serenaded passersby with piano and mandolin music. PSAA directors Tomás Valladares, Tiffany Conklin, and Galen Malcom were at the festival talking to locals and visitors, taking impromptu groups of people on mural tours throughout the day.

After the festival wrapped a seventh mural featuring scenes from the classic 1961 film, Ring of Fire, was completed by artist Dan Lee on the side of the old Joy movie theater.


COMPLETED VERNONIA MURALS

Mariolino's Pizza - Artist Francisco Morales, Assisted by Oliver Casillas

For the festival, artist Francisco Morales created a vibrant mural with call-outs to Vernonia's logging traditions both past and present. The mural also features visual cues to Vernonia's classic car (and motorcycle) meetups that begin in Vernonia and zip through mountains of the Coast Range. White trilliums that dot the bottom are native to Vernonia’s forest in the spring.

Extra, Extra!

This location had extra space on its walls, and visiting artist Oliver Casillas (Talent, Oregon / Guadalajara, Mexico) was able to create an impromptu mural during his stay. Casillas was also able to paint another impromptu project, thanks to a local resident donating an old piano that was painted with leftover supplies. It now resides in one of Vernonia public plaza’s for all residents to use and enjoy.


Black Iron Grill + Island Grill - Artist Jeremy Nichols

During his stay, Jeremy Nichols completed two murals in Vernonia. The first mural, located on the back of the Black Iron Grill, focused on the local bird species found in the area. The great white egret can often be spotted at Vernonia Lake, while the red-winged blackbird is common at sites across the area. The stumps lining the base of the mural are a nod to local loggers. 

Nichols’ second mural is located in a community park/alleyway next to Island’s Grill. Featuring a rooster, strawberries and local greens, this mural was a homage to area farmers and Vernonia’s farmers market.


 Rock Creek Professional Building -  Artist Hayden Senter

Mural by Hayden Senter

Artist Hayden Senter enjoys painting subtle scenes derived from his surroundings. His murals tend to contain antique and discarded objects that are often overlooked. 

Senter’s double mural gives the viewer the impression of looking from one window and seeing through it to the mural on the other side.

On the front panel, entangled in wildflowers, sits an old bicycle parked next to a wooden window pane. On the right side of the window rests a glimmer of Vernonia’s past - a rusted steam donkey. A steam donkey, or donkey engine, was a steam-powered winch once widely used in logging. Abandoned and rusty old steam donkeys can still be found in the mountains surrounding Vernonia.

“ I hope my mural functions as a place for people to stop and look. Maybe take them somewhere else for a moment. I’m looking forward to the way people interact with these elements in my mural - that they are relatable enough to recognize as familiar - but also used differently enough to allow for a different perspective.”
- Hayden Senter


R & S Market - Artist Maddo Hues

Gracing the entire front of the R&S Market, this multi-panel mural by Portland-based artist (and ex-train hopper) Maddo Hues tells the story of Vernonia. The tall dividing panels feature representations of natural commodities of the area with lumber, fish and flora. 

The first wide panel depicts a fisherman on the Nehalem River that runs through town. The second features bike riders on the Banks-Vernonia Trail. The last large panel on the right is an homage to the Banks-Vernonia railroad which is now the site of the Rails-to-Trails project that created the Banks-Vernonia Trail.  

“I decided to paint a handful of different scenes and objects that represent both the history and present day activities that make Vernonia such a nice place to be. I got to meet many of the locals since I was painting at the only grocery store in town. I could hardly go 15 minutes without receiving a compliment from someone. It is very fulfilling to have had the opportunity to use my skills to create something that the community of Vernonia enjoys so much.”
– Maddo Hues


Gretchen’s Saddlery & Joy Theater -  Artist Dan Lee

Artist Dan Lee took his inspiration from Vernonia’s cinematic history. His mural is a conglomeration of scenes from the 1961 movie Ring of Fire. Vernonia is where much of the town and the burning mill scenes were filmed, including the iconic steam engine crash from atop a local trestle. Lee also recreated the type from the original movie poster to tie the mural together.

In 1961, Georgia-Pacific Corporation had just phased out its fleet of steam locomotives in its closed down Toledo, Oregon logging operations. Some locomotives went to local community parks for display, but one was sacrificed for the Ring of Fire shoot.

I feel very fortunate to have been allowed this opportunity to paint on this beautiful historical landmark and hopefully to have made something that resonates with residents in the community. It’s hard to put into words how palliative the experience was, painting in that idyllic setting during early fall, and the kind words of encouragement from those passing by. I can only hope that the rest of the projects I’m lucky enough to be a part of are as special. Thanks to all the folks at Portland Street Art Alliance, Travel Oregon and Miller Paint for the opportunity and support, and thank you Vernonia for having me! - DAN LEE


All Eyes on Vernonia

While Vernonia has struggled economically and was hit hard by the pandemic, there are creative bright spots that make it unique. Starting with 1961’s Ring of Fire, Vernonia has enjoyed a rich cinematic history including movies such as Twilight and Vernonia’s most recent production, Harpo Film’s The Waterman. A key feature that brought the production crew to Vernonia was another creative bright spot in town, the ‘Old Mill’ or locally known as the “Chip Shed”.

The Vernonia mill, located at Vernonia Lake, was one of the last remnants from the timber mill that was set aflame in Ring of Fire. It sat empty and mostly unused for years, aside from a bit of graffiti by local kids. 

Six years ago, with the owner’s permission, PSAA began coordinating with the mill owner and visiting artists to give the Old Mill in Vernonia a second life. Since the Old Mill project’s inception, Vernonia has become an unexpected epicenter for street art, far beyond the confines of the city. This touchstone started a partnership that directly led to the creation of this mural festival.

Murals help communities create a long-lasting shared experience, as well as providing social and commercial value. By creating compelling spaces for people to visit, spend time at, and pose for photos on social media, these permanent pieces of public art will assist Vernonia with its economic recovery by helping bring in more tourism dollars – all while fostering better understanding to help overcome the rural-urban divide.

With local Vernonia support, the Portland Street Art Alliance has applied for an Oregon Community Foundation Grant in the hopes to expand the festival in 2022. Special thanks to the City of Vernonia for being so welcoming, Rachael Organ for all her hard work securing walls and helping with festival planning logistics, Paul Vogel and Wela Negelspach at the Columbia Economic Team for their administrative support, Josette Mitchell at the City of Vernonia for processing all the permits, Kyle LaMontagne for his videography support, Brenda Fielding at the Caden Inn for help with accommodations, and the entire artist team,project partners, and local community residents for all their hard work and support in making this event a reality.

Vernonia Mural Festival Locations

805 Bridge St @plasticbirdie 
735 Jefferson
@yomaddo 
712 Bridge St
@plasticbirdie 
622 Bridge St
@chairboy_
721 Madison 
@laylowcreative
919 Bridge St
@casillas_oliver
715 Bridge St
@bigtroublehandpainted
733 Bridge St
@gatsptv 
Video Recap:
https://vimeo.com/632555082


Living Building Murals


3 New Murals at PAE Living Building

DOWNTOWN , PORTLAND


Artist Jessilyn Brinkerhoff in front of her coastal inspired mural.

Three new murals now grace the walls of Portland’s newest Living Building. Portland Street Art Alliance worked with PAE Engineers to produce a mural for each level of their new headquarters in the PAE Living Building in downtown Portland. Each floor depicts a different Oregon ecosystem. The third floor is inspired by the Oregon coast, followed by a forest scene on the fourth floor, and on the fifth floor; an alpine landscape.

Forest Landscape

Alpine Landscape


Eugene-based artist Jessilyn Brinkerhoff was a natural choice to bring the Oregon outdoors in. Brinkerhoff’s rural Oregon roots along with her love of wild places and bold design made her a perfect fit.

Jessilyn spent a year completing regional research and site visits to craft a distinct look for each ecosystem. Both an experienced graphic designer and muralist, Jessilyn combined her skill sets to create three graphically compelling and visually stunning murals. 

Each mural features both flora and fauna found in each ecosystem tied together with a series of concentric circles inspired by the Fibonacci spiral. The colorways were selected with inspiration from the colors of each region. 

All materials in the building, including the mural paint, were held to the strict standards of the International Living Future Institute’s Living Building Challenge Red List. The Red List represents the “worst in class” materials, chemicals, and elements known to pose serious risks to human health and the greater ecosystem that are prevalent in the building products industry.

Brinkerhoff’s Design on Paper

“I was honored to paint for the new PAE Living Building, a truly incredible space that is paving the way for others to learn from.” - Jessilyn Brinkerhoff


COASTAL ECOSYSTEM

The coastal ecosystem features a palette of tawny browns, pastel orange and coral colors, depicting Oregon’s rocky coast. The scene features gooseneck barnacles, razor clams, coastal climate wind patterns, kelp, waves, seabirds, coral, ocean fish, starfish, a brackish estuary, and an ancient ammonite fossil. Offshore monoliths including Haystack Rock anchor the scene.


ABOREAL ECOSYSTEM

The Forest mural features rings of the forest ecosystem including the mycorrhizal layer, soil, the canopy, old growth trees, butterflies, fiddle ferns, earthworms, sword ferns, colonies of mushrooms, and multiple species of flowers. The colors were drawn from the hazy blue of distant trees and the vibrant yellows and greens of Oregon’s temperate rainforests.


ALPINE ECOSYSTEM

The top floor of the PAE Living Building features Oregon’s alpine ecosystem. The mural contains clouds, rain, snow and native plants including pinecones, evergreens, fir trees, beargrass and wildflowers. The center scene highlights a snow-capped peak overlooking a tree- lined valley. The colors are inspired by the bluebird skies and powder white of Oregon’s alpine environments in winter.


What is a Living Building?

Living Building Certification is the world’s most rigorous proven performance standard for buildings. A building that achieves Living Building Certification must meet all performance imperatives of seven Petals: Place, Water, Energy, Health and Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty. Three of the most notable requirements are 1) that the building must generate all of its own energy, 2) capture and treat all of its water onsite, and, 3) meet the imperatives of the Materials Petal. Living Buildings achieve their full certification after one year of occupancy. Learn more at: https://living-future.org

Why is the PAE Living Building different?

Located at SW First and Pine in the heart of the city’s historic Skidmore/Old Town District, the mixed-use PAE Living Building is designed to be the first fully certified Living Building in Portland and the largest commercial Living Building in the world. 

Designed to last for 500 years, the approach marries the look and feel of a historic neighborhood with the highest possible energy performance and sustainability standards. Inside, healthy materials meet ILFI’s Red List requirements, ample daylight, views, operable windows, and other biophilic strategies to support occupant health, comfort, and productivity. The building is set to help achieve Portland’s 2050 renewable energy target of 100 percent renewable energy 30 years ahead of schedule. Notably, all of the building’s water and energy needs will be produced via rainwater capture, and onsite and offsite solar arrays.

MORE INFO AT: https://www.pae-engineers.com/projects/pae-portland-living-building

Photo Gallery

Downtown Details


NEW MURAL IN DOWNTOWN PDX

PORTLAND, OREGON


PSAA is excited to share Chet Malinow’s latest mural creation, working in partnership with CBRE (@CBRE). This mural is located in CBRE’s newly renovated office building in downtown Portland, ASPECT, at 400 SW 6th Ave.

“I enjoyed the mathematics and intense planning of this project. I call this style of painting “Pill Paintings.” The solid fields of color or pills, where mapped out with a laser level to keep everything straight. Then, I filled in all the black shapes with a variation of paint pens. This work is extremely meditative, and I really enjoy filling in all the black background. I have developed the black shapes from years of drawing and learning how to use each shape to fill in a void of space.”

Upper Left Cities

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

From the authors of Portlandness comes Upper Left Cities, a new book that compares and contrasts San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle through innovative cartography. In 150 infographic maps, this compelling book compares and contrasts the great cities of the Upper Left part of the US. Upper Left Cities explores unexpected and diverse topics like lost jazz clubs, Japanese food, church bells, and Sasquatch through creative infographics leveraging forms like crossword puzzles and musical notation.


Upper Left Cities was co-authored by Portland Street Art Alliance board member and PSU Professor Hunter Shobe. PSAA Executive Director, Tiffany Conklin has also co-written a section about the graffiti scene in these great west coast cities.

Custom Fonts by Galen Malcom

Custom Fonts by Galen Malcom

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Graffiti section co-written by Tiffany Conklin

Graffiti section co-written by Tiffany Conklin

Upper Left Cities redefines modern cartography by going into uncharted territory to create a narrative about three great cities through informative and detailed infographic maps. Who needs Rand McNally when you can explore a city by taking a trip through wildlife and city trails or by drilling down into your city's voting records, commutes, marathon routes, and food and drink patterns? Better yet, why not compare three great cities at once?

The work of two geographers and their team, this cultural atlas includes more than 150 maps, each using data around a given topic and then translating that to a visual format that blends traditional cartographic skills with modern graphic design. A perfect blend of form and function, each map is meticulously and ingeniously designed. The collection of maps cover history, geography, social and economic issues, and pop culture, offering readers a visual, intellectually stimulating experience that they will want to dip into again and again.

About the Authors

Hunter Shobe is a cultural geographer and assistant professor at Portland State University. He holds a PhD in geography from the University of Oregon and has more than twenty years of experience researching the cultural, political, and economic dimensions of how people connect to places and environments. Past studies focused on diverse topics, including the role of Football Club Barcelona in constructing urban identity in Barcelona, and national identity in Catalonia. 

Additional Photography by Rachel Escoto.  Additional Research provided by Lourdes Jimenez.

Additional Photography by Rachel Escoto. Additional Research provided by Lourdes Jimenez.

David Banis has managed the Center for Spatial Analysis and Research in the Geography Department at Portland State University since 2006, working with a wide variety of partners at the federal, state, and local levels. His work explores the diverse ways that cartographers can tell stories with maps, focusing on the mapping of nontraditional subjects.

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!

POWELL'S

INDIE BOUND

AMAZON

BARNES AND NOBLE


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Mt Whitney Blocks


Sixteen New Murals Pop on Portland’s Central Eastside

CENTRAL EASTSIDE , PORTLAND


Jack Graydon, Matt Schlosky and Jesus Torralba

Jack Graydon, Matt Schlosky and Jesus Torralba

Portland Street Art Alliance is pleased to announce one of our largest Community Art Projects to date. This August, sixteen artists from across the city came together to paint The World Pac, Inc. building at 636 SE 10th Avenue in SE Portland. This new project, named the Mt. Whitney Blocks, contains a gallery of new works in a wide range of styles and techniques.

Lawson Buemio

Lawson Buemio

Jesus Torralba

Jesus Torralba

Sunny Beard

Sunny Beard

Using a mix of spray paint and latex bucket paint, each artist worked over a three week period to transform their portion of two city blocks in Portland’s Central Eastside Mural District. 

Artists had the freedom to paint what they pleased, as they continued to hone their skills. Each artist was given a section of the World Pac, Inc. building that wraps around SE 11th and Alder.

The first wall begins on SE 11th street, which is now transformed with murals. Splashes of color delight as one walks by each unique panel. The content of the murals is as varied as the artists themselves. Subjects range from fun scenes, to stories of the past, friendly reminders (such as ‘plants are our friends’) and themes of identity and culture.

Works by Boycott Yourself, Daniel Santollo and John Vance.

Three murals on the 11th street side of the project

The Mt. Whitney Blocks contain works from established artists like Matt Schlosky, a 15-year Portland veteran artist, to a piece by first time solo-muralist Victor Bizar Gomez. 

“The genuine excitement I saw from people on the streets about my mural has been so refreshing, and I can't wait to get out there again in the future. Much thanks to Portland Street Art Alliance for inviting me into this project.”
Victor Bizar Gomez

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“Huge thanks to Portland Street Art Alliance for including me in this group mural project in SE Portland. I had an amazing time meeting all the artists and spending a few days painting in the sun. Looking forward to doing more murals in 2021!” –Jade Strums

These projects give artists the opportunity to build their portfolios by allowing them to work at scale and in their preferred style. Artists from various PSAA Community Projects have since been selected from PSAA’s Artist Roster for market-rate commissioned work across the region.


Sponsors & Partners

The Central Eastside Mural District is funded, in part, by the Regional Arts & Culture Council, Prosper Portland, the Oregon Arts Commission, and the Central Eastside Industrial Council’s Central Eastside Together grant program.

WALL MANAGER: 
Lawson Buemio

PHOTOGRAPHY:
Sara Sjol

Calligraphy and Culture


Portland Street Art Alliance Hosts Qatari Artist Fatima Al Sharshani

CENTRAL EASTSIDE , PORTLAND


Artist Fatima Al-Sharshani at her mural.

Artist Fatima Al-Sharshani at her mural.

Portland Street Art Alliance was pleased to work with Qatari artist Fatima Al-Sharshani via our partners at Gradient (NYC) and Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture program. In 2021, Year of Culture paired with JEDARIART, to bring Qatari muralists to the United States. JEDARIART is a public art initiative and international cultural exchange designed to deepen understanding between nations and their people. This is the first year JEDARIART is travelling internationally, pairing local partners with visiting artists in 5 cities across the U.S.

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Over a two week period, artist Fatima Al-Sharshani worked with the assistance of Portland artist Sarah Farahat to create a stunning calligraphy-based mural at the Mt. Whitney Blocks in Southeast Portland. This was Fatima’s first visit to the U.S. and their second public art mural production.

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After laying down the brushed portion of the circle, Fatima began adding letters in Arabic calligraphy. While each letter stands on its own, the bounty of letters flowing together help one appreciate the beauty of calligraphy in an altogether new way. As a finishing touch, splatters were added in an organic fashion.

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The mural, titled "Never Ending / Endless" is an abstract piece that merges Arabic letters into a shape of a circle, representing continuity. The piece is intended to be viewed clockwise (Arabic writing reads right to left). Following along the circle, one’s eyes are transported down and around to Fatima’s expressive calligraphy that finishes the form. 

The inner depth of the circle is a “sensory expression that sparks a notion of infinity, and the never-ending power that lives within us.”

Because I have the passion for Arabic calligraphy, I feel that there is a relationship between myself and the letters. When I can’t write something, the letters are sad, because for a long time I did not talk to them.
— Fatima Al-Sharshani via The Willamette Week
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This beautiful new piece is part of a larger Portland Street Art Alliance community project known as the “Mt. Whitney Blocks.” This project features a total of 15 murals and gave Fatima the opportunity to exchange ideas and techniques with multiple Portland-based artists. Learn more about the larger Mt Whitney Blocks project here.

“I had a good experience with this project. I enjoyed getting to paint in Portland and meet fellow muralists.”
— Fatima Al-Sharshani

While in Oregon, Fatima was able to visit the Oregon Coast, tour mural sites across the city, pet her first dog, and experience the magnificence of local landmarks such as Multnomah Falls.


ABOUT THE ARTIST

Fatima Al-Sharshani 
Never Ending / Endless
@qair.qa

artist.jpg

Qatari-based calligrapher, Fatima Al-Sharshani, has been honing her artistic penmanship for the past several years. Originally a Chemistry and Food Science graduate from Qatar University, Fatima first discovered her passion for the arts in 2011.With Calligraphy, Fatima has given her written words more power. She enjoys the calmness and perseverance that comes from continuously improving her skills, and the meditative effect it has on her. While perfecting her skills in Diwani, Moroccan Calligraphy, Thulth, and Free line, she has organized multiple calligraphy workshops in order to share her passion with her community.

ABOUT QATAR USA 2021 YEAR OF CULTURE

Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture is a partnership between Qatar Museums (QM), the United States Embassy in Doha and the Embassy of Qatar in the United States, featuring a wide-range of programming including exhibitions, festivals, bilateral exchanges, and more.

ABOUT JADARIART

JEDARIART is an annual program in Qatar developed by Qatar Museums in 2020 to add vibrancy and meaning to the walls of Doha murals, encouraging individuals to reflect on social, historical, and cultural conversations and contains a diverse range of works by some of Qatar’s most recognized artists and by celebrated international artists throughout Doha.


PRESS

Article from Portland’s Willamette Week

Article from Portland’s Willamette Week

Article in Doha News

Article in Doha News

Gulf Press Newspaper

Gulf Press Newspaper

New York Daily Press

New York Daily Press

Article By Peninsula News in Qatar

Article By Peninsula News in Qatar

Post by I Love Qatar

Post by I Love Qatar


SPONSORS


Thank you to our partners:

Gradient 
North Rim PDX
Central Eastside Industrial Council 
World Pac Inc.
Ground Score Association / Trash for Peace

Production Assistants: 
Sara Farahat
Caleb Ruecker 

Photography:
Sara Sjol

Storytelling in Kalama


BRINGING BOOKS TO LIFE

KALAMA, WASHINGTON

Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” - Mason Cooley

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Work has begun on a new public mural by professional artist Tatyana Ostapenko in Kalama, Washington. The mural was designed to represent and highlight some of the magical wonders and fantastical journeys that await those who explore the books found inside the Kalama Public Library.

Kalama Washington is located 40 miles north of Portland, Oregon. With a population of nearly 3,000, Kalama offers small town values and charm. Envision Kalama is a non-profit organization in Kalama that supports projects that enhance the community, beautify the town, and provide educational experiences. Envision Kalama was founded in 2007 by a group of citizens who wanted community members to contribute to enhancing Kalama for now and for the future.

Artist rendering of proposed mural

Artist rendering of proposed mural

In 2019, Envision Kalama contacted the Portland-based non-profit Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) asking for assistance in facilitating the commissioning of a regional artists for mural projects in Kalama. PSAA presented an overview of their mural program, process, and past projects to Envision Kalama in the Winter of 2020. Working closely with the project team, PSAA created a large roster of regional artists recommended for a mural project of this scale and nature. Several bids were collected from considered artists, with Portland-based Ukrainian muralist Tatyana Ostapenko being selected by Envision Kalama. The project team worked collaboratively in developing the design and is now working to coordinate mural planning and preparation activities.

PSAA Executive Director Tiffany Conklin explains that “the quality of our shared public spaces speaks volumes about what we, as a society, believe to be important. Public art projects like murals not only bring more cultural vibrancy and interest to a place, but they also help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience art in their everyday lives.”

Mural work started Monday August 2 and will continue for about a week or so. Press is invited to sign-up for receiving updates about the mural painting timeline and opportunities for interviews with artist Tatyana Ostapenko and project partners.


Tatyana Ostapenko (Artist), a contemporary visual artist that creates history paintings that record the daily lives of people who usually don’t make it into official historical records. Tatyana uses images from her native Ukraine to speak about universal human experiences and evoke empathy and hope in the face of adversity. Tatyana was born and raised in Soviet Ukraine and currently lives in Portland, OR. She holds a BFA in Studio Practice from Portland State University. When she is not painting or staring out of her studio window, Tatyana is picking chanterelles in the mossy woods of the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about Tatyana, and see her paintings at https://tatyanaostapenko.com/

Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA), a non-profit organization and network of advocates and artists who manage public art projects in the Pacific Northwest. PSAA has completed over 100 public and private art projects and commissions since 2012. This mural will be the third mural project PSAA has managed in Washington, and the first in the City of Kalama. More information: www.pdxstreetart.org

Envision Kalama, a non-profit organization in Kalama that supports projects that enhance the community, beautify the town, and provide educational experiences.

Sponsors: Envision Kalama, Kalama Public Library, Miller Paint

Never Look Away


First LGBTQ+ Community Mural in Portland

NORTH PARK BLOCKS, PEARL DISTRICT


“Never Look Away celebrates the beauty and struggle of queer people, declaring that queer people are here to stay, because we have always been here. Creation and resistance have been sisters throughout history. We must create what we want in the world alongside resisting that which others people and leaves them vulnerable to anger and violence.”   – Mural Production Team


The first of its kind, the new 120ft Never Look Away mural in Portland celebrates eight pioneers of the LBGTQ+ community. Marsha P Johnson, Kathleen Saadat, Rupert Kinnard, Lynn Nakamoto, David Martinez, Angelica Ross, Asa Wright, and Aydien Dowling. The mural is located at 720 NW Davis St in downtown Portland.

It was brought to life by artists Cassandra Swan (design lead), Kyra Watkins (portraits) and mural assistants Rachel Oleson, Tommie Mack-Davis, (aka, Nafsi), and Naomi Likayi.

Artist Kyra Watkins, painting the portrait section of the wall. Watkins painted all eight portraits.

Artist Kyra Watkins, painting the portrait section of the wall. Watkins painted all eight portraits.

This mural took 5 years to pull together, thanks to a team of three producers:

ZOE PILIAFAS
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER / SHE/HER

Zoe Piliafas has produced two iconic murals in Portland: The Fiercest Athletes by Jeremy Okai Davis and the Black United Fund Mural by Eatcho and Jeremy Nichols. For the past two years she has worked to produce the Historical Black Heritage Markers, five permanent 7ft massive art markers on Alberta Street. She believes that every person who walks around Portland should be represented and welcomed through narrative experiences that reflect their own existence.

RUBAN LAWRENCE
PRODUCER / HE/HIM

Ruban Lawrence has worked in software consulting for 12+ years, and has extensive experience in project management. As a brown queer man, there is great meaning for him in being able to use his professional skills to contribute to the queer rights movement by co-creating the Never Look Away mural.

CASSANDRA SWAN
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER / ARTIST / SHE/HER

Cassandra Swan is an illustrator and designer who strives to create positivity and human connection through art and design. She specializes in crafting compelling visual narratives and building community through art-based play. She loves to explore how our differences strengthen us when we work together and believes the future can only be built on diversity. Her work centers around creative play, expression, education and collaboration. Never Look Away has been an opportunity to couple creation with resistance, and to work across communities to create a future that welcomes and serves all Portlanders.

With a chance meeting years ago between Zoe Piliafas and LGBTQ+ activist, Kathleen Saadat , the concept sprang to life. “I’m going to be putting a mural up that’s going to have you on it along with some other significant community members from the LGBTQ community.” With that spark, Portland’s first LBGTQ+ community mural was born.

After five years, and with the help of a many different organizations, the mural has come to life. Piliafas was able to secure funding with the help of Pride Northwest, the City of Portland and most of all, in-kind contributions from the community.

Portland Street Art Alliance assisted the production crew in commissioning some of the artists, in addition to providing the team with logistical support, consultation, and painting supply loaners.

Portrait painter Kyra Watkins first worked with Portland Street Art Alliance last year during our Ladies Up mural series. After moving to Portland from Columbus, Ohio just over two years ago, Kyra has already made her mark on the Portland landscape. “This is perfect for me because portraits are what I do,” Watkins says, “It’s right where I feel comfortable and right at home so I’m really excited. And the cause means a lot to me so you know that’s divine planning I think.” Watkins stated to OPB in an article covering the mural project.

In addition to honoring the activists, Tanzania artist Tommie Mack-Davis (Nafsi), found a global meaning to the work; they explained how it’s still illegal to be gay in their homeland and that gay people face reprisals, beatings and murder.

Eventually, Piliafas plans to create educational materials mural that can be used in schools and handed out at walking tours. She hopes this project will spur greater conversation and provide historical acknowledgment for the local and national LGBTQ+ community.

RIBBON CUTTING

On August 20, 2021 the Never Look Away (@neverlookaway) mural was officially dedicated in a ceremony. August 20th was also honored with a proclamation from the Office of the Mayor as “Never Look Away Day” in Portland, Oregon.

The event featured an array of folx who helped make this mural possible and supported the massive undertaking. Speakers included Curator Zoe Piliafas, Producer Ruban Lawerence, mural honorees David Martinez, Asa Wright, Rupert Kinnard and Lynn Nakamoto and artists Cassandra Swan and Kyra Watkins . Speeches were made by Portland City Commissioners Carmen Rubio and Dan Ryan. Also in attendance were mural painting assistants, Rachel Oleson, Tommie Mack-Davis, and Naomi Likayi.


FEATURED IN THE MURAL

 



Marsha P. Johnson

Was an American gay liberation activist and self-identified drag queen. Known as an outspoken advocate for gay rights, Johnson was one of the prominent figures in the Stonewall uprising of 1969.

Kathleen Saadat

LGBTQ+ activist, Kathleen Saadat, helped organize Portland, Oregon's first gay rights march.

Rupert_Kinnard.jpg

Rupert Kinnard

Creator of the first African American LGBTQ comic book characters.

Lynn_Nakamoto.jpg

Lynn Nakamoto

Nakamoto is a founding member of the Oregon Minority Lawyers Association and sat on the board of Porltand’s Q Center .

She is one of eleven openly LGBT state supreme court justices currently serving in the United States.

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David Martinez

A founding board member of Portland’s Q Center and also co-founded the Portland Latino Gay Pride, now known as PDX Latinx Pride.

Angelica Ross

An American businesswoman, actress, and transgender rights advocate. Founder and CEO of 'TransTech Social Enterprises', a firm that helps employ transgender people in the tech industry.

Asa_Wright.jpg

Asa Wright

A Klamath/Modoc Tribal member that identifies as Two-spirit . In 2004 he founded the Portland Two-Spirit Society, joining the 32 Two-Spirit societies across the US and Canada.

Aydian Dowling

An activist, speaker, and YouTuber who started the clothing company Point5cc, which benefits the transgender community.

 


PARTNERS + SPONSORS

  • Pride Northwest

  • Miller Paint

  • Star Rentals

  • Really Big Video

Moving on Up!


The New Central Eastside Mural District Continues to Grow with 5 New Murals at All Service Moving

CENTRAL EASTSIDE , PORTLAND


5 new murals under the Belmont Viaduct completed in June 2021.

5 new murals under the Belmont Viaduct completed in June 2021.

The Central Eastside Mural District is even more vibrant as Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) and local Portland artists Naomi Likayi, NotSik, Hayden Senter, Pono and Habiba Abdul Rahim have completed a large-scale installation painted on the All Service Moving building at 66 SE Morrison, under the Belmont Viaduct. This project was completed with major support from the Central Eastside Together Community Grant Program.

In just the past two years, Portland Street Art Alliance has painted over 53,000 square feet of new murals in the Central Eastside Industrial District. With this initiative, PSAA aims to celebrate the unique creative spirit of the Pacific Northwest’s diverse communities, increase recognition of the importance of the arts in Portland, and further the City’s ambitions to foster accessible spaces for working artists.

Hayden working on his Union Pacific inspired mural at All Service Moving. Photo: Sara Sjol

Hayden working on his Union Pacific inspired mural at All Service Moving. Photo: Sara Sjol

Artists worked night and day for two weeks in June to paint these new murals, using a mix of spray paint and latex bucket paint, along with a 45’ boom lift and ladders. Portland Street Art Alliance has been working with building management and district representatives for several years in order to get the logistics in place to make this project happen, expanding the Mural District and enhancing Belmont Viaduct coordinator. 

Painting in progress in the Central Eastside. Photo: Sara Sjol

Painting in progress in the Central Eastside. Photo: Sara Sjol

With this project, PSAA also launched a new ongoing partnership with Ground Score Association, a peer-led initiative of the non-profit Trash for Peace. This special work program helps folks with housing insecurities gain access to paid work and job training opportunities. Laborers are assisting PSAA with wall preparation and base coat painting and getting paid a living wage for their work.

Habiba working on their first large-scale permanent mural in Portland.  Photo: Sara Sjol

Habiba working on their first large-scale permanent mural in Portland. Photo: Sara Sjol

This five mural installation was supported by a PSAA-secured grant from the Central Eastside Industrial Council’s Central Eastside Together grant program. Central Eastside Together works to enhance the pedestrian experience, reinforce economic viability and promote Central Eastside’s unique identity through innovative and highly-responsive programs.

Completed murals by PONO and Naomi Likayi. Photo: Sara Sjol

Completed murals by PONO and Naomi Likayi. Photo: Sara Sjol

The goal of the Central Eastside Mural District is to create a world-class public art destination in the industrial heart of Portland. The vision of the Mural District includes: 1) empowering regional artists to take new risks and further develop their public practice and portfolios, 2) honoring the district's unique history and enhancing its identity as being a walkable public art destination, 3) preserving space for creative and cultural production in a rapidly changing urban neighborhood, and 3) placing Portland’s Central Eastside on the global map as a hub for innovative and grassroots public art programming.

Not Sik working on their new mural featuring wolves and rabbits. Photo: Sara Sjol

Not Sik working on their new mural featuring wolves and rabbits. Photo: Sara Sjol

With these projects, underrepresented artists from the Pacific Northwest are supported with project management assistance, permit procurement, painting supplies, and most importantly, livable-wage compensation from PSAA and project sponsors. At a time when Portland is experiencing accelerated redevelopment and demographic changes, especially in the booming Central Eastside, it is important to create and save spaces where artists from around the region can work, grow, and thrive. This initiative strives to ensure that street art is an integral part of the district’s identity as a hub for art innovation, makers, and culture-builders.


ABOUT THE WORK

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NAOMI LIKAYI
Ancestral Portal
@mungala_nao

“This mural is based on the first part of my thesis project at Portland State University, as a graphic design student. I wanted to mix my illustration style alongside Kongolese (Angolan/Congo) visual writing systems. These symbols come from ancient Kongolese religions that were meant to bridge communication between mankind's ancestry, creation, and the cosmos. In the mural, you can see six different symbols that represented a new beginning in my artistic practice. My illustration style is very abstract and figurative, so I wanted to carefully choose symbols that would visually mesh with my illustration style but had a lot of impact in terms of my narrative. The heavy influence of spirituality with these symbols and how I feel about the creative process is very connected.”


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NOTSIK
Vicious Cycles 
@notsikk

“This piece represents all the chaos and evil in this world, and how we are all just some rabbits trying to run, hide, and survive it all. There’s far too many wolves out there who are dying for the chance to eat your heart out.”




HABIBA ABDUL RAHIM
The Watchers: Keep One Eye Open
@habiba_abdulrahim_art

“Keep one eye open" is an idiom that I grew up hearing elders say; it was a reminder to always remain vigilant and watchful. This piece has been a reflection on the person that I want to become and how I am remembered  when I am gone. I want to be like the elders that I learned from; they were wise, nurtured, developed and guided, and anchored their families and community. I want to be remembered as someone who stood against injustice and oppression, who fought and never gave up, and was a "Watcher" over her community. May we all be Watchers over our communities.”


HAYDEN SENTER 
Seem To See 
@chairboy


“Just a glimpse into what I’m trying to find most days. Some sense of grounding to let my brain rest and explore something unfound.”




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PONO
Serpent And Centaur
@ponopinto

“This is an image in which the centaur could be any one of us, likely embroiled in our own personal struggles. The serpent loosely represents adversity and strife, perhaps a year’s worth. It’s not quite clear which one is winning the battle, but the centaur is prepared. Oddly enough, the idea isn’t necessarily related to astrology, even though I am a Sagittarius myself!”




The Art of Art Mini-Documentary Series by Kyle LaMontagne


SPONSORS

The Central Eastside Mural District is funded, in part, by the Regional Arts & Culture Council, Prosper Portland, the Oregon Arts Commission, and the Central Eastside Industrial Council’s Central Eastside Together grant program.


PARTNERS

Thank you to our partners:

Central Eastside Together, Safety for All Teams (provided by NW Enforcement), Ground Score Trash for Peace, City of Portland Office of Community & Civic Life, Miller Paint, Metro Paint, Rose City Self Storage & Wine Vaults, Baby Doll Pizza, Star Rentals, Jupiter Next Hotel, The Painter Guys, Belmont Building LLC.

Central Eastside History Mural


Portland Street Art Alliance Expands the Central Eastside Mural District with New Mural Dedicated to the History of the Industrial District

CENTRAL EASTSIDE , PORTLAND


Photo: Sara Sjol, PSAA

Photo: Sara Sjol, PSAA

Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) worked with three lead artists (Devin Finley, Jeremy Nichols, and Dan Lee) and nearly 20 regional graffiti artists to paint a massive 12,000 square foot mural dedicated to the nautical history of the Central Eastside Industrial District of Portland. This project is part of the non-profit group's efforts to seed a world-class mural district in the Central Eastside. This mural can be found at 211 SE Yamhill St. Portland, OR 97214.

This colossal new mural was a partnership between PSAA and the Central Eastside Industrial Council (CEIC), the neighborhood business association, and with significant grants from Prosper Portland and the Oregon Arts Commission. CEIC secured a grant from Prosper Portland and contracted with PSAA for assistance managing and implementing this mural project. CEIC is also donating all of their staff time to support this district beautification and improvement project


A TEAM EFFORT

Muralists Jeremy Nichols, Dan Lee, and Devin Finley in front of a small section of the new mural. Photo: Tim Trautmann.

Muralists Jeremy Nichols, Dan Lee, and Devin Finley in front of a small section of the new mural. Photo: Tim Trautmann.

In May and June of 2021, three local artists, Jeremy Nichols, Devin Finley, and Dan Lee, had the opportunity to showcase their skills, painting a mural honoring this unique Portland neighborhood. Working closely with a team of professors from Portland State University, including Dr. Carl Abbott, famed Portland historian and Dr. Hunter Shobe, cultural geographer and member of Portland Street Art Alliance’s Board of Directors, PSAA gathered historical research to help inform the content of this mural.

Muralist Devin Finley works to paint a historic dockside view of the Central Eastside. Photo: Tim Trautmann.

Muralist Devin Finley works to paint a historic dockside view of the Central Eastside. Photo: Tim Trautmann.

Photo: Sara Sjol, PSAA

Photo: Sara Sjol, PSAA


HISTORY LESSONS

The mural design honors the history of the Central Eastside Industrial District and this stretch of the Willamette River. Specifically, the industrial and maritime history as a hub for shipping and commerce in the late 1800s. Included will be historic views of the Willamette River during the early industrial boom, spawning Chinook and Coho Salmon, flowing wapato, fishing nets, wooden ship hulls, buoys, anchors, and fishing piers. Carl Abbott explains that, “Willamette River shipping grew Portland from a straggling settlement to a major city. The docks, mills, and warehouses of the eastside were central to its industry and commerce in the 19th and early 20th century.”


STYLE WRITERS

Completed project with work from various graffiti artists adorning the bottom. Sara Sjol, PSAA

Completed project with work from various graffiti artists adorning the bottom. Sara Sjol, PSAA

Keeping true to their mission of supporting and advocating for writers and graffiti-style art, PSAA has also arranged almost 20 regional artists (based in Portland, Seattle, and Idaho) to paint a production along the bottom 10ft of the two main mural walls, along with the third loading dock side of the building. In this line up included: JOKER, MAWK, KANGO, GIVER, ABNR, DELAY, NOTES, QUE, DEPTHS, UTER, JAHDI, RITE, NIMBY, RASKO, OTHER, CEAD, NERD, FIBER, QUETZAL and ISREK.

These artists were selected from an open call to artists, and are among the best and most highly-respected writers in the Pacific Northwest. PSAA’s unique approach involves extensive community outreach and providing opportunities to underrepresented and diverse street artists. PSAA provides artists with the guidance, support, and supplies they need to create large-scale murals that engage with the larger community. These types of opportunities provide artists avenues to expand their skill sets, build their networks, and work portfolios.


A NEW PARTNERSHIP

Paint sprayer training by The Painter Guys for Ground Score workers.

Paint sprayer training by The Painter Guys for Ground Score workers.

With this project, PSAA also launched a new ongoing partnership with Ground Score Association, a peer-led initiative of the non-profit Trash for Peace. This special work program helps folks with housing insecurities gain access to paid work and job training opportunities. Laborers are assisting PSAA with wall preparation and base coat painting, and getting paid a living wage for their work.

The building that the mural is being painted on was originally owned by Herbert M. Clark Jr., and was built in 1953. It was a family-business called Holman Transfer Company; a warehouse and trucking facility. It was then leased to Nor-Air for decades until around 2000 when that company was acquired by the current tenant, Airefco, a wholesale distributor of heating, air conditioning and ventilation products.


 The CEIC is proud to call PSAA a partner in the creation of the Central Eastside Mural District. A longtime center for urban manufacturing, Central Eastside businesses value the making, creativity and innovation that’s at the heart of this initiative. This new mural reflects the scope of our ambitions to bring colorful walls and artistic expression to the Central Eastside.
— CEIKC Executive Director, Kate Merrill

SPONSORS