Last year, after a wild ride for for murals and public art regulation, Portland was finally made safe for murals—that's how some members of Portland Mural Advocates speak about it, anyways.
The City of Portland partnered with Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) on the Public Art Murals Program to provide funding for a range of artists and art to become part of the City’s public art collection. Many local artists are currently preparing for the next round of proposals review: RACC applications are due May 5th, for review in June.
Even though local artists are wrapping up the proposal process, there’s no lull in the creation of public art right now, with plenty of new murals popping up all over town. Get a snapshot of five must-see murals projects right here, and then head out to view them in their natural environments. There’s even an opportunity for the public to help create public murals in May.
Esteban Camacho’s Peoples of the Columbia
Peoples of the Columbia by Esteban Camacho
Portland State University opened its School of Social Work’s new home—the sixth floor of a LEED Gold certified Academic and Student Recreation Center (ASRC)—on April 2. Esteban Camacho, senior at Pacific Northwest College of Art, was the artist selected to add even more beauty to the new space. His thesis project is the two murals he created, painted and installed—colorful, intense work depicting the victims and outcomes of the Vanport Flood and the original inhabitants thriving on the Columbia River Gorge. These vibrant images showcase Camacho's favorite themes: the environment and community.
ABC: Art Builds Community—Art Hop Murals Project
Alberta Community Mural, project coordinator Donna Guardino. Photo: Amaren Colosi
The beloved 11th Annual Art Hop event on Saturday, May 15 on Northeast Alberta Street will engage neighbors in a collaborative murals project. Nonprofit Art on Alberta decided to take advantage of recent developments in mural legislation in order to increase the street's visible permanent public art offerings. (There are nearly 30 works of public art on Northeast Alberta Street.) Two artists—Rodolfo Serna and Esteban Camacho—are designing murals that may highlight historical topics and current civic themes like bike safety, youth, education and a thriving multicultural demographic in this arts community. The designs will be added to large panels which will be painted by the general public and youth groups on event day. Installation will happen later in May, with the pieces being displayed on the Community Energy Project, House of Umoja and Sabin CDC buildings (possibly at Cork, too).
Eager participants can just show up on Art Hop day, find the murals staging area, grab a paint brush and go for it! Additional prominent figures in the Alberta Arts District and the City scene will also be painted on the existing who's who mural displayed in the Northeast 29th Avenue alley.
Dignity Village Murals
One of many murals at Dignity Village.
You can also participate in another cool community-based project at Dignity Village. Collaborative painting projects at this homeless encampment are organized by artists Klutch and Taylor, who are committed to creating relationships and opportunities for artists and Village residents. But you don’t have to be an artist to participate—materials donations are always welcomed, and if you’re into priming a house for murals preparation, your efforts are certainly encouraged.
Tender Loving New Space
One of many murals in the new Tender Loving Empire space.
Community collaborator Hungry Eyeball assists gallery/retailer Tender Loving Empire in its move to a new downtown location by organizing their grand opening party on First Thursday, May 6th. Ten amazing murals by ten rad local artists were painted for the new space. Be sure to join the party that features the work and celebrates the efforts involved.
New Beauty at KBOO Studios
KBOO mural by Kevin Fitzpatrick
Artist Kevin Fitzpatrick has been working on a fab murals project that now appears on the front of KBOO Community Radio studios at 20 Southeast 8th Avenue. Adding color, energy and style to the building and the street, the project is about 90% finished. Swing by on your bike and give Kevin a shout out as he finishes the work. View the pictures of the process—from original sketches to finished work—right here.
There are plenty of other local projects in the works, too—from the next round of RACC grants to the Burnside Bridgehead Fence project, you’re sure to see plenty of public art being created in Portland this summer and far into the future.
View the slideshow for more images of murals or visit our Flickr gallery:
Photos © 2010 Kenneth Aaron, Neighborhood Notes
Peggy Kendellen, RACC's Public Art Manager, recently informed me of another mural installation scheduled for the end of June. The work is by Harrell Fletcher and will be located on the east wall of the 5th Avenue Cinema building (on PSU's campus at 510 SW Hall). Be sure to check it out!
Thanks Eve! The KBOO Radio listeners, volunteers and community made that experience unforgettable. Thanks to everyone who helped paint it and provide Southeast with a symbol of optimistic positivity.
This just in from Joanne Oleksiak, Portland Mural Advocates: Today (5/12) at 2pm at the corner of SE Division St and 22nd is a mural unveiling and dedication event to honor Cleveland HS student and muralist Gwen Brown. The new public artwork was designed and painted by Gwen and painted by her classmates in Molly Bellman's painting and printmaking class at CHS. Please join us to celebrate this new mural in SE Portland on the outside east wall of Bar Avignon 2138 SE Division. For more information, contact: North Rim Partners 503-525-1925.
Thanks, Joanne!