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. 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. Murals help communities create a long-lasting shared experience, as well as providing social and commercial value. This is an exciting opportunity to brighten up the neighborhood, bring people together, and get to know the local community.”īig 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. 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.
There is an active fundraiser for completion of the House Keys, Not Handcuffs mural at the Tao of Tea at. We have raised funds to complete the first mural on Belmont Market. These two murals are 100% community-driven and supported. 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.
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. 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. The mural is being painted by a team of 4 local muralists including Jade Sturms, Maddo Hues, and friends. The mural will be painted by a team of local muralists with the message “House Keys, Not Handcuffs.” Also included are call outs to the Street Roots newspaper. This mural will be an advocacy piece to support our houseless neighbors that often get pushed aside and overlooked. 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.Ī SECOND MURAL is in progress on the side of Tao of Tea, in a parking lot at 35th & Belmont. 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. After a lot of tests, doctors found cancer had spread throughout his entire body. He was unable to eat or drink for many days because of immense back pain. Less than a year later, Leroy was rushed to the hospital. Leroy lived happily in his own apartment, but always missed his friends on Belmont. 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. Many of us remember Leroy fondly as he always greeted people with a smile and kind gesture. He lived on the streets of Belmont for three decades. Many who have lived, worked, and played in this neighborhood likely recognize Leroy. The mural was painted on the side of the historic Belmont Market located at SE 34th & Belmont, owned by Nick & Genevieve Clock. Tony Boone, a community member and Street Roots vendor, helped assist. Artists Kyra Watkins, Caleb Ruecker, Sarah Farahat and Tammy MacKinnon designed and painted the mural.
Last December, 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.