Our Mural Program connects local artists with at-risk and foster youth to create public works of art throughout Oregon. After selecting a location and an artist to take creative direction, murals are produced through a community-oriented event in which participating youth work directly alongside the lead artist to paint and create together. These projects not only beautify public spaces, but also give youth an opportunity to care for their communities, build self-esteem, and help create something colorful for everyone to enjoy. As such, our Mural Program not only impacts the students and artists involved, but also generates a greater sense of community throughout the entire city.

Crucially, our Mural Program aims to engage deserving youth who will benefit from creating public-facing art. These projects have offered hundreds of youth an invaluable opportunity to learn from professional artists, cultivate a creative skill set, and harness the therapeutic benefits of art. By providing youth with the experience of creating art in public spaces, we help them gain confidence, establish a stronger sense of self, and develop meaningful connections with others.

Moreover, our Mural Program supports local artists from underrepresented groups by offering a public platform for their art and financial support for their social and artistic contributions. We take care to select artists who are well-positioned to nurture the artistic talents of our youth and provide supportive, empathetic mentorship throughout the creative process. By highlighting the work of local artists through public murals, we hope to celebrate the rich tapestry of diversity within our community and encourage long-lasting relationships between present and future generations of artists.