Featured Mural Exhibit - The Unity Project

The Unity Panel Project was a large scale public arts project, which entailed pairing 24 local Portland artists with 24 foster youth. 

Together each of these pairs worked one on one over the course of four months (June-Sept), to redesign the large art panels that are now publicly displayed on the building located at 1111 East Burnside, in Portland Oregon for the next 7-10 years.

This gave the youth an opportunity to build self-worth and have a positive impact on the entire city through artwork.  Each youth will get to return to the prominent building that their artwork is displayed on for years to come, with a sense of pride and accomplishment that they aided in creating a truly professional work of art. 

 

Every panel turned out completely unique and amazing in it's own way. Each story behind every panel was just as different as the aesthetic, and the connection and bond that was made between the foster youth and artists was just as special as the art that was created. 

The theme of the collaborative series, “Unity,” is meant to be a reminder that we should all be advocates for looking beyond the barriers that separate us; by race, religion, gender, and socio-economic brackets. By celebrating diversity, we are reminded that we are stronger together, regardless of our differences. We believe that art and music are meaningful tools that can be used to build bridges and weave communities closer together. Many people involved in this project are a representation of that message and come from diverse racial, gender and socio- economic backgrounds.

 

 

 

On October 12th, we gathered for an art show and fundraiser at the Redd Ecotrust on SE Salmon. This party gave the foster youth and artists the ability to present their 24 mini-murals to the public. This event doubled as a fundraiser for the upcoming year, which raised funds to give marginalized youth healing opportunities with art and music in 2020 and beyond.

This event included  -

  • A selection of local bars and restaurants offering food and beverage items 
  • 6pm-8pm public art show displaying the 24 panels. Free and all ages
  • 8pm-11pm Musical performance and DJ sets 21+
  • Several of Portland’s primary media sources covering the event
  • Interactive art installations from Axiom
  • Various raffle prizes