Portland has an abundance of art in the community ranging from murals and statues to interactive exhibits. There are plenty of walk-in interactive pieces, such as the popular Hopscotch, an immersive art experience known for playing with lighting and sound. While exhibits like Hopscotch aren’t free, there is a great selection of art that is.
Murals hold space for many artists, styles, and meanings. Often in places where any community member can view and enjoy the art, murals can spread positivity and recognize people or groups. “I wouldn’t recognize Portland without all the art; everywhere you go you can count on seeing these massive pieces of art,” says Shannon Shaver, a Portland resident with a passion for art. “I appreciate how artists honor people; it’s an amazing way to thank those who are making progress while having a physical reminder for all of the city to see.”
Many murals represent different struggles, hope, or the history of Portland. One that stands out is the mural along North Edison Street which was made in 2020. With its bright yellow letters spelling out Black Lives Matter, the mural holds importance for learning, remembering, and honoring a movement towards a better future.
Another mural with significance in Portland is “Never Look Away,” painted during the summer of 2021, near the intersection of Northwest Broadway and Couch Street. It showcases eight LGBTQ+ activists painted together on a vibrant background and is meant to recognize the dedication the people featured have put in for the queer community.
While murals are a big part of public art, statues are equally as important. “Animals in Pools,” located downtown on the block contained by Southwest Yamhill and Morrison Street, is a collection featuring bronze sculptures of Pacific Northwest animals playing in fountains and is part of the Regional Art and Culture Council. The animals encourage interaction with community members, and can often be seen surrounded by people taking photos. A high school student in the Portland area, Alice Harris, expresses that she finds the statues “endearing,” and that “they make the downtown area feel more lively.”
“It’s awesome to see little kids get excited to touch them, or even walk around pointing to the different animals they know. It’s for sure someone’s core memory,” Harris mentions. “Plus I am quite keen on the fact that these are bigger statues, [so] they do make [for] a good photo with friends.” While many pieces of art can dive deep into societal issues, it’s also important to create art that can make people smile.
Murals and statues are two types of important art, and they offer a different experience than interactive art pieces. “Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail” was an interactive art piece that was open during the summer and fall of 2024. The exhibit was made up of fiberglass sculptures of the cat from the film “Coraline,” and there were 31 scattered around Portland. Community members had an interactive trail to follow, leading from sculpture to sculpture. They could be found at the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park, at Pittock Mansion in the Tualatin Mountains, and many other places around downtown Portland.
The sculptures were a way to honor the 15th anniversary of the film “Coraline,” and were a shared effort by OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Downtown Portland Clean and Safe, LAIKA, and the art installation producer Wild in Art. The cats were eventually auctioned off, which raised $324,500 for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. “Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail” gathered around 135,000 visitors, positively impacting the local economy.
Art will always be a huge part of any city; its ability to add culture and aesthetics to a community is vital. Public art also helps form the identity of a city, adding a sense of pride and belonging. Art is necessary; it brings people together and enhances life for residents and visitors alike.
