The Arbor Lodge neighborhood has a new mural expressing healing, growth, and power. The mural, titled "The Shirley," was designed and painted by artist and activist Salomee Souag and students in the youth-leadership organization Global Works Community Fund. The mural contains only five colors, all a calming shade of blue, showing two figures planting seeds while a river runs between them.
Salomee met with the students over the summer to talk about the theme of trauma and healing. “I think coming out of the pandemic, many of us can relate to feeling isolated. It was important for me to talk to the students about how safe space and a sense of community can help us heal from trauma.”
The Global Works students and Salomee spent three days painting the mural at 6517 N. Interstate Avenue, across from the Rosa Parks MAX Station. “We were so pleased that the neighbors were supportive of this project. In fact, they asked to help paint the mural with the students,” said, Global Works Community Fund executive director Mark Bennett.
“I think this mural represents accepting all of the good and bad parts of the healing because with healing comes growth but there always has to be some rain to have sunshine,” said Genesis, a high school student in the Global Works group.
Creating the mural was a labor of love for the students, one that allowed them to tell an important story while building community.
“For me, the part of the mural that means the most is the fact that we all worked together on what it is and what it represents and the fact that it is going to be put up for others to see so that they can also get the message.” said Amelia, a high school student with the project.
Public murals have a rich history in our city. They retell important history, such as Arvie Smith’s tile mural “Still We Rise” on MLK Boulevard and Alberta Street. They also provide a space for artists to share abstract or fictional ideas, such as Michael Reeder’s “Clarence the Cloud Creator” on SW 12th and Burnside Street. Murals can also discourage graffiti, as people are more likely to respect the artist’s work and graffiti on multi-colored surfaces is less visible.
Global Works completed the mural with help from the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) Public Arts Mural Program, funded by the City of Portland. The program provides up to $5,000 in matching funds for murals that reflect a diversity in style and media. Portlanders can also apply to paint a public mural by getting an Original Art Mural Permit from the Bureau of Development Services.