On Saturday, August 23, Concordia University unveiled a community mural on the side of the building at NE Ainsworth and NE 30th Streets in Portland, Oregon. The unveiling also marks the grand opening of the new location of the university’s bookstore, “The Bookmark” at that same location.
The mural was created by Concordia University students under the direction of Larry Gross, chair of the art department and Greg Lewis, of Greg Lewis Studios and current adjunct faculty member in the art department. The students were supported in their work by community leaders Ken and Marta Thrasher, who donated the necessary funds to make the mural a reality, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council, which was involved through their public art group.
The mural, which took 18 months from conception to finality, was painted by six Concordia University students over 5 weekends. The mural was intended to communicate integrity and community and to accentuate Concordia University’s expanding outreach into the north and northeast neighborhoods. The location of the mural, where the campus meets the community is a “perfect fit.”
“The mural is symbolic of Concordia University’s relationship with the community and how powerful that relationship can be when the campus and the community come together to embrace their respective cultures and values,” said Concordia Executive Vice President, Gary Withers.