Pedestrians and cyclists crossing the newly opened Blumenauer Bridge now have a visual feast waiting for them as they enter the Lloyd District: a boldly colored mural wrapping around a Metro parking garage.
The tableau was painted by Japan-born artist Jeremy Nichols. You’ve likely clapped your eyes on some of his other works around town — like the one featuring a bluebird on a downtown high-rise, or the scene with a peek-a-boo black bear on the edge of Slabtown. The new design at 600 NE Grand Ave. showcases Jeremy’s signature bold lines + elements that tie his nature-inspired graphics together.
Large native flowers (like trillium + Oregon grape), butterflies, bees, and a hummingbird are some of the first big pieces that stand out when you gaze at the mural — fitting subjects since the location is within a pollinator corridor. Look a little closer and you’ll notice things like a stylized bow tie, which is a tribute to the pedestrian bridge’s namesake Congressman Earl Blumenauer, along with a TriMet MAX line map, I-beam railroad tracks, and silhouettes of bikes.
The Lloyd Community Association, Metro, and the Portland Street Art Alliance worked together on the mural project for over a year. Keith Jones, the president of the Lloyd Community Association, said this is just one of many projects in the works by local businesses, residents + groups to improve the district.
An opening celebration of the new mural will take place Thurs., Oct. 6 from 8-11 a.m. on site. Swing by to chat with neighbors, enjoy free coffee, and hear from the muralist himself.
