Community Gets Together to Paint a Giant River Story in Oregon City

A big 150‑foot wall on Railroad Avenue is about to become a living picture of the Pacific Northwest’s rivers. On Saturday, July 11, residents are invited to help finish the piece from 11 a. m. to 3 p. m. The mural, called “The Living Current: A Cycle of Life, ” shows fish like salmon and sturgeon, a lamprey, an osprey, and other animals that live in the area’s waterways. The wall stretches from a pedestrian tunnel to Sixth Street, and it belongs to the city. The artist who created the design is Ana Gabriela, a muralist known for colorful depictions of nature. The project is run by Soulflags Art Community Center, a nonprofit that sits at 504 Main St. They received a $46, 000 grant from Metro’s Community Enhancement Program to pay for supplies and paint. That money comes from a small fee collected at the Metro South Transfer Station, where trucks pay $1 per ton of cargo.

Anyone can join the paint day, no experience needed. Kids under 18 must bring a parent or guardian. The event is free and open to all ages. People who want to help should park near the Municipal Elevator. Organizers ask participants to RSVP so they can plan how many brushes and cans of paint are needed, but anyone who shows up is welcome. You do not have to stay for the whole four‑hour session if you prefer a shorter visit. The mural will be painted using a paint‑by‑numbers style, which guides volunteers to color specific sections. This method keeps the overall design cohesive while letting many people contribute. If you want more details, send an email to hello@anatheartist. net.

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