SUSTAINABLE SOUTHEAST
COMMUNITY COALITION
CALL FOR ARTIST SUBMISSIONS
"Hawthorne Reflections" Mural Project
Ignite the Spirit of Hawthorne with Your Artwork!
The Sustainable Southeast Community Coalition (S2C2) works to be a catalyst for positive change in Portland, Oregon. In partnership with PDX Main Streets and Progressive Development Group, we're excited to announce a public art competition to transform a prominent wall at the gateway of Hawthorne Boulevard and SE 50th into a landmark piece of community art.
Who Should Apply?
This is an opportunity open to all creatives: emerging artists, established professionals, and passionate community members of every age are encouraged to apply. We invite you to share your vision for a piece that captures the unique feeling of our neighborhood.
VISION, GOALS & THEMES
Our goal is to create a visually stunning mural that celebrates the rich identity of the Hawthorne district. We envision a piece that is not only an aesthetic enhancement but also a point of pride and connection for the community. The ideal design will be a contemporary landmark that reflects the neighborhood's multifaceted story.
We encourage artists to explore themes such as:
-
Eclectic Vibe: Hawthorne's reputation as a hub for vintage treasures, independent boutiques, and quirky local businesses.
-
Peace: Promote peace and possibly tie with nearby peace poles (installed by S2C2 and community partners) on the adjacent corner, but not literally paint images of the poles
-
Natural Crossroads: The area's connection to the natural environment, including nearby Mt. Tabor, one of Portland's urban volcanoes.
-
Sustainability: Connection to civic ecology and environmental leadership
-
Arts and Culture: The influence of the area's historic theaters (like the Bagdad), music venues, and thriving creative community.
-
Community Spirit: The welcoming and inclusive nature of the neighborhood, celebrating the diverse people who call it home.
MURAL LOCATION
The mural will be located on the west-facing exterior wall of Art Heads Custom Framing at 5000 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215. This is a high-visibility location with significant foot and vehicle traffic, offering a fantastic canvas for public art.
-
Surface: Painted cement board.
-
Dimensions: The space is 110 ¾ inches wide by 67 ½ inches tall (~51 sq ft).
-
Visibility: The wall is clearly visible to westbound traffic and pedestrians, offering a direct and engaging viewpoint.
ARTIST COMPENSATION
The selected artist will receive an amount of $1,300. This fee is intended to cover the artist's labor and materials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
A selection panel composed of representatives from S2C2, Art Heads Custom Framing, Progressive Development Group, and local community members will review all submissions. The winning design will be chosen based on the following criteria:
-
Artistic Excellence: Creativity, originality, and skill demonstrated in the proposal.
-
Local Relevance: The design thoughtfully reflects Hawthorne's unique character, history, and culture.
-
Community Appeal: The art is inclusive and welcoming to a diverse audience.
-
Visual Impact: The design creates a beautiful and memorable visual experience.
-
Feasibility: The artist's ability to execute the mural on time and within budget.
PROJECT TIMELINE
-
Open for Submissions: June 25, 2026
-
Deadline for Submission: August 18, 2026
-
Community Voting, Hawthorne St. Fair: Sun, August 23, 2026
-
Winning Submission Notification: September 3, 2026
-
Mural Installation: September-October 2026
SUBMISSION MATERIALS
To be considered, please submit the following materials by August 18, 11:59 PM PST].
-
Artist Information: Your name, contact information (email and phone number), and a link to your website or portfolio if available. (1-page maximum): Briefly introduce yourself and describe your connection to or interest in the Hawthorne community.
-
Artist Bio & Statement (1-page maximum): A clear and concise description of your mural concept. Explain how your design connects to the themes outlined in this call for submissions.
-
Mural Design & Description: A full-color digital rendering of your proposed artwork, scaled to the wall dimensions. Please submit as a high-resolution JPG or PDF file.
Please Note: The submission form requires uploading materials, which means you will be required to sign in, however we want to limit barriers to participation, so if this presents an issue, you may submit the project materials and questionaire answers listed on the submission form by mail so they arrive by the deadline.
Mailing Address:
Sustainable SE Community Coalition
Attn: Mural Coordinator
PO Box 15271, Portland, OR 97293
We are thrilled to see your creative interpretations of the Hawthorne spirit. Please share this opportunity with anyone who might be interested in leaving a lasting artistic mark on our community!
