Krystal Perez's Vibrant Caribbean Dreams

A vibrant new addition to NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Sueños Tropicales by Krystal Pérez captures the artist’s past and present through vivid sunset hues, flora, fauna, and culturally significant objects. Drawing from her Cuban heritage and the warmth of Miami, Pérez describes the mural as a “blend of elements paying homage to [her] Cuban heritage, the native flora and fauna of Cuba, and the vibrancy of Miami, [her] hometown.” She continues, “while Sueños Tropicales holds a deeply personal connection to my background and experiences, it is also a colorful celebration of Caribbean culture. Through this artwork, I intend to convey not only a sense of heartfelt appreciation for the distinct communities within Latine culture but also to extend an invitation to viewers to embark on their own journey of exploration and appreciation of their cultural roots.”

Fresh Paint is a collaborative initiative from Open Signal and RACC. Since its inception, the program has offered emerging artists of color a platform to share their work. “Each new Fresh Paint mural shows us that a personal work of art can speak to people across experiences and add to the character and feeling of a neighborhood,” says Daniela Serna, Open Signal’s Communications Manager and Fresh Paint facilitator. “By centering artists and investing in their stories, we hope to nurture a thriving and inclusive future for all Portlanders.”

Continue reading for highlights from our vibrant community, artist opportunities, professional development workshops, and more!

JOIN US at the RACC office this evening for a First Thursday Open House. November 2nd from 5-7 pm! Got questions? Come over!

RACC and the Port of Portland are inviting artists to submit their qualifications for the design and installation of a permanent public art display that will be a part of the Portland International Airport’s (PDX) terminal redevelopment project. Submissions due by November 13, 2023 at 11:59 PM. 

RACC and the Oregon Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (OVLA) have joined forces this fall to host a series of workshops geared towards educating artists and art workers on legal matters pertaining to their creative practice. Join us for Copyright Considerations for Artists on November 8, 2023, 5-6:30 pm! In this free workshop, attendees will learn valuable information on the fundamentals of basic copyright protection, including copyrightability of works, ownership (initial ownership, transfers, and what is a “work-made-for-hire”), registration, infringement and remedies, fair use, and basic issues related to AI technology. 

Michael Caples (2021) by Sadé DuBoise.

RACC is proud to have seven artworks from the Public Art Collection included in the Portland Art Museum’s new exhibit, "Black Artists of Oregon." The exhibition, curated by Intisar Abioto, includes over 200 pieces by 67 Black artists. The artists from the RACC Public Art Collection include Sadé DuBoise, Bobby Fouther, Mark Little, Katherine Pennington, and Cole Reed.

“Far from isolated or ancillary, Black arts and cultural production in Oregon has been in conversation and interchange with the world, and a part of its arts and cultural movements, all this time,” says Abioto. “Black Artists of Oregon is a heralding of Black presence, interchange, influence, and impact.”

This exhibition is on view at the Portland Art Museum from September 9 through March 17, 2024. View artworks from our collection here.

REGENERATION - a 3 mural series, by Dana Lynn Louis was unveiled at The Zed PDX in collaboration with RACC - the murals reflect the enduring power and potential of seeds, fundamental to a community's growth. Two of these pieces stand tall on silos storing hops in a lively pavilion that celebrates diverse food offerings, community events, and the Lents International Farmers Market. A third mural is inside the pavilion.

The Lents community holds a rich history of stories, and over the years, it has seen transformations through creative initiatives like the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal Area (LTCURA), which has played a role in Lents since 1998. Louis, an artist deeply interested in themes of interconnectedness, has imparted a touch of beauty, hope, and contemplation to the area. Her lifelong commitment to environmental, socioeconomic, and racial justice shines through her artwork. The murals were funded by the City of Portland Percent for Art program, managed by RACC. Thank you to The Zed PDX and Prosper Portland for your collaboration and dedication to the arts!

Natalia Cardona Puerta pictured with their work (2023). Photography by Anna Chapman.

We are happy to share that illustrator & designer Natalia Cardona Puerta is preparing for their first solo show at Sonny's House! RACC Arts3C Grant supported Entre Primaveras: Memories of a Migratory Bird, opens on December 15, 2023 and is “inspired by [a] recent trip back to Colombia, and the meaning of being an immigrant with two places to call home.”