New Mural in the District! Discover the Central Eastside: Built to Last
A new mural has been stacking up in the Central Eastside! During the month of June, Portland muralist and illustrator Alicia Schultz has been diligently building a beautiful mural that invites people to “Discover the Central Eastside.” This new landmark mural, titled “Discover the Central Eastside: Built to Last” was commissioned and funded by the Central Eastside Industrial Council and Central Eastside Together, with support from Venture Portland.
“We are incredibly proud to commission this 2,000 square-foot mural that invites everyone to explore the Central Eastside. We want visitors to know when they’ve arrived in the District, and we want them to feel inspired by what’s happening here. This artwork reflects both where we’ve been and where we’re going. The cargo boxes nod to the Central Eastside’s legacy as an industrial hub, while the hand, acting as a crane, represents the makers, creators, and innovators who are shaping the district’s future.”
– Carolyne Holcomb, Executive Director, Central Eastside Industrial Council
“Discover the Central Eastside: Built to Last” honors the past while lifting it into view, inviting reflection on what we carry forward. It’s a story of a place made not just of steel and structure, but of people, persistence, and community. Working on this project and painting this mural has allowed me to connect with Portland’s Central Eastside Industrial District – a neighborhood layered with history, industry, and resilience. Learning some of the stories behind this neighborhood was inspiring – you can feel how the past still shapes the neighborhood today. Creating artwork on a wall that faces downtown and the constant movement of the highway made me feel in the middle of it all, connected to the pulse of the city. I feel gratitude for being a part of this project and creating the mural that shares this story of the Central Eastside.”
– Alicia Schultz, Muralist
Visible from I-5, Alicia’s captivating and colorful design draws attention to the Central Eastside and its transformation to a cultural hub. As a highly visible participant in the Central Eastside Mural District, PSAA is thrilled to help contribute to this iconic new mural in the heart of the well-loved central district.
“This piece is more than just a striking visual landmark; it’s a tribute to the district’s rich legacy and dynamic evolution. We’re proud to have worked closely with artist Alicia Schultz, the Central Eastside Industrial Council, Central Eastside Together, Beam Development, and Cargo to shape a design that honors that complexity. A special thank you to Venture Portland, which was also a major funder of this project. Part of the charm of this mural is its ability to invite people to slow down, explore what’s inside, and discover (or rediscover!) one of Portland’s most iconic neighborhoods.”
– Tiffany Conklin, Founding Executive Director, Portland Street Art Alliance
“Partnering with Portland Street Art Alliance to commission 12 murals in the past year has been a joyful and collaborative effort to bring more beauty and meaning to our streets. We’re especially grateful to Venture Portland for helping to make this project possible.”
– Carolyne Holcomb, Executive Director, Central Eastside Industrial Council
“The Central Eastside Industrial Council has been integral in transforming their business district into a wonderful place to shop, dine, and play with mural projects like this. Venture Portland is proud to support their efforts through our grants program and encourage Portlanders to Venture Out and discover the wonderful small businesses that call the Central Eastside home.”
– Venture Portland
Next time you are driving down I-5, get off at the Central Eastside exit to explore the district and see this mural in person on the backside of the Eastbank Commerce Center.
Additional Information
SPONSORS and FUNDERS: Central Eastside Industrial Council, Central Eastside Together, Venture Portland
ABOUT ALICIA SCHULTZ
Alicia Schultz (she/her) of Vine & Thistle is a Portland-based muralist, hand letterer, illustrator, and stationery designer. Her work often features botanical art, hand lettering, and illustrations found on murals, stationery, and art. In her work, she strives to inspire joy through everyday moments using unique colors and hand-drawn imperfections. Passionate about public art, Alicia values connection and community, sharing her creativity locally and globally through murals, stationery, and various collaborations. When she’s not creating, Alicia enjoys spontaneous adventures with her husband, two daughters, and their dogs, Lazo and Hazel.
ABOUT THE CENTRAL EASTSIDE INDUSTRIAL COUNCIL
Established in 1980, the Central Eastside Industrial Council (CEIC) was created to champion the interests of businesses within the Central Eastside Industrial District (CEID). Today, the CEIC continues its mission to support a vibrant, prosperous, safe, and welcoming district. Spanning from I-84 to Powell Blvd and the Waterfront to 12th Ave, the Central Eastside covers 22% of Portland's Central City, encompassing 681 acres and 345 blocks. Home to a dynamic mix of 1,300 businesses, 22,000 employees, and 2,000 residents, the district is officially designated as both an Urban Renewal and Enhanced Services District, making it a vital hub of innovation, industry, and community.
ABOUT PSAA Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides access to resources, networking, and professional development opportunities for street artists. PSAA has facilitated commissioned work resulting in over $2 million paid to working artists and managed over 500 major private and publicly funded art projects, collaborating with hundreds of artists in the region. PSAA serves hundreds of community members each year through educational programming, tours, and community events. PSAA is actively transforming the public art landscape by developing more inclusive place-based programs that aim to increase access to art for everyone in the city.
Photography: Sara Sjol, sara@pdxstreetart.org, unless noted otherwise
Press Contacts:
Tiffany Conklin, info@pdxstreetart.org, 503-841-7171 Sara Sjol, sara@pdxstreetart.org, 503-290-4458