You may have seen it while traveling down Southeast 122nd Avenue in the Mill Park neighborhood — a massive new mural popping out from the red brick facades of Multnomah County’s Department of Community Justice (DCJ) East Campus.
The 28-by-20-foot mural features elements of nature: a colorful waterfall, a butterfly and flowers. It features prominent Portland-area landmarks and, above all, people and families who helped inform the mural’s theme of restorative justice.
The recently renovated East Campus is home to several Community Justice programs, including Multnomah County’s Justice Reinvestment Program, general supervision, community service programs, the African American program, records, administration teams and more. Beyond the many professionals who staff those programs, clients, community partners and others also visit the campus.
The County commissioned the mural by three street artists, alongside the Regional Arts and Culture Council. It is one of many pieces of art — both inside and outside the building — that speak to the vision behind the recent renovations and the DCJ’s work to create a more trauma-informed, community-centric environment for people and families who visit.
“We’re in the heart of the community in East Multnomah County where we know just how important it is to make investments in our community,” said Erika Preuitt, director of the Department of Community Justice. “That includes investments in the services we provide, but also our environment because we know surroundings can have a great impact on our sense of security as well as provide physiological and social elements.”
“This work and renovation is intentional in getting away from colors prominent in institutional settings, such as grays and moving towards warmth and a welcoming atmosphere,” she continued. “The spirit of the design is truly a culmination of our staff coming together to create a space that attests to their commitment to our clients and each other. I am also grateful for the leadership provided by DCJ senior managers Stu Walker, Denise Pena and Facilities Project Manager, Karen Rhein who understand that our work depends on our relationships with community members, collaboration with our partners to serve our clients and promote our vision, ‘Community Safety through Positive Change.’”
Recently, Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury joined Chief Operating Officer Serena Cruz to see the transformation themselves on an afternoon tour.
Natural wood lines the check-in windows of the lobby — coupled with brightly painted walls and gray marmoleum floors. Along the corridors, in public areas throughout the building, are pieces that make up an art installation called “Gallery Blue.”
Conceived and curated by artist team Blue and Michael Stevenson Jr., “Gallery Blue” features work by currently or formerly incarcerated artists. Blue and Stevenson used unique processes, including 17 reclaimed wooden frames, to display the art of 17 different artists whose lives have intersected with the justice system.
The artwork features combinations of words, poems and images, with titles such as “Started From The Bottom,” “Love” or “Portland Victory Outreach.”
Upon entering the first floor, visitors will find five bright and beaming images of a phoenix, a cat, a dog, a human and a forest. They’re avatars that Blue created with plywood, paint and resin. All the pieces contribute to the theme of behavior change and restorative practices.
The artwork inside and outside the building was funded by Multnomah County’s 2-percent for Art program, which requires major renovation projects of County facilities to include an investment in public art. The campus renovation, which finished in spring 2020, helped bring the East Campus into the 21st century, allowing for modern equipment and other amenities, including more meeting space, and a wellness and respite room. DCJ worked closely with the Department of County Assets to complete the project.
“The beautiful mural on the exterior and pieces created for the interior public spaces of this building, align with the culture of the local community and input from DCJ staff,” said Greg Hockert, project delivery manager for the Department of County Assets.
“We collaborated through the challenges, and because of our strong relationship, we could transform these buildings into welcoming environments for staff, clients and the community DCJ serves.”
The renovation finished in Spring 2020, during a period that some refer to as a “time warp.” The COVID-19 pandemic was fully underway, keeping many people out of the office. And soon came the community’s cries for racial justice in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, a call to action that still reverberates today.
Staff slowly moved in over the next year and had fully moved in by October 2021, all while continuing to serve members of the community, many who needed the connection and positive interaction. The recent tour was a chance to showcase the East Campus transformation, which was completed in line with the Department’s values around restorative justice.
“Today, at the end of mask mandates, shutdowns and a time frame that tested our strength in unimaginable ways, we still face unprecedented needs and challenges that will continue to test our resolve,” said Preuitt. “But as we build up our community, physical changes in our environment combined with our continued work and partnership with community members can lead to healing.”
“I’m struck by the professionals who work here and the community members who continue to bring their time and talents as we do this work.”
“I’m encouraged to see this latest example of the County’s capital investments making a difference far beyond improvements to just our buildings,” said Chair Kafoury. “These intentional changes help us meet the needs of our community members while aiding in the County’s work of advancing safety, restoration and healing.”
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