EVERYONE IS WELCOME HERE: Southern Oregon’s NEW Mural of Hope & Healing

MEDFORD, Oregon

As part of CareOregon’s statewide mental health awareness campaign, PSAA teamed up with Mexican-American Muralist Casillas Oliver (a.k.a. Oliver Casillas) to produce a large new mural in the heart of downtown Medford, Oregon. This marked PSAA’s first mural project outside of the Portland Metro area in 2024, expanding our regional initiative to bring more public art to cities and small towns across Oregon.

Working in conjunction with Jackson County Connect, a part of the CareOregon family, Casillas crafted a beautiful mural intended to break down stigma regarding mental healthcare. The mural graces the walls of the OnTrack Rogue Valley, a Medford non-profit organization that provides comprehensive behavioral health treatment for substance use and mental health conditions.

The mural is a vivid representation of the essence of Southern Oregon, capturing its spirit and values through a blend of natural and cultural elements. The main panel, facing southwest, portrays a harmonious scene featuring three key components. Nestled in the background are the lively Rogue River Gorge Falls, symbolizing the lifeblood of the Rogue Valley and its inhabitants. Transitioning forward, a thriving pear orchard emerges, symbolizing the fruitful labor of the land and its people. This symbolism is further enriched by the presence of the Western Meadowlark, Oregon's state bird, poised for flight - an embodiment of resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of dreams.

In the connecting section facing southeast, a dual narrative unfolds. At the backdrop stands a majestic mountain, representing Oregonian essence and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. In the foreground, the phrase "Everyone is Welcome Here" resonates, reflecting the open-mindedness and diversity of Southern Oregon's culture. This sentiment culminates with the imagery of the Swallowtail Butterfly, a native Oregon species, symbolizing growth, transformation, and the beauty of evolution.

Through a careful curation of regional symbols and themes, this mural aims to inspire a sense of flight, freedom, and triumph, forging a profound connection with the Medford community and the soul of Southern Oregon. It serves as a beacon of unity and pride, celebrating the unique tapestry of the region while fostering a shared sense of belonging and aspiration.

A huge thank you to Oliver Casillas, Raul Casillas, Aldo, Galen Malcolm, Jessica Malcolm, Hail Advertising, CareOregon, Jackson County Connect, Star Rentals, and OnTrack Rogue Valley, specifically Gena Satori.

A very special thanks to videographer Chris Janisch at Whetstone Creative Agency for the beautiful drone footage and video.

Video courtesy Chris Janisch at Whetstone Creative Agency