PORTLAND MERCADO FENCE
FOSTER-POWELL, PDX
On February 12, the Portland Mercado (@portlandmercado) hosted a celebration to mark the completion of Portland muralist Christian Tellez (@w_esi) new mural at the Mercado. The celebration began with a ceremony and dance by Huehca Omeyocan Aztec Dance (@huehcaomeyocan) and closed with music by Ache Son.
Artist and architect Christian Tellez’s vibrant new mural spans the entire parking area fence, providing a striking tableau for patrons and passers by. This captivating new work evokes the feeling of being at a traditional Latin American Mercado, and is rich in color and cultural references.
ABOUT THE WORK
Artist Christian Tellez
“The happiness of giving and sharing inspires the Portland Mercado Mural. For Latin American culture, sharing a table with food is a common sign of care and love. We want to share the same with the Portland community. The vibrance of colorful ingredients and fruits, reflects the happiness of sharing a good time with friends and family, and music can't be missing on those occasions.
In our countries, going to the Mercado means tons of colors, noises, music, people shouting, chatting, laughing, good food, pretty much like a party. A party without friends means the same as a table without people to share food and love for our culture. And the people who work in the Mercado become extended family, and hopefully, the mural becomes a warm welcoming to the community. Hence, we always have room for you to join our table.” – Christian Tellez
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
This beautiful new mural is part of the improvement project at the Portland Mercado, made possible with support from Travel Oregon (@traveloregon) and Prosper Portland (@prosperportland).
“We are thrilled to have this beautiful addition to the Portland Mercado which will enhance community space and serve as a testament to the colorful, bold, and dynamic individuals that make up our community at the Portland Mercado and the vibrant and eclectic cultures that are a part of our heritage.”
– Ernesto Fonseca, CEO Hacienda CDC @hacienda_cdc
READ AN INTERVIEW WITH THE HACIENDA CDC AND CHRISTIAN TELLEZ
Photography by Sara Sjol for PSAA.