THE VILLAGE
Tony Hopson Sr., Center for Self EnhancemenT
As part of a nearly year-long initiative PSAA teamed up with the non-profit Project Color Corps (PCC) and Portland Muralist Kyra Watikins to create and install a new 1,500 SF mural at The Tony Hopson Sr., Center for Self Enhancement, the central location for the Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) SEI is a non-profit African American organization that serves youth and families of North/ Northeast Portland and was the perfect location for a Project Color Corps. Mural.
The initial process started with Project Color Corps working with the youth at SEI to develop a mural that would help foster feelings of belonging and a sense of community. As part of Project Color Corps process, students were invited to take a survey connecting their emotions about how they wanted to feel when entering SEI to color, ultimately resulting in the upbeat and energetic color palette chosen for the mural, and how different colors can affect how a space feels. At the end of PCC’s work with SEI youth, they selected the final color that Kyra used in her design.
To kick off the mural installation, a Community Painting Day was held by Kyra and Project Color Corps. Community members of all ages came together to paint the foundation of the new mural which is a centerpiece of the facility.
Portrait of SEI Founder Tony Hopson Sr.
The design was created based on SEI’s newest mandate. Originally a resource for North Portland youth, SEI has expanded their focus to include community members of all ages, with a long-term goal to become the African American Cultural Center in Portland. To reflect this, the phrase “The Village” was selected.
Kyra’s design incorporates SEI’s font, and within the lettering are overlaid images of members of the community participating in events fostered by SEI. Most of the imagery is non-representative, however, the first portrait nestled in the letter “T” honors SEI’s recently retired founder, Tony Hopson Sr. Hopson founded SEI in 1981 as a one-week summer program servicing Black Youth. Through the last 43 years, he fostered and expanded the non-profit to include programs for students at 19 schools in four different school districts: Portland Public Schools, Parkrose, David Douglas, and Reynolds.
"I am so thrilled with the new SEI mural and enthralled by the process of bringing this piece to fruition. "The Village" was really behind the creation of this one. Seeing the community come together to embrace this project and lend their capabilities to making it come to life is the ultimate personification of the phrase that now adorns the walls of SEI. I am truly humbled that the community members and stakeholders at SEI believed in my abilities to bring their vision to life, and I am so thankful to the village that helped me do it." – Kyra Watkins, Muralist
“The mural at the Tony Hopson, Sr. Center for Self Enhancement is titled "The Village," to represent our identity and commitment within the community. In partnership with Project Color Corps and Integrus Architect Firm, we have created a powerful multi-generational replica that will stand proudly in our building for years to come. This collaboration was deeply rooted in the voices of our students, staff, and community members, who contributed their ideas on design, color, and scale.” – Tamra Hickok, Director of Program Innovation, Self Enhancement, Inc.
“Project Color Corps believes in the mission of SEI to provide a safe haven for thousands of children in Portland. We are proud of our Portland Chapter's hard work and dedication and celebrate the power and message of “The Village” created by Kyra Watkins from Portland Street Art Alliance.” – Laura Guido-Clark, Founder, Project Color Corps
“It has been an honor to work with Kyra Watkins and Project Color Corps again, and SEI for the first time on this inspiring new collaborative mural - which really took a VILLAGE to create! From mural content ideas, color palette selection to painting, the mural came to life thanks to the helping hands of many. A mural for the community, by the community.” – Tiffany Conklin, Executive Director, Portland Street Art Alliance
MAKING A VILLAGE
COMMUNITY PAINTING DAY
Artist Kyra Watkins giving painting tips.
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, a well-attended Community Painting Day was held at SEI. Community members painted multicolored homes that form the background for the mural.
Some of the same students who helped with the design and color palette attended the Community Painting Day as well, allowing them to participate in the project from start to finish.
Other volunteers included the Portland Chapter of Project Color Corps, SEI leaders, and members of the community. Everyone came together on a wonderful day of community-building and now can take pride in the mural they’ve helped to create!
Artist Kyra Watkins (middle) and the members of the Portland Chapter of Project Color Corps Sondra Jakuwboski, Alison Selby, Puji Sherer, and Gabrielle Enfield (L to R).
PROJECT SPONSORS
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
