It can’t rain all the time
Portland, Oregon
A large new mural graces the back of the Broadway Grill & Brewery in NE Portland’s Sullivan’s Gulch neighborhood. Titled It Can't Rain All The Time, this narrative work springs from the beautiful mind of comic book author and muralist, Damon Smyth. Native to the Portland area, Damon wanted to create a mural for all Portlanders. With this wall, Damon chose to tell a touching story about the marginalized members of our community and how tiny acts of kindness can make all the difference.
“When PSAA asked if I would be interested in working with them to create a mural on the back of Broadway Grill & Brewery for the community, I was very excited,” says Smyth. “The opportunity to have full creative control when designing a mural doesn't happen often, so I wanted to take the chance to create something meaningful that would make people think. There is an overwhelming amount of negativity everywhere these days, so I wanted to combat that with something positive for anyone who might need it. I believe empathy is one of, if not our greatest attributes, but sadly kindness doesn't trend as easily. This was my opportunity to put kindness front and center.”
As part of his design process Damon Smyth took an empathetic approach to creating his mural. Throughout the design drafts, Smyth tried to put himself in other people’s shoes and asked himself tough questions. Have you ever been surrounded by people but never felt more alone? Have you ever worked tirelessly for so long with no positive results that you just wanted to give up? What if, at that time, a stranger showed you compassion and helped you through it, do you think your path would change?
Backed by his extensive experience creating graphic novels, Damon aimed to tell a story that would resonate with people of all backgrounds and inspire our community to be kind to one another. He opted to use spray paint for this project because of the energy and texture that it provides, as well as a way to challenge himself. The colors in the mural are trauma-informed and meant to be calming to the viewer. Smyth limited his palette to give the mural a more comic book feel and to keep the tone consistent.
During the creation of It Can't Rain All The Time, many community members (housed and unhoused) spoke with Damon about the work-in-progress – some of them even getting emotional. Creating this mural gave Damon the chance to connect with the community and see firsthand the effects of putting a positive message in a public space.
“One day, while I was setting up, I had a community member approach me with tear-filled eyes saying the main character looked just like someone they had known and how happy they were for this mural being created. These touching moments are exactly what this mural was intended for and the reason why I create the work I do. I will always fight for kindness and empathy in our community.” – Damon Smyth, Muralist
PUBLIC MURAL UNVEILING
It Can’t Rain All The Time Mural Unveiling, 2024.
A public unveiling of the mural was held in February 2024. Hosted by the Lloyd EcoDistrict and Northeast Broadway Business Association, the unveiling event helped kick off the Lloyd Light It Up dance party and bike ride, which is part of the Portland Winter Light Festival. The mural will is permanently fully illuminated for all to see and day and night.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
This mural was organized by the Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA). It was funded thanks to a large team of supporters: the owner of Broadway Grill & Brewery, a donation from NE Broadway Business Association (NEBBA), and grants from METRO and the City of Portland’s Public Environment Management Office (PEMO).
“The Public Environment Management Office is proud of the stunning new mural on NE Broadway, an exciting addition to the neighborhood. The project was made possible through collaboration with neighborhood groups, the Portland Street Art Alliance, and artist Damon Smyth. PEMO greatly appreciates PSAA’s expertise in creating memorable art for our urban environment and looks forward to continuing the collaboration on future projects.” – Elizabeth O’Malley, City of Portland
“This beautiful, bright mural by local artist Damon Smyth exemplifies the hope we all share for the future of the Northeast Broadway Business District. The mural’s message of community and kindness reminds us of our role in improving Portland’s urban neighborhoods through simple acts of compassion toward others. The mural beautifies a vacant lot in the heart of our busy business district, creating the perfect spot to host community events, such as festivals, farmer’s markets, and local craft fairs. The Northeast Broadway Business Association is excited to celebrate with Portlanders beneath this magnificent mural in 2024.” – Sarah Drescher, NEBBA President
"As a native Portlander, I'm honored to be able to support local artists who are lifting up the community through their work. My hope is that this mural brings not only beauty to the neighborhood, but also a sense of camaraderie to the business district. We're looking forward to more events in our shared space that bring everyone together. Thanks to PSAA for their hard work that secured the majority of the funding for this project and other murals that can be seen throughout our city. These community efforts exhibit the best that Portland has to offer – great food, great art, and great people." – Shelly Bigley, Owner, Broadway Grill & Brewery
