CELEBRATING “MS. WILLIE’S DREAM” and JuneteeNth
LAKE OSWEGO, OREGON
Artist Sarah Farahat speaking at the mural unveiling during Lake Oswego’s Juneteenth celebration. Photo by Tiffany Conklin.
Unveiled to celebrate Juneteenth, Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) is pleased to announce the completion of the inaugural mural at Lake Oswego’s City Hall. The mural, titled “Ms. Willie’s Dream” was designed and painted by Egyptian-American Portland-based muralist, Sarah Farahat. The piece features Willie Poinsette, a longtime Lake Oswego resident, dreaming of children of all races playing in Oswego Lake. The artwork was commissioned by the Arts Council of Lake Oswego (ACLO) and is located on the busy corner of 3rd Street & A Avenue on the side of Lake Oswego’s City Hall. It is the first in a rotating series of murals that will be displayed at this prominent location..
Ms. Willie’s Dream mural-in-progress by Sarah Farahat. Image by Mario Gallucci, courtesy of ACLO.
Sarah Farahat working in her studio on the mural. Image by Mario Gallucci, courtesy of ACLO.
PSAA was thrilled when Sarah Farahat was selected for this project. Sarah’s work is rooted within her observations of the socio-political landscape. Her passionate story-telling illuminates her subjects and compels the viewer to attention. After rounds of interviews and focus groups with local community members from Lake Oswego, Sarah developed a powerful concept for the new mural.
"From the listening sessions, I worked on two designs. The final direction chosen by the ACLO Committee depicted a Lake Oswego community member, Miss Willie Poinsette, who attended one of the listening sessions. I was interested in her story, so I reached out to her after the focus group to continue conversations. I was inspired by her kindness and generous commitment to the city, despite historic and present day racism in the area. I chose to depict Miss Willie because of her determination to support the creation of safer, more equitable spaces for all people.” – Sarah Farahat
The mural was unveiled on Sunday June 18th, as part of the City of Lake Oswego’s Juneteenth celebration. Despite the rainy summer day, a large crowd was in attendance for the Juneteenth celebration and mural unveiling event. Guest speakers included muralist Sarah Farahat, Willie Poinsette, and Nicole Nathan Executive Director of ACLO. The celebration also included dance from the West African Dance troupe Sebé Kan. The event was hosted by the City of Lake Oswego, the Arts Council of Lake Oswego, and Respond to Racism. Respond to Racism is a local organization formed in 2017 to educate and empower residents and institutions with the tools to combat racism in all its forms and make Lake Oswego and Oregon a better place to live for residents of all races and ethnicities.
Top Photo: Willie Poinsette and Sarah Farahat in front of the new mural at City Hall. Image by Bruce Poinsette, courtesy of Sarah Farahat. Left: Willie Poinsette speaking at the mural unveiling event. Right: Dancer from the dance troupe, Sebé Kan.
Mural unveiling event crowd listening to guest speakers. Image by Tiffany Conklin.
“I hope that people felt a sense of joy and fun and celebration. I hope they feel inspired to create more inclusive spaces in Lake Oswego, where all children feel safe and accepted, happy and welcome.” - Sarah Farahat
Left to Right: Lake Oswego City Councilor Massene Mboup, Nicole Nathan (ACLO), Willie Poinsette (Respond to Racism), artist Sarah Farahat. Image by Tiffany Conklin.
ADDTIONAL PHOTOS
Photography: Event Photos by Tiffany Conklin. Studio Photos by Mario Gallucci, courtesy of ACLO.