ARTIST RESOURCES

PSAA HELPED create a comprehensive presentation that covers all the essentials of mural production. This includes: Mural Process Overview, Permissions & Permits, Design & Community Engagement, Supplies, Site Evaluation, Wall Preparation, Safety & Public Interaction, and Design Transfer Methods.

This virtual workshop presented by Tiffany Conklin, PSAA Executive Director, and long -time Portland muralist, Alex Chiu, sharing steps on taking original artwork and scaling it up to a mural. Includes tips from buying paint, getting your project approved, to involving community members. Presented virtually on April 14, 2022 for the City of Beaverton. Approximately 2 hours in duration. Learn more at www.BeavertonOregon.gov/Arts

PSAA ARTIST ROSTER + MAILING LIST

Muralist Christian Tellez painting at Portland Mercado food carts in SE Portland.

If you are an artist working large-scale, we would love to connect with you. Send us an email with 6-8 work samples (preferably large-scale) to be added to our Artist Roster for PSAA’s Commissions & Community Project Artist List. When clients approach PSAA looking for artists to commission, or PSAA is planning a Community Art Project, we pull from these rosters to make a specialized lists that matches project needs and preferences. PSAA’s roster is not public. We have over 250 artists, mainly local and regional on the roster at this time.

Sign up with your email address to receive the PSAA announcements that include Calls to Artists, Project Notifications, Volunteering Opportunities, Local Events, and more!

SUPPLY RESOURCES

PAINT OPTIONS

For community murals on a tight budget, PSAA recommends using Metro Paint. Metro Paint is specially-crafted paint made from recycling old paint.

Search for “mis-tints ” at Miller Paint or other local paint stores. Mis-tints are paints that are unused or returned by customers because they're not the right color match or finish. Still great quality paint, but at a fraction of the price! PSAA often uses mis-tint paint to prepare a base coat our community mural walls.

Portland Projector Rental

Rates to rent a projector start at $99 for a day, $250 for a week.

CLEAR COATING

There are multiple options for clear coating and UV protection. PSAA often uses Vandlguard or SPARC brands.

Personal Protection equiptment (PPE)

If you are using spray paint, make sure you are working in a ventilated space and have proper PPE to keep you from inhaling the spray particles.

PSAA Recommended PPE Mask:
3M Half Mask Respirator Kit

PORTLAND MURAL PERMITTING

OPTION 1: GET A CITY MURAL PERMIT FROM PORTLAND PERMITING

  • Start process at least 1-2 months before painting

  • Mural Permit Fee, around $70

  • Fill out mural permit application

  • Post city mural permit notice on the wall

  • Host a ‘neighborhood meeting’ in a public place or field questions virtually for 21 days

Other Considerations:

  • Design review not required with City Permit

  • Murals can only be painted on certain types of properties (check with the City first)

  • Artist keeps VARA rights

See the City of Portland’s website for more details and downloadable applications.

OPTION 2: GET A RACC MURAL PERMIT WAIVER

  • Start this process 2+ months beforehand, it can take 2 months to complete

  • Apply for RACC mural permit waiver with a full project proposal & design

  • Community support needed (letters of support)

  • Design reviewed by RACC's Design Review Committee (once a month)

  • Edits might be asked for by RACC’s Committee

  • No Fee

Other Considerations:

  • RACC can approve murals in all areas of the city, including murals over 30’ high & historic structures

  • If approved, RACC sometimes provides limited grant funding

  • Artist must waive VARA Rights

  • Property Owner must sign an Easement agreement with RACC

  • Mural becomes a part of the City’s public art collection 

See the RACC’s website for more details and downloadable applications.

BENEFITS OF MURALS

• Murals call attention to businesses and neighborhoods
• Murals improve the quality of public space for everyone to enjoy
• Murals can document and honor local histories
• Murals can highlight local communities and icons
• Murals create a unique sense of place and community identity
• Murals and art districts often become tourist attractions
• Murals can showcase local artistic talent, or infuse a local scene with more diverse art created by people from around the world
• Murals help support the local economy by supporting artists and promoting tourism
• Community murals can provide a platform for community involvement and interaction
• Murals foster pride and build neighborhood and city identities