New mural celebrated at Midway District summer party

Here’s a look at an outer East Portland event that highlighted a new work of art – along SE Division Street, in the Midway Business District …

In the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, welcoming guests to this summer party is Mitch Daughherty of Prosper Portland’s “Office of Small Business”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

In the parking lot shared by Portland Music Company and A-1 Hawk, at 12334 SE Division Street, the Midway District had a summer party on Monday afternoon, June 14.

“The Midway Business Association (MBA), in Portland’s District 1, is excited to announce a new mural that has arrived in Midway,” exclaimed MBA District Manager Laura Martinez. “Artist Forest Wolf Kell has created a beautiful tribute to the local music scene, on the wall of Portland Music Company!”

Showing off the new mural, painted on the east side of its building [it’s visible to westbound traffic along SE Division Street] is Portland Music Company General Manager Andy Gerzel.

This mural, featuring an international musical theme, highlights the different genres of music represented by various instruments. It was funded by a City of Portland grant via the Public Environment Management Office, we learned.

‘Hot dog chef’ Harrison Wallace of Portland Music Company, says, “My secret ingredient is love!”

Providing cold beverages and good conversation is Selene Flores Villa, along with Bill and Jeffrey Dayton, at the Pizza Baron booth.

The Neon Prairie Dogs musically entertained the Midway crowd.

Elected officials, and the mural’s artist, were not available for interviews, having departed the event before we arrived, shortly after the start of the two-hour celebration.

Throughout the remaining hour, guests enjoyed browsing among the exhibitors and listening to Neon Prairie Dogs – with their “Cosmic Country” music, as they define it.

The business and organizations represented included:

Portland Music Company
A-1 Hawk
Original Steer
Pizza Baron
Rohingya Youth Association Portland (Yadanar Halal Market)
Sunbela Bakery
Free Arts NW
Bio Studio – Hampton Rodriguez
Octapharma Plasma

Nancy Tingley and Emily Trum of Free Arts NW were offering crafts for kids – and adults!

Cooks from A La Mexicana PDX, from just down the block, were offering fresh Mexican food.

It seemed apparent that everyone who came was enjoying this low-key early summer activity.

Learn more about the Midway Business Association by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

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