At SGNA, our mission is to enhance the livability of our neighborhood through open communication and community representation. One of the most effective ways to do this is by transforming our physical space into a place that feels safe, welcoming, and uniquely "Gulch."
We are thrilled to announce a new project to install a series of street paintings throughout our neighborhood over the coming years. We want our neighbors and local artists to be the primary architects of this vision.
Where will the art go?
We are beginning our journey by focusing on the cul-de-sacs at the end of the streets butting up to NE 28th. Our very first site will be NE 28th at Wasco St. We are specifically looking for designs that can work well around the modal filter and bike path area in that location.
We Need Your Creativity!
We are seeking design submissions that can be adapted for two different types of installations:
Curb Wraps: Art wrapping around the curb at crosswalks.
Cul-de-sac/Intersection Art: Larger scale paintings for our neighborhood "pockets."
Design Requirements
Because these designs must be durable and comply with Portland city regulations, we ask that you keep the following in mind:
Simplicity is Key: Designs should have low detail so they can be easily maintained over time.
Color Palette: Please limit the design to one background color and 2–3 additional colors.
Imagery: Nature-based or geometric images are preferred.
City Rules: To comply with city ordinances, designs may not include branding, logos, or political speech.
Inspiration: Feel free to draw inspiration from the colors of the SGNA blackberry logo or the historical Sullivan crest!
How to Participate
We want our neighbors to have a direct say in what our streets look like.
Submit by September 7: Send your sketches or digital designs to hello@sullivansgulch.org or contact Matt Zajack (text or call 715-456-2485).
Vote on September 12: Join us at the Gulch-o-Rama block party, where we will hold a community vote on the submitted designs!
Note: While we cannot offer monetary compensation for the winning design, we will proudly provide artist attribution in all neighborhood communications regarding the installation. Please be aware that by submitting a design for this neighborhood project, the artwork will become part of the public domain for use within our community.
For those interested in the technical requirements, you can find the city’s street painting guidelines.
Let’s work together to make Sullivan’s Gulch a masterpiece!