New Downtown Mural Showcases Nurture, Community, Connection

The wall facing west on E. 1st Street in Newberg are a little brighter these days after a collaborative, community project wrapped work in early May.

George Fox University Art & Design Department (GFU) partnered with Newberg’s Noon Rotary Club to design a mural for the blank wall on the west side of Ixtapa Restaurant. The theme surrounds care and connection, according to a release from GFU and Rotary.

“The mural’s center image depicts a vessel being poured out, symbolizing the variety of peoples and cultures that have formed and continue to form the community,” the release stated. “Located on the west end of Newberg, the mural welcomes visitors to the historic downtown.”

Each element on the mural has a direct meaning, according to the release:

• Animals: Within the mural, the animals depicted, specifically deer and ducks, are reflective of mothers and children as well as the value of care and connection. 
• Archway: Located in the lower right hand corner, the archway lends an opportunity for the viewer to interact with the mural, whether it be for a photo or to step closer to read the text, which is the city motto. 
• Background Flowers: In recognition of the location of the wall itself, the background flowers nod to the Mexican style restaurant and the valuable impact that the culture has contributed to the blossoming of Newberg and its surrounding areas. 
• Bridge: The bridge depicted is the Newberg Bridge that can be seen at Rogers Landing County Park. Newberg Bridge was formerly built as a highway bridge in 1914 but carries a pipeline today. 
• Camellias: The camellia was adopted as Newberg’s official flower in 1949. This plant’s flowers are abundant in Newberg and can be seen throughout town in residents’ yards, city landscapes, and even the town flag. 
• Grapevines: The grapevines intertwined around the water archway symbolize the wealth of the Oregon wine country around Newberg. 
• Hands: Symbolic of the many people who have worked diligently to foster the community of Newberg, the hands are depicted holding a pitcher from which is an outpouring of images that represent “care and connection”. 
• Hot Air Balloons: In the summer, hot air balloons can be observed throughout Newberg. They are a fun, colorful feature of the town that engages community members looking to spot them or take a ride. 
• Landscape: The landscape that can be seen throughout the mural contains assorted foliage and rolling hills of crops which emphasize the importance of farming in the area, along with the sun in the sky above a river, which represents the Willamette. Encompassing most of the mural, the landscape elements speak to the significance of Newberg’s natural environment. 
• Pitcher: Inspired by pottery of the Kalapuya peoples who originally inhabited the region, the pitcher on the left side of the mural highlights the town’s cultural and historic background. 
• Text: The incorporated text highlights the mural’s location within Newberg’s historic district. The smaller text above the water archway forwards the town motto and a meaningful message for viewers: Newberg is “A Great Place to Grow.” 
• Water: The flowing water throughout the scene is inspired by the Willamette River, an important ecological and recreational aspect of Newberg enjoyed by the community.

The mural, which was painted from April 29 to May 4, sought community support in painting on the wall. Most of the painters, however, were GFU interns who participated in the design and development of the project. Rotary worked to secure the location for the mural and helped to fund the mural.

This is one of five Rotary-led murals around Newberg: “Community with One Another” on the east side of Steve’s Auto Service, “The Art of Newberg” on the Newberg Public Library Annex, “The Community and Diversity of the City of Newberg” outside of the Mini Market El Tala, and “Community, Music, History, and Environmental Stewardship” outside of Lewis Audio & Video. George Fox Art & Design developed and completed another mural in town on the Climax Portable Machining & Welding Systems building on OR219.

Learn more about Newberg Noon Rotary and George Fox University’s Art & Design program at their websites.