Strengthening neighborhood connections through art
August 19, 2014
Yesterday, local non-profit ROSE CDC welcomed neighbors to SE 88th & Foster, to celebrate the grand opening of the Lents Grown Story Yard.
Designed by ROSE CDC and Propel Studio Architecture, the Story Yard is a beautiful, temporary art installation and community space that celebrates the vibrant diversity of outer SE Portland.
The corner lot on 88th & Foster, owned by the Portland Development Commission (PDC), had long been vacant. In an effort to breathe new life into the vacant lot and surrounding neighborhood, PDC issued grants to ROSE and Propel to create the Story Yard. The installation strengthens neighborhood connections through artwork that represents what makes Lents so great – its people.
Portland photographer, Dawn DeAno, photographed local small business owners and farmers market vendors. The photos are showcased throughout the venue.
A grant from the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) allowed neighborhood youth to get involved in the process. They interviewed people who were photographed, and made a video about the project. RACC’s grant was possible thanks to the Arts Education & Access Fund, which was passed by Portland voters in 2012.
Check out Lents Grown Story Yard! The installation will stay up through 2015.
Interested in holding a community event in the Story Yard? Contact ROSE CDC for more information.