March 29, 2018

Today, Nick unveiled a new mural in the City Hall atrium, “Mesopotamians on the Banks of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers.”

Since 2016, a group of Iraqi immigrant youth have been learning about their new home by taking part in environmental service projects with the Columbia Slough Watershed Council. They paddled local waterways, learned about the unique features of our local environment, and helped with important habitat restoration projects.

The mural, designed by Faisal Ajeel, celebrates their project and the immigrants with images from both Portland and Iraq. The group was excited to visit City Hall and have their art publicly displayed, and Nick proudly welcomed them to our community.

Special thanks to the Bureau of Environmental Services’ Community Watershed Stewardship Program, the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, and the Iraqi Society of Oregon for their partnership.

Come visit City Hall and take a look at the beautiful art!