The Cycle of Life
The Cycle of Life is a 4,350-square-foot mural in the heart of Oregon City that celebrates the incredible relationship between the Willamette River, native wildlife, Indigenous history, and the community that continues to care for this place today.
The project was nearly four years in the making. After multiple rounds of grant applications, the funding finally came together, allowing this vision to become a reality. The mural was created in partnership with Soulflags Art Community Center and serves as both a work of public art and an outdoor educational resource, inviting viewers to learn about the species, history, and ecosystems that make the Willamette River so unique.
At the center of the mural is the life cycle of salmon, a story that symbolizes resilience, renewal, and the interconnectedness of the natural world. Woven throughout the composition are Pacific lamprey, sturgeon, native plants, local birds, and a traditional fishing platform that honors the enduring relationship between Indigenous peoples and Willamette Falls.
Want to learn more about the meaning of this mural along with the creatures inside it?
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Witness the artist's creative process as they bring the North wall to life in this captivating timelapse.
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Community Paint Day
Before painting began, the project kicked off with a community paint-by-numbers event that invited Oregon City residents to help create the mural.
More than 300 volunteers came together to paint the first layers of the artwork. Families, children, artists, business owners, elected officials, and community members of all ages picked up a brush and became part of the project.
Seeing so many people work side by side was one of the most meaningful parts of the mural. What started as a blank wall quickly became something the community could proudly call its own, creating a sense of connection and ownership long before the mural was complete.
Bringing the Mural to Life
After the community paint day, the mural entered its final painting phase. Over the course of 22 days, the community-painted foundation was transformed into the finished artwork through layers of refinement, detail work, and hand painting. More than 75% of those days were approximately 12-hour workdays, requiring careful planning and collaboration to complete the mural on schedule.
The project was brought to life with the help of three incredible painting assistants. Together, we spent hundreds of hours painting, refining details, mixing colors, and adapting to changing weather to create a mural that is both visually striking and educational.
The Cycle of Life was designed to be more than a beautiful piece of public art. Every plant, animal, and landscape element was intentionally chosen to tell the story of the Willamette River ecosystem and inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
The mural follows the life cycle of Pacific salmon while also highlighting Pacific lamprey, sturgeon, native plants and wildlife, and the enduring history of Indigenous stewardship at Willamette Falls. A traditional fishing platform, developed with guidance from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, honors the deep cultural connection between Tribal communities and these waterways.
To extend the experience beyond the wall, the mural includes a QR code that links visitors to educational information about the species, ecosystems, and history represented throughout the artwork.
At its core, The Cycle of Life is a reminder that everything in nature is connected. By protecting our rivers, native habitats, and cultural history, we help ensure these landscapes continue to thrive for generations to come.
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