This content was published: May 27, 1999. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Labor History Mural Project Set to Begin at PCC
Photos and story by James Hill
Production of an exterior mural that depicts the rich history of the Oregon labor movement and the role it plays in education will soon take shape at Portland Community College. Production of the mural begins this summer through a special two-credit visual art workshop.
Murals throughout Washington and Oregon, heads up the project. Garnett, who also teaches visual art at PCC part time, was commissioned by the faculty and classified unions of PCC to create the labor history mural.
"This is a great opportunity to work collectively and be part of a project that will have a life long after the workshop is over," said Garnett of the mural painting workshop. "Students will explore the total process, from scaling ‘working drawings,’ to lay-in, and the finished mural."
Prospective students can learn more about "Mural Painting" (CRN 33172) by contacting PCC’s Visual Art department, 977-4279. Tuition plus fee is $84.will be held from June 21 to July 1, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. at the Sylvania Campus, 12000 S.W. 49th, in the CT Building, Room 230.
The mural project was developed by the unions at PCC who received a grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council and subsequent donations from the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 290, PCC Diversity funds, the PCC Classified Federation, and AFT-Oregon.
Martha Wolf, PCC president of the classified union, said, "Many individuals do not necessarily know that the expectations they have of today’s work culture involved long struggles for hard won rights and benefits."
PCC Faculty Federation President Michael Dembrow added, "Our hope is that the mural and project will increase the visibility of the unions, encourage participation in union activities, and educate both members and the community-at-large on labor history and the diversity of those involved in local labor struggles."
An advisory council made up of staff, students, community, and administration representatives helped select the artist and provided input on the preliminary design.mural content and concept group decided on the themes and stories that form the basis for the mural images.An unveiling ceremony is planned during PCC’s back to school activities in mid- September 1999. In addition to the mural, an explanatory booklet detailing the events and images will also be developed.
For more information on the labor history mural project, please contact Diane Meisenhelter, 977-4482, in the union office at PCC.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »