Help Maintain Portland's Historic Banana Mural

Portland Street Art Alliance is organising this fundraiser to benefit PORTLAND STREET ART ALLIANCE.

Tax deductible

Help Restore & Maintain Portland’s Iconic Art Fills the Void "Banana Mural"

The Art Fills the Void (aka "Banana Mural") on SE Division & 12th Ave is Portland's second-oldest mural, originally painted in 1982 by a group of guerrilla sign painters known as Guerilla Wallflare. Since its creation, the mural has become a beloved piece of Portland’s public art scene, but it has also faced years of wear and tear. Sadly, many of the original artists have passed away or retired.

In 2015, the Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) received a small $2K grant from SE Uplift to help restore the mural, address its fading colors, and apply a protective clear coat. However, after that initial restoration, support for maintaining this historic artwork has been minimal at best. While the City of Portland did help with a few pressure washings years ago, that assistance has since dried up.

For almost a decade, PSAA has been providing maintenance on this mural — donating both labor and supplies — but this is no longer sustainable for a small nonprofit. Despite multiple requests for help from the City of Portland, the neighborhood association, and property owners, no one has stepped forward to contribute to the upkeep of this important piece of Portland's public art heritage.

Now, PSAA is turning to the community for support.

How You Can Help:

Maintaining this mural costs approximately $1,000 per year. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will go directly toward preserving this iconic piece of Portland history. Your contribution will help ensure that the Art Fills the Void mural remains a vibrant part of our city's cultural landscape for years to come.

More Information: To learn more about the mural’s history and restoration efforts, visit the PSAA website.

At PSAA, we believe it's essential to preserve Portland's oldest murals so they can continue to inspire future generations. Your support is critical in making that happen.

Please consider donating today. Together, we can ensure this piece of public art lives on!

Original Photo of the Mural after it was painted in 1982: