Two new murals are headed to Hillsboro after the Arts & Culture Council took up final design approvals on July 22 for the Civic Center parking garage and the Dairy Creek Futsal Courts.

Public Art Supervisor Karl LeClair presented both projects at the council's monthly meeting at the Walters Cultural Arts Center on Main St. The votes were the last step before painting can begin on either project, capping months of committee work, artist selection, and community input that started in April.

The approvals follow the council's unanimous 11-0 vote on June 24 for a separate $27,250 mural by Portland-based artist Emily Kepulis at 158 N.E. 2nd Ave., depicting agricultural fields and the coast range. That project drew from the Public Art Fund.

Civic Center mural

Artists Allison McClay and Rodolfo Serna will paint the roughly 900-square-foot east wall of the Civic Center parking garage along a pedestrian alley off N.E. Second Avenue.

A selection committee representing the council, local businesses, city staff, and arts community members chose McClay and Serna from 16 applicants in May. C

Community input sessions followed in June. According to a city news release, the mural will celebrate Hillsboro's people while creating a sense of belonging for downtown visitors. The city has targeted late summer or early fall for painting to begin.

Dairy Creek Futsal Courts mural

Regional muralist Ana Gabriela-Honsowetz, selected from the city's Mural Artist Roster, will paint the Dairy Creek Futsal Courts. The committee reviewed roster artists beginning in April, evaluating experience, creativity, and community fit. The futsal courts themselves are under construction by Faison Construction Inc., which won the contract in May.

Children's Healing Art Project

The meeting also featured a guest presentation from Jenna Adams of the Children's Healing Art Project, introduced by Cultural Arts District Division Manager Bridie Harrington. CHAP is a Portland-area nonprofit with a Hillsboro studio at 136 S.E. 3rd Ave. The organization sends teaching artists into hospitals and clinics to work with children facing medical challenges and offers a free Art Club at its Hillsboro location on Thursdays from 4–5 p.m.

Council Chair Beau Reitz delivered arts and culture highlights, and committee members provided updates on the Orenco Woods Nature Park art seating project and the Cultural Arts District Strategic Investment Pilot Program, which the council has scheduled to launch in fall 2026.

Upcoming arts events

• Friday, July 24: Mariachi Opera in the Park, "Cruzar la Cara de la Luna," 6:30–8:30 p.m., Shute Park, 750 S.E. Eighth Ave. Free. Oregon premiere of the world's first mariachi opera, performed in Spanish and English. Food vendors on site; bring chairs or blankets.
• Monday, July 27: Walters Performance Series tickets go on sale.
• Friday, August 1: STAGES on Seven Seas Gala Fundraiser, 6 p.m.
• Monday, August 4: Hillsboro ArtWalk, 5–8 p.m., various Cultural Arts District locations. "The Way Home" gallery exhibit opens at the Walters Cultural Arts Center (through Friday, September 18).
• Saturday, August 9: Latino Cultural Festival, Hillsboro Ballpark, noon–6 p.m. Portland Opera on the Lawn, Walters Cultural Arts Center, 7 p.m.
• Thursday, August 14: Pix in the Park: "Inside Out 2," Bagley Park, 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, August 21: Pix in the Park: "How to Train Your Dragon," Hidden Creek West, 7:30 p.m.

The HACC meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Residents can contact the Cultural Arts Office at 503-615-3497 or [email protected].