Youth-Led Mural Project Coming to Woodfords Corner

Gateway to Opportunity (G2O) is an exciting summer program that partners local high school students with a host site to develop career skills and lead a community-focused project. Portland Public Health’s Tobacco Prevention team is eager to once again partner as a host site for the Portland-based youth, with this year’s project to focus on creating a mural in Woodfords Corner that promotes clean air and tobacco-free communities.

Thanks to Goulding Chiropractic and the Friends of Woodford Corner, the site of the upcoming mural will find its home at 12 Revere Street by mid-August. When searching for a space to plan the upcoming mural, Woodford’s Corner quickly became an ideal location for our site due to their central location that is accessible to G2O students, the support and commitment from Dr. Goulding’s Chiropractic office to partner with us to promote healthy living, and the neighborhood’s overall strong appreciation and understanding of the benefits of community art. Additionally, Jared Goulette, a professional muralist who already has several installations in Woodfords Corner, is set to be the group’s mentor and lead the project to completion.

This program runs through July and August, and will conclude with a community celebration. We look forward to viewing and celebrating G2O 2021’s accomplishments with you! For more information.

Participants from left to right are: Billie Lee Watson (Gateway to Opportunity Team Leader), Aviva Feinberg (Casco Bay High School), Felicienne Tshibemba (South Portland High School), Sefania Missamou (Portland High School), Israk Ayasin (Deering High School), Val Johnstone (Portland Public Health - Tobacco Prevention Department), Madelene Cyr (Portland Public Health - Tobacco Prevention Department). Unpictured: Kia Dilamini (Portland High School).

Dr Michael Goulding in front of the wall of his office building at 12 Revere that will be transformed by the G2O program this summer. We immediately thought of Dr Gouldings building when G2O came to us. Now the whole parking lot will be surrounded by art! Images below are the other murals at this spot, on the back of Speedwell Projects/Hopeful Building 630 Forest Ave. How this block has changed over the last several years!

On July 15, Teresa Valliere met with the G2O team and talked about placemaking, art and the mission of Woodfords Corner so the team would have the larger context for their upcoming mural.