Many years ago, a Port Orford artist was inspired to cover a blank surface with a mural. That became the inspiration for other local artists, all wanting to beautify their little town with artwork. While some of these murals were painted years ago, the beautification of this town continues year after year. Creativity abounds in this town, so keep your eyes open as you drive through — something new is bound to pop up at any time.
Our newest mural is a vibrant sea life montage painted by local artist and musician Dune Laila in July 2024. You can’t miss it as you are rounding the corner southbound on 101.
Location: 755 Oregon St. (Hwy 101)
Next to Siskiyou Coast Realty
These Whales are perhaps the largest and the most iconic of Port Orford’s murals. Three graceful gray whales plying the deep by artist Jack Champayne, whose work can also be found in other coastal towns. The mural was recently restored by musician and artist Dune Laila.
Location: 9th & 101
North wall of Melba’s Beauty Parlour
On a wooden fence where 101 bends, artist Kathee Woods has beautifully combined sunflowers and a starry night. This Van Gogh inspired mural is a perfect complement to the most colorful house.
Location: 8th & 101
On the fence in front of Kat’s Korner
Artist Matt Shapira uses his murals of Roaming Elephants to shed light on the plight of these magnificent creatures: Loss of habitat, being poached for their ivory, spending their lives in captivity. In 2016, Matt painted his first elephant mural in Port Orford: and it consists of two massive, majestic creatures sharing a blue wall.
Location: 9th & 101
Artist Matt Shapira returned to Port Orford during the pandemic to paint a second Roaming Elephants mural: two beautiful elephants—a mother and her child—on a purple wall. In just a few hours, Matt used spray paint, acrylic paint, and Sharpie to transform the wall. Read more about it and see the progression in the blog Power of the Brush.
Location: 9th & 101
At Strange Angels Gallery & Gifts, get your photo taken with angel wings painted by local artist Kathee Woods.
Location: 921 Oregon St. (101)
At the entrance to Strange Angels Gallery & Gifts, you can also glimpse colorful flower and butterfly murals painted by Strange Angels’ owner Becky Raymond.
Location: 921 Oregon St. (101)
As you might expect, the Port Orford Community Co-op is adorned with food. The front features carrots and beets being seized by an octopus. Painted by local artist and signmaker Eric Schickel.
Location: 8th & 101
On the back of the Port Orford Community Co-op is a cornucopia of mouth-watering fruits, vegetables and fish, a picture of healthiness. Painted by local artist and professional muralist Darren Evans in 2014.
Location: 8th & 101
Murals aren’t always painted—sometimes they are cut, glued, and grouted! This lively mosaic features the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, the ocean, and sea creatures, as well as Port Orford’s ubiquitous wind.
Location: 5th & Oregon St.
At the view point overlooking the port
At the library, you’ll find a wonderful depiction of fairy tales and children’s books, this whimsical panorama on the Library’s north enclosure will delight any child in the car. Featuring castles and pirate ships, fairies and ballerinas, ninjas and even a couple of swashbuckling mice, your child can perhaps name the various books these images are drawn from.
Location: 15th & 101
Front of the Port Orford Public Library
Painted by local artist Elaine Roeman, these graceful, flying sandhill cranes on a brilliant blue background beautify the former health clinic and pharmacy.
Location: 716 NE Hwy 101
On the east side of Crazy Norwegian’s Fish & Chips is a wonderful fairy-tale scene filled with elves, Viking ships, and magical creatures spilling around the corner to the back of the building.
Location: Jackson St. & 101
An indigenous cabezon fish with exaggerated coloring brightens Port Orford Sustainable Seafood at the OSU Field Station.
Location: 444 Jackson St.
2020 brought the addition of this fun mural featuring an original depiction of Port Orford including flowers, dragonflies, and a flag. (You can only see this mural from the street, as this building is a residence.)
Location: 10th & Jackson
Back of residence
On the front of Driftwood Elementary School is a scene that captures this bountiful area, the aspects of life that make this town so special: the forest, the ocean, the ranches, and the farms.
Location: 12th & 101
Over a dozen flower-themed paintings have been in several locations throughout town. Currently you can see them on a fence as you enter Port Orford from the north (on the left side of 101).
Location: Madrona & 101
This oldie but goodie is the faded image of the Wesco fishing vessel on the side of a derelict building.
Location: Between Harbor (Washington) & Jackson on 101
At the Visitor Center are two historical murals interpreting the natural landscape and heritage of this town. This one shows the aerial view from the Dock, to Cape Blanco, instilling a sense of the landscape and its history, including the Native American tribes and shipwrecks. Painted by local artist and professional muralist Darren Evans in 2015.
Location: 520 Jefferson St.
Battle Rock Wayside Park
The Port has several murals to captivate your senses. This colorful sea life scene was painted by local artist Elaine Roeman. Around the corner of the same building, you’ll find a redheaded mermaid and Neptune wielding his trident. Whales in the sea can be seen on a port outbuilding.
Location: The Port of Port Orford
