Published in Local Events posted Jan 05, 2012

What a wonderful way to start the New Year! The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde is currently sponsoring the Grand Ronde Mural Project, which kicked off this past Monday, January 2, and will be completed in about a month. Staged at the old middle school gym, the mural will provide an opportunity for community and tribe members to participate in creating artwork on large panels, which will ultimately be moved to its permanent home at the entrance of the Tribal Housing building upon completion.

This week, the artist team and several student apprentices will begin work to sketch and concept the 70-foot tall mural design. Starting this weekend, the group will open it up to community members at an open house to help paint the mural. Throughout the rest of this month, the gym will be available for people to stop by, visit and view the work in progress. The CTGR will also host an open art studio for members to come by and craft their own drawings and paintings with the help of professional mural artists on site.

Grand Ronde is centrally located in the heart of Oregon’s beautiful Coastal Range, within easy driving distance to the Oregon Coast and the Willamette Valley corridor. Visitors can enjoy many outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and walks to historical sites such as Fort Yamhill and the Veteran’s Memorial. Grand Ronde also features many day-use parks, and of course, Spirit Mountain Casino.

The CTGR continuously updates and expands its offerings to its community members. Later this month on January 26th, the Tribe will host an open house from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. to celebrate the completion of the new addition to the Youth Education Building, which includes more than 2,500 square feet of space for a media center, sound room, culinary arts kitchen and more.

Come one, come all! No previous art or painting experience is necessary to help craft a piece of history. For more information, call Cristina Lara from the Tribe’s Youth Prevention Program at 503-879-2040.