Five themes chosen for downtown TD Murals

Lisa Wood of Community Services takes a look at the mural of Blanche McGaughey, bronc rider from the early 20th Century who was recently memorialized in a mural at 200 E. 2nd Street near the Oregon Motor Motel. As many as 15 murals will be painted next summer with the arrival of the Walldogs

From The Northwest Mural Fest:

The Committee members of The Northwest MuralFest are excited to release 5 of the chosen themes for the upcoming 2022 event in The Dalles. After receiving input and suggestions from 200 plus individuals we have identified 5 clear fan favorites.

They are,

1) Chief Tommy Thompson, Native American Theme

2) Jeanne Hillis

3) A Vibrant Chinese Community

4) How The Dalles Got It’s Name

5) Sorosis Club

Through this process we have been blessed to have had feedback and conversations with many community members and have come to understand the importance of reaching out to different groups and demographics from our town in order to pick culturally diverse and inspiring subjects from our town’s history.

Our next step is to add some additional suggested themes as well as removing some that weren’t well received. We are also in the process of seeking input from a diverse group of people to get a better grasp of this history.

Once we have compiled our new list of possible subjects we will release an online input option for residents to respond to as well as at least one more public event.

It has been an exciting process and one that has made many feel a personal tie to our town's history. It is our goal to bring that sense of ownership to as many individuals as possible and build excitement for what is to come in the process.