A vibrant new landmark has emerged at the corner of Preble and Oxford streets, bringing the vision and enduring words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the heart of Portland.
Created by acclaimed local artists Ryan Adams and Rachel Gloria Adams, the mural was commissioned by the social work organization Preble Street to serve as a beacon of inspiration, strength, and beauty for the community. The artwork centers around one of Dr. King’s most iconic quotes: “The time is always right to do what is right.”
In an exclusive interview with Amjambo Africa, Ryan Adams shared the deep intentions behind the artwork, the collaborative process that brought it to life, and why Dr. King’s message of justice and equality remains profoundly relevant to Portland’s diverse neighborhoods today.
Filling a Void in the City
The project began when Preble Street approached the artists with a vision, recognizing that the organization’s mission to empower the vulnerable aligned directly with Dr. King’s teachings. For Ryan, a lifelong Portlander, the commission sparked an important thought.
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“During our conversations, we realized that the city did not have a space or piece dedicated to Dr. King,” Adams explained. “We saw this as an opportunity to change that.”
Adams noted that the mural arrives at a crucial moment in time. “Considering the current state of this country and its government, his teachings and actions need to be remembered more than ever,” he said.
A Dynamic Artistic Collaboration
The striking mural is a testament to the seamless artistic partnership between Ryan and Rachel, who have spent the last few years refining their collaborative style.
The piece integrates a dynamic visual landscape with powerful typography. Rachel’s signature quilted style anchors the mural, utilizing sprawling geometric designs and a vivid color palette to draw the eye across the expanse of the wall. Ryan, a skilled sign-painter, meticulously hand-designed each letter to fit organically within the open spaces of the layout.
“Since we have been collaborating for a while, we have our process pretty dialed in,” Ryan. Adams said, adding that after presenting initial layouts to Preble Street, a small, dedicated team helped the duo execute the large-scale project on time.
A Message for Portland’s Diverse Communities
Ryan Adams acknowledges that while most people strive for these ideals, it can sometimes feel as though the nation is straying in the opposite direction. The artists said they designed this mural to counteract that drift and offer a beacon of solidarity.
“We hope it acts as a reflection of the community’s voice and shows visitors that we are a city that values justice, peace, and love,” he said. He also expressed a desire for the mural’s bright, energetic colors to evoke a positive feeling for the immediate community who will interact with the space daily.
Preble Street has invited everyone to visit the corner of Preble and Oxford streets to reflect on how Portland can continue lifting up its neighbors. As Ryan Adams puts it, the mural is a lasting reminder of Dr. King’s legacy, proving that his vision for the world and “love and care for all is truly our only way forward.”
