Recently, the Portland Press Herald published an article discussing a graffiti tag, “the bee,” that has appeared in various locations across the city. As an organization dedicated to supporting public art, TEMPOart values the role that creative expression plays in our community. However, we believe that public art must be created with respect for private property and in accordance with the legal frameworks established by the City of Portland.

At TEMPOart, we do not condone illegal graffiti or any form of vandalism. Public art has the power to engage, inspire, and bring communities together, but it must be done in a way that aligns with our shared values and respects both public and private spaces.

We invite artists and community members to join the conversation about the future of public art in Portland. If you’re passionate about contributing to the city’s cultural landscape, we encourage you to explore opportunities for creating legal, city-sanctioned artworks. The City of Portland offers a number of programs and initiatives to support local artists.

Let’s work together to keep Portland’s public art scene vibrant and respectful!