PaintCare, the nonprofit organization that operates Oregon’s first-in-the-nation paint stewardship program, unveiled a new mural today in partnership with Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA), a Portland-based nonprofit organization empowering local street artists.
The project celebrates the state’s history of sustainability and paint stewardship by turning recycled paint into highly visible public art in Portland’s Buckman neighborhood. The mural was created by Portland-based artist Jessilyn Brinkerhoff, who has been painting nature-inspired murals throughout Oregon for more than a decade.
“For the last 16 years, Oregon has led the way and demonstrated what’s possible through paint stewardship, and we’re now approaching 11 million gallons of paint collected through the PaintCare program across the state,” said Michael W. Johnson, CEO of the American Coatings Association, which created PaintCare. “That achievement reflects the ongoing commitment of Oregon households and businesses, our drop-off site partners, local governments, and industry stakeholders. We’re especially proud to partner with local artist Jessilyn Brinkerhoff and PSAA on this mural, which highlights how leftover paint can be given a second life while creating something meaningful and lasting for the community.”
Brinkerhoff’s design incorporates Pacific Northwest species throughout, including cicadas, turkeytail mushroom, juniper, and Oregon grape, to represent the region’s natural cycles of growth and renewal. Recycled and re-used paint used for the mural was donated by GreenSheen Paint and Visions Quality Coatings.
“Each element reflects a different part of nature’s continuous cycle,” said Brinkerhoff. “Together, they celebrate recycling, stewardship, sustainability, and our responsibility to care for the ecosystems we share.”
The project brings renewed awareness to Oregon’s paint recycling system, which was established following the passage of the state’s paint stewardship law (HB 3037) in 2009. The law holds producers responsible for managing leftover paint and makes it easy for households and businesses to safely dispose of unwanted paint. It is funded through a fee incorporated into the purchase price of new paint, so the public can bring leftover paint to drop-off sites for free.
“As the first state to pass a statewide paint stewardship and recycling law, Oregon has been a leader in giving leftover paint a second life,” said Marjaneh Zarrehparvar, President, PaintCare. “This mural is a meaningful way to recognize that legacy while showing what’s possible when we bring paint recycling and local art together.”
PaintCare’s annual report in Oregon shows the continued scale of the program more than 15 years after its launch. In 2025 alone, Oregonians dropped off 651,088 gallons of paint for recycling, contributing to the 10.9 million gallons collected since the program began in 2010. Currently, the program has 188 collection sites across the state and over 98% of residents live within 15 miles of a drop-off location.
“Not only does this mural illustrate the meaningful change driven by state policy, but it also represents the commitment and collaboration Oregonians have demonstrated over the years to protect and preserve our state,” said Lauren Scher, Oregon Program Manager, PaintCare. “Programs like this show what’s possible when producers and communities share responsibility for reducing waste and keeping materials in use.”
The mural is the latest installation in PSAA’s Ladies Up Project, a rotating public mural that showcases works by female and non-binary street artists. PSAA created Ladies Up in response to the underrepresentation of female-identifying artists in public mural spaces. The project gives artists opportunities to work at a prominent site while giving Portland a changing collection of local art.
“Ladies Up is about creating more opportunities for women and femme artists to have their work seen and to bring their own voices to Portland’s public spaces,” said Tiffany Conklin, executive director of Portland Street Art Alliance. “We’re excited to see that spirit continue with a project that also connects art, community and sustainability.”
The mural is located at 1401 SE Morrison Street, Portland, OR. The unveiling event was attended by Senator Janeen Sollman, Representative Mark Gamba, and Representative Rob Nosse, who made remarks and celebrated Oregon’s legacy of paint stewardship with local officials.
Oregonians can help continue the cycle of statewide paint stewardship year-round by bringing leftover paint to a PaintCare drop-off site. For more information on PaintCare or to find a local drop-off site, visit https://www.paintcare.org/states/oregon/.
About PaintCare in Oregon:
PaintCare is committed to making it easy and convenient for households, businesses, and institutions to recycle postconsumer (leftover) paint in states with paint stewardship laws. A nonprofit organization created by paint companies, PaintCare sets up drop-off locations for leftover paint, arranges for recycling and proper disposal, and conducts public education. More than 10 million gallons of paint, stain, and varnish have been managed by PaintCare’s Oregon program since its launch in 2010. For additional information, visit www.paintcare.org, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram @WeRecyclePaint.
About Portland Street Art Alliance
Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides access to resources, networking, and professional development opportunities for Pacific Northwest street artists. PSAA facilitates commissioned work for working artists and manages major private and publicly funded art projects in collaboration with visual artists throughout the region. Through educational programming, tours, and community events, PSAA is actively transforming the public art landscape by developing more inclusive place-based programs that increase access to art for everyone. For more information, visit pdxstreetart.org.
About Jessilyn Brinkerhoff
Jessilyn is a fine artist and muralist with over 20 years of experience creating public art that explores the connection between people and the natural world. Raised in rural southwest Oregon, her work is shaped by a lifelong relationship with native species and the wild landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Her murals are inspired by ecology, natural history, and community storytelling. With a degree in Fine Art and Design/Material Studies from the University of Oregon and additional training in art, biology, and design, she combines scientific observation with visual expression in vibrant public art.
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