From the project’s start, the energy was contagious.
Anastasio, Maybelle Center staff, shared a touching moment of walking into the room and finding eager residents of Katherine Gray Apartments already waiting to dive in. It was a warm welcome that set the tone for what would become a powerful, creative journey.
The piece, aptly titled “Cups Full of Kinship,” perfectly embodied the project’s spirit. Denise, a PSU student volunteer, noted how the imperfections in the artwork mirrored the connections being forged:
“The process was messy and funny–every thing’s been kind of battered around a little bit, but it all comes together so beautifully.”
It’s a fitting metaphor for how diverse people can unite amid a bit of chaos and a lot of joy to create something beautiful and meaningful. Denise added:
“Sometimes I feel like I get knocked around a little bit, and it’s so fun to find some soft places to land where I can share just good experiences without a worry, without a care.”
As the evening progressed, the excitement continued to build with laughter, stories, and, of course, some delicious snacks! Anastasio joked that we had forgotten the tissues for all the happy tears, but those moments of connection were exactly what made the day so special. The joy of being together and creating something meaningful was palpable.
The evening and the project culminated in a reveal of the permanent art installation at Katherine Gray Apartments on 11th Avenue, which serves as a physical reminder of the power of community and inclusion.
Maybelle Center’s vision is to build a Portland where everyone, especially those who have faced isolation—whether due to mental illness, financial hardship, or other challenges—feel they have a place and a role in our shared city. This art reveal was more than just an exhibit—it was a powerful reminder of how shared creative experiences can break down isolation and help people feel like they matter.
Today, we should take pride that, together, we are taking another step toward building a Portland where everyone feels they belong. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this project to life.
Here’s to more shared experiences, creativity, and moments of connection!
Residents of Katherine Gray Apartments gather with Maybelle Center Members, volunteers, and staff to prepare paper mâché “cups” for their collective art project now permanently installed at Katherine Gray Apartments on 11th Avenue.
