WHAT:
Cascade Web Development is web development firm whose office is housed in railcars from the late 40s located on the tracks across from OMSI. The business (and railcar) owner, Ben McKinley is a big supporter of public art and community development. For the last several years he's invited artists to paint the exterior of the railcars (the side that faces OMSI). This year he opened up the backside of the train to a small group of graffiti street artists. The result is some graphic, colorful art that brightens up an otherwise grim industrial part of town.

 

WHY IT'S INTERESTING TO MERCURY READERS:
Not all graffiti artists are criminals. The main artist, MCtools (Philip Haleen) has commented to owner Ben McKinley throughout the process that it's a gift not to have the pressure of rushing through a piece and rarely has the opportunity to work on such a large canvas. MCtools has returned to the train several times to edit and change elements of the design that he wouldn't normally be able to do. It's open to the public for viewing/photographing.

 

HISTORY:
Graffiti and railcars have a long history. Originally starting over 100 years ago when hoping boxcars was a cheap way to travel from spot to spot, to the 70s in Brooklyn when hip hop artists started using the railcars to mark their territory and have a rolling social commentary.

 

VIEWING:
The railcars exteriors are open to the public during business hours (M-F 8am-5pm).

 

PHOTOS: Gallery included for reference and invite you down to the train for a tour and to meet the owner and artist.

 

CONTACT:

I'm happy to facilitate next steps with Ben and the artist. I can be reached at 503-442-1697.