Dear Liza,
When we first moved to Portland, we noticed murals…. lots and lots of murals. Most were in different styles, by different artists. But some looked more similar.
We particularly liked these little guys, with their positive messages and simple, cartoony lines. Auntie Bridgett, in her learning about Portland artists, learned that they are painted by a man named Gary Hirsch.
Yesterday, I got to meet him!
It turns out that Gary, who lives here in Portland, enjoys painting his happy characters, called Botjoys, so much that he doesn’t charge for his art! He charges for paint, asks for a little help adjusting the equipment, and then makes the wall better.
Amazing.
When Gary started showing his tiny Bots in the gallery, he offered to paint an inside wall of the gallery. Auntie Bridgett suggested an outside wall, and he liked that idea. The building that houses SideStreet Arts Gallery is owned by local artists Pratt and Larsen, who okayed the project. Papers were filed, permits were granted, and yesterday, it all began.
I look forward to seeing the little guys every time I walk Auntie Bridgett to work!
Life is just so darn sweet.
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 