The Artist Behind The Mural: Christian Tellez

Thanks to generous support from Travel Oregon and Prosper Portland, the Portland Mercado has welcomed a new addition: a custom mural by local artist, Christian Tellez, in partnership with the Portland Street Art Alliance.

“We are thrilled to have this beautiful addition to the Portland Mercado,” says Ernesto Fonseca, Hacienda CEO, “which will enhance this community space and serve as a testament to the colorful, bold, and dynamic individuals that make up our community at the Portland Mercado, and the vibrant and eclectic cultures that are a part of our heritage.”

Originally from Mexico, Christian is a licensed architect and accomplished artist with completed works in Oregon, Texas, and Puebla, Mexico. His background in architecture and interior design and extensive experience designing residential and commercial spaces, allow him to create unique and beautiful works like the Mercado Mural. We chatted with him to learn more about what this project means to him and the community at large.

_______

Tell us about yourself!

Muralist Christian Tellez with Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC

I'm from a town called Chachapa in Puebla, Mexico. I graduated as an Architect in Mexico, and I work as an architectural design staff here in Portland.

What does it mean to you to be a part of this mural project at the Portland Mercado?

It means an opportunity to keep introducing myself to the community. I like to become part of a community as an active member enhancing public spaces with art and culture and remembering I'm able to change my environment and raise my opinion. 

What does a place like the Portland Mercado mean to you? What impact have you seen it have on the community?

The Mercado reminds me of those warmer places when you are far away from your family, friends, and roots, making you feel at home. It is a place to re-charge your energy. It's essential to have these places to share our culture and have safe and welcoming places for diverse cultures.

Your work as an artist and an architect works to both enhance and physically create new spaces. What does a vibrant community look like to you?

To me, a vibrant community should be the example of a living community where you can see the product of cultural interaction and dialogue. A vibrant community is constantly transforming itself to respond to community needs that develop its vision for the future.

Your work as an architect is also directly connected to our new affordable housing developments, Las Adelitas! Tell us what it means to be a part of a project like this that will bring 142 new affordable homes to the Cully neighborhood.

It feels great to be part of a multicultural and inclusive team at Salazar Architect. Providing quality housing project options to the community is part of the solution to the housing crisis we’re seeing. I'm sure it will be a significant improvement to the area.

The Latinx population increased 30% over the last 10 years. What is your personal hope for the growing Latinx community in Portland?

I hope the quality of interaction between cultures grows. Having diverse roots allows us to bring the best of each place to our new home, our new environment, and share them. We have to help each other create opportunities to connect and constantly grow as a community with solid values.

Keep up to date with Christian’s work on Instagram and be sure to visit his vibrant new mural that provides a striking visual for visitors at the Portland Mercado.

About the Portland Mercado

Did you know the Portland Mercado, known for its delicious meals and vibrant atmosphere is actually much more?

Portland Mercado is just one part of Empresarios, our entrepreneurial program with a focus on supporting women-, minority- and immigrant-owned business owners— giving them the tools they need to achieve the dreams they have for their business, their families, and their future.

Learn more about our small business support programming.