Murals brighten, inspire at homeless shelter in NE Bend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Three local artists bring paintings and messages of beauty and hope in artwork installed Tuesday on the exterior wall of the Shepherd's House overnight shelter on Northeast Second Street in Bend.

In late 2021, Shepherd’s House invited local creators to use their gifts of art to serve those staying at the shelter. Three artists are contributing to the effort, which will be displayed indefinitely on the north side of the building exterior, protected from sunlight and precipitation.

Contributing artists are Drew Macomber, Maryam Mirahmadi, and Maija Kellner-Rode, all Bend residents. 

McComber says this of his painting which includes nearby mountain peaks: 

“The piece is entitled ‘Faith and Hope.’ It depicts Middle and North Sister. I hope that in a small way it can ignite hope into the residents at Shepherd's House, and those that pass by. When life has given us unfortunate circumstances, sometimes all we need is faith, a glimmer of hope, and belief to get that jump start to fight.” 

“We believe our guests can greatly benefit from enjoying and appreciating fine art, just as so many other Bend residents and visitors do,” says Shepherd’s House staff member Andrew Hoeksema, who organized the project. “We want to make our shelter and navigation center a place of welcome and inspiration. This art will enhance the walk-up experience of the building. We are glad to give an opportunity to local artists to participate. Each artist was glad to donate their time and energy to these pieces and serve our guest population in that way.”

The public is welcome to view the art displayed on the north side of the shelter during daytime hours, with respect for shelter guests.