Kalama Art Movement

Welcome to the vibrant town of Kalama, where art is an integral part of our community. As you stroll through downtown, you'll encounter unique artwork adorning the main street, each piece telling its own story. We invite you to explore and appreciate the creativity that flourishes here. Join us on this inspiring journey through our artistic haven!

Trashcan Mural Project

Our mission is to celebrate local artists by transforming trash cans throughout our downtown area into vibrant works of art. Each can will be uniquely painted by talented local artists, reflecting the spirit and culture of our community. Join us along ,with local businesses, to create exciting themes that brighten our streets and inspire

everyone who visits!

Located in Front of the Sassy Lash, Breathe Beauty, Hands of Therapy & Key Results Real Estate

Artist Profile

Jene McMahon

I moved to Kalama in 2024. I wanted to put my “mark” on Kalama. That’s how I came up with the Trashcan Mural Project. I am honored to be the first person to paint a lid and cannot wait to see what other artist are going to create. I love art, design and creating just about anything. I am always coming up with creative ideas and working on ways to express them throughout the town.

Located on the Corner of 1st & Elm

Artist Profile:

Christina Lee

Christina Lee is a life-long artist who has found her true artistic passion: painting dots. Many, many dots, alternating from the large to the very tiny, are used to create her extraordinary dot mandalas. The mandala (the Sanskrit word for circle) is a symbol that has been used in many cultures since ancient times to create a sacred space and as a meditation aid. Christina’s art reflects the depth and beauty of this eternal form. She earned her B.S. in Interior Design from The Art Institute of Portland and has worked in many art forms.

Located in Front of Kalama Liquor Store & Reece Gallery

Artist Profile:

Andrea Traphagen

Andrea & Tom Traphagen

Painter & Photographer

The Traphagens are dedicated artists who take pride in supporting arts and artists in Southwest Washington. The "power of two" has helped them collaborate to successfully develop their photography and art business. Andrea paints daily in watercolor, acrylics & mixed media. Her whimsical paintings transform you into a world of mermaids, dragonflies and old growth forests. She strongly believes that "artistic creativity is a part of life, and that it makes life fun and leads to more long-term satisfaction. Tom is a photographer with a background in visual communications. His camera techniques support his slightly abstract imagery of nature, wildlife and urban scenes. He frames his camera lens to visually mirror his bountiful Pacific Northwest natural environment. His artistic philosophy is "...to capture the moment because life is moving so fast today. It's kind of a documentary stylistic approach."Andrea and Tom are currently members of the Ridgefield Art Association, Kalama Arts & Makers, the South Beach Arts Association and the Battle Ground Art Alliance.Their works are on display at various association shows, Asla-Art Gallery and at Reece Luxury Art gallery in

Located on the between ETC. Mercantile and Burnt Smoothie Hut

Artist Profile:

Teri Van Matre

While originally from Texas, Terri has considered Kalama her home for nearly 15 years. While she spends most of her time in the corporate world, her heart and mind has always been in the creative arts.

Terri has found her niche in mixable oils, acrylics and sometimes mosaic work. She enjoys experimenting with new mediums, and often finds herself with several creative projects adorning her work station

Located on the in front of the City Hall

Artist Profile:

Coco Edmonds & Bree Devine

Bree Devine and Coco Edmunds are a talented mother-daughter duo from Kalama. With a shared passion for art, Coco has nurtured her daughter's creativity passing down her love for artistic expression. Their collaboration is a testament to the power of family and creativity.

Kalama Building Murals

Discover the vibrant beauty of Kalama through its stunning murals, adorn our town and tell unique stories. Each piece of art reflects creativity and spirit of our community, inviting you to explore and appreciate the artistic talent that surrounds us. Take a stroll and immerse yourself in the colorful expressions that make Kalama a truly special place

Located on the Side of the Kalama Library 312 N 1st St Kalama, WA 98625

This mural was designed to represent and highlight some of the magical wonders and fantastical journeys that await those who explore the books found inside the Kalama Public Library.

Painted: August 2021

Artists: Tatyana Ostapenko, Kelsey Birsa

Sponsors: Envision Kalama, Kalama Public Library, Miller Paint

Literary References, left to right:

Pinocchio & Geppetto - Pinocchio, Carlo Collodi

Treasure Chest - Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson

Aladdin's Shoes - Aladdin & His Magic Lamp, Antoine Galland Dragon - Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin

Captain Hook's Ship - Peter Pan, J. M. Barrie Ruby Red Slippers - Wizard of Oz, Frank Baum Owl - Harry Potter, J. K. Rowling

Elf Ears - Rumpelstiltskin, The Brothers Grimm

Gandolph's Hat - Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien

Red Striped Socks - Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren

Unicorn - The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe, T.S. Eliot

Red Pickup Truck - Twilight, Stephenie Meyer

Pacific Northwest References:

Pirogue Boats - The Lewis & Clark Expedition

Dugout Canoes - Indigenous Peoples

1962 Worlds Fair Totem Pole - Chief Lelooska, Master Carver/Educator Sasquatch - Big Foot Legend

Alexa Young, CA

KAMA’s Pump Station Mural decorates the pump station located just off First Street, in between the Columbia Inn and the Atomic Cafe, in downtown Kalama, Washington.

Here’s what’s on the mural:

SOUTH SIDE

The story of Kalama’s strawberry heritage is pictured. This heritage originated in the first half of the 20th century in the tiny community of Cloverdale on the southern outskirts of Kalama. Home to Finnish families who grew and harvested strawberries, the community gathered to celebrate the strawberry harvest each year. Over time the celebration grew into a strawberry festival, complete with a strawberry queen and her court! The festival’s centerpiece was a giant strawberry shortcake.

Depicted are strawberry fields, strawberry pickers, a giant strawberry shortcake, and even a strawberry shortcake recipe!

ALL AROUND

Surrounding the mural you can see local green landscapes and trees, a sunset, and river vistas much like are seen in Kalama, along with borders of strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. There are hidden figures on all sides (can you find them?) including Edward and Bella from the Twilight saga, Bigfoot, Little Red Riding Hood, the Kalama Chinooks logo, an air ship, a honeybee, and a mythological Wendingo.

NORTH SIDE

The North side features a giant dragonfly and is a great place to take a selfie picture!

EAST SIDE

The East side features futuristic animal blacksmiths, tinkers and silversmiths, like the racoons on the starship flyer in Guardians of the Galaxy!

JERSEY BARRIERS

The jersey barriers surrounding the pump station have been decorated in a stylized fashion meant to honor Kalama’s Hawaiian heritage. They feature hibiscus flowers, the state flower of Hawaii, and some honeybees.

Located just behind the Kalama City Hall 195 1st St N. Kalama, WA 98625

Commissioned by Envision Kalama and Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA), Sunset on the Columbia captures the beauty of the of the sun setting over the Columbia River in brilliant, vibrant colors. The Sunset on the Columbia mural project received additional support through grant funding from ArtsWA and paint discounts provided by Rodda-Miller Paint, making this community enhancement possible through the combined efforts of multiple stakeholders.

Located under the I-5 bridge on exit 30

In the summer of 2012, Organizers Shirley Lowman and retired Evergreen School District art teacher Danni Pederson rallied the community to paint a mural on the north side of the I-5 underpass. In 2009, both helped Kelso Eagle Scout McKay Graff paint a mural on the south side of the underpass. It depicts the city's historic waterfront. The northside mural depicts the transition from the Minnetonka locomotive in the late 19th century all the way to today's Amtrak. It also includes an image of the town's train depot, demolished decades ago.