The Abandoned: Artists of The Abandoned

Monday, August 2, 2010

Artists of The Abandoned

This amazing new piece of artwork was titled " Project Mayhem" and was painted at the bottom of The Abandon's empty pool.

Sissy caught a picture of me as I took a closer look. There's a feeling of magic echoing through the room.

Here's a view of what I was seeing.

There were other pieces of art on those walls. This one says, "Reveal."

On another wall, we see a graceful rendition of the name, "Tech."

Above is another photo of the incredible artwork we found in the main auditorium. It says, "Save the Dream." This piece was done a few months ago. I find it interesting that others who graffiti obscene things in this place have not touched these marvelous pieces. Perhaps they recognize the true artistry found here. I wish there were a way to save them.

What is it about The Abandoned which draws a person to it? Perhaps it is the utter beauty, desolation, hope and brokenness found there. It seems it might be somewhat like walking through the halls of old Rome--these abandoned beautiful ruins.

NOTE: If you intend to visit The Abandoned, be sure to get permission from the owners first. If you do not have permission you may face arrest and prosecution for trespassing.

1 comment:

Clytie said...: Oh sissie! What beautiful pictures. I agree with the feeling at The Abandoned. Such beauty - such ugliness. I also find it amazing that these works of art haven't been painted over or even touched by the vandals that have destroyed almost everything else.; August 4, 2010 at 8:29 AM

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The Abandoned

Years ago, I dedicated this blog to The Abandoned, a huge complex of abandoned buildings in rural Oregon.

Surrounded by wetlands and old growth timber, The Callahan Center was built in the 1970's by the State of Oregon as a rehabilitation center for people recovering from injuries on the job.

In 1992, the property was bought by a mega church. However, the Living Enrichment Center closed in 2004, amidst financial scandal and the property was abandoned.

The buildings stood empty for many years. Over that span the property was vandalized and looted. Yet the beauty of its rare architecture shone through the shambles of abuse and disrepair.

In the summer of 2013, the complex was completely demolished. We were all sad to see the buildings go, but because of trespassers and vandals, it was necessary to take them down.

The area where The Abandoned once stood is filled with $500,000 mushroom houses (homes built so fast they pop up like mushrooms) built on postage stamp lots. There are sidewalks and tall lamps where I once watched the foxes of the field leaping above the grass, hunting rodents.

The surrounding woodlands still survive. It is my prayer the wetlands and forests with their pristine creeks, native trees and flowers, as well as the wildlife which shelter there, will be protected.