The Abandoned: Graffiti Face in The Abandoned

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Graffiti Face in The Abandoned

Yesterday I had the fun of wandering in The Abandoned with my beloved Sister Clytie. Sissy and I were in awe of the newest graffiti art we found in one of the back areas of the largest building.

Here he is, Ice Cube Baby, from another angle. You can see how the entire building has been cleared, except for the huge piles of debris in the main parts of the building. Those piles are not visible from this rubbled view.

Here is a closeup. I am in awe of these artists--they do their amazing artwork with spray cans. What talent flows from their fingertips!

WARNING: If you visit The Abandoned, be sure to get permission from the owner, or caretaker before you come, otherwise you risk getting arrested for trespassing.

2 comments:

Clytie said...: Yep, they absolutely amaze me as well. And I like THESE artists ... not only do they leave behind beauty, but they clean up after themselves!; April 13, 2011 at 4:10 PM
Roan said...: I know the authorities frown on graffiti, but this is truly art. Wonderful post!; April 15, 2011 at 4:47 PM

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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.