Lovejoy is one of the founding people of the city of Portland. I suppose this column is to commemorate his devotion to the city. Located in Pearl District, and it is outside, so you should be able to spot this easily.

Walking around the Pearl District in Portland one morning, I saw the Lovejoy Columns. They describe that the Pearl District used to be a railyard prior to being redeveloped. The Lovejoy Ramp spanned the railyard. Between 1948 and 1952, Tom E. Stefopoulos, worked for the SP&S railroad. During his free minutes as a watchman, he did paintings. As these columns have some of the paintings done by Tom Stefopoulos, the columns were spared though the ramp was demolished. These columns are truly unique and worth your time to see!

The Lovejoy Columns are remnant support columns for a highway viaduct that was (mostly) demolished in 1999. Several of the columns were painted by Tom Stefopoulos, a Greek immigrant, between 1948 and 1952. It is wonderful and fascinating that someone had the appreciation and foresight to save the paintings from the wrecking ball and work to have them preserved and maintained. The fact that they exist after 70 years, under such unusual conditions, is itself a wonder. Undoubtedly, one of the most unusual and cool art displays you're ever likely to encounter.

Across the street from a Ben & Jerrys ice cream store it is easy to find. Out in the open street come by anytime and learn about it a bit. Also make your donation to keep projects like this one alive!

If you are strolling around the Pearl District of Portland, OR and interested in seeing an unusual art installation, it is worth the detour to check out The Lovejoy Columns. The Lovejoy Columns originally supported the Lovejoy Ramp, a viaduct that was demolished in 1999. The columns were spared because they housed paintings by Greek immigrant Tom Stefopoulos done in the late 1940s/early 1950s. They are now on display for the public!