When you think of street art in Corvallis, what typically comes to mind are the many commissioned murals that color our city, thanks to the Corvallis Mural Project. Little do we consider the vandalized territories where street graffiti and unauthorized works stain our walls and alleyways, livening up what can be a banal or conventional canvas.
This Museum of Vandals, as we’ve dubbed, is meant to reveal the beauty and amusement that can be found in the many striking works of Corvallis street art – from the quirky to the ornery to the downright gorgeous. Here you’ll see unfiltered acts of passion and embedded cultural conversations that characterize Corvallis vandalism.
The Vegan Loop
“Not Your Mom, Not Your Milk”
Location: 11th Street, between Harrison and Tyler
“STOP Eating Meat”
Location: Corner of 10th and Fillmore
When you leave your unauthorized mark on Corvallis, expect little-to-none artistic protection. The “Not Your Mom, Not Your Milk” stood unaltered for weeks before someone angstily scribbled “weak” under the image. However, the carnivorous vandal who added their own two cents didn’t completely disrupt the message, as the shaming phrase and humble cow portrait remain visible, getting the message across effectively.
“STOP Eating Meat” excellently utilizes the canvas provided by public works, as the added sticker pairs perfectly with the red and white color scheme used in stop signs everywhere. Since these two vandalizations are only about five blocks from each other, perhaps we have one fed-up vegan to thank for these displays.
Mary’s River Museum
Location: Overpass via bike path between skate park and Avery Park front-entrance parking lot; Behind building on Western Boulevard, between 6th and 7th Street
The trains in Corvallis are famous for making OSU students late for class and sounding nightly wake up calls to those who live near the rail. Not only are the trains disruptive themselves, but their tracks are accompanied by images, mantras, love notes, and characters that make this spot a colorful outdoor museum.
The train overpass crossing Mary’s River is best accessible from the bike path, between the skate park and the Avery Park front-entrance parking lot. There’s a gap in the fence once you reach the train overpass, where you can access a micro hill to these marks. Beware of heights, and mind your footing as there are gaps in the tracks. Images rotate, as new artists are constantly covering up old works, meaning you can find something new to appreciate with each visit. I like to frequent this spot seasonally.
Slightly more accessible and viewable from the road, the tracks behind Western are also graffitied. The panels are larger for more grand displays, which include a friendly cartoon giraffe interrupting the numerous abstract works. Excessively colorful and out of place, this unauthorized mural disrupts the greyness that characterizes this semi-industrial space. It contrasts heavily to the train tracks and condemned-looking building the works appear on. Again, this outdoor display is located on train tracks, so be smart about it.
Abandoned Art
Location: Highway 99W
If you’re seeking out some professional-looking imagery, or something a little more somber than your average graffiti, the Southtown Auction Yard is rife with lonely motifs, including one gorgeous black and white Jimi Hendrix portrait. Hooded figures and interesting phrasing clash against the wholesome livestock paintings that decorated the building while it was in operation, providing an eerie juxtaposition.
Miscellaneous Phrases
“Free Cowboy M.A.G.A. Hats”
Location: Madison Avenue, between 4th and 5th.
Art’s supposed to be controversial, right? Personally, I’m amused by the conversation being had here. What began as a toilet seat cover dispenser was vandalized to insinuate that sanitation covers and cowboy hats (a very reasonable and sun-blocking headwear) were synonymous, only to take a turn in slamming Trump and his followers. Cowboy hat wearers everywhere can now wear their hats in pride, as MAGA people are the new butt of this joke.
“Steve Rulez”
Location: Jefferson Street, between 9th and 10th.
I like to pretend that our lovely publisher Steve Schultz is the culprit behind this common Corvallis marking. Maybe this is how he blows off steam on nights that he’s feeling extra self-righteous, or after a really strong edible, but that’s probably not the case. The real artist remains a mystery at large, who is possibly inactive, as “Steve Rulez” markings become increasingly rare to spot without prior knowledge or dumb luck.
Near Campus
Despite the demographic, campus is pretty scarce on graffiti. Either Corvallisites are all-too respectful of Oregon State University (I mean, the town exists because of it) or the campus cleaning crew is on point, because nothing noteworthy or cool made this list. However, just outside of campus, graffiti was happening.
“My Main Goal is to Blow up…”
Location: Outside of Interzone, Monroe Avenue.
Interpret as you will. The “main” word is blocked in the photograph. Although I’m pretty sure the words are an afterthought because they look a little Sharpie-esque.
“Never Graduate”
Location: Morris Street Apartments Dumpster.
Looping down below campus, slightly south of Reser Stadium, you’ll find a school rivalry represented in the most ironic way. A University of Oregon sticker baring the phrase “Never Graduate,” is plastered on the Morris Street Apartments’ dumpster. Originally, the phrase was meant to boast about the fun learning environment at U of O, in which students “never [want to] graduate.” However, out of context and in the hands of a Beaver Believer, the sticker makes a mockery of the school and its students. Taken even further out of context, by placing it on an OSU apartment complex dumpster, the U of O may regret making the stickers at all.
“I Love David Ingham’s Mom”
Location: The Covered Bridge, west end of Campus Way
Not sure who David Ingham’s mom is, but she has an admirer. Corvallis may have its very own “Stacy’s Mom” situation on our hands, yet to be captured in song. Regardless, I’m sure she’s flattered to have the public’s attention. HI, DAVID INGHAM’S MOM!
Disturbed Downtown
Location: Alleyway between 1st and 2nd, Van Buren and Jackson Streets
We’re choosing to ignore the highly-likely symbolism that this art (if related) could exhibit. Instead, I’d like to analyze it for what it is: goofy imagery. If you think they’re related (they’re all within the same block), draw your own conclusions.
In short: Corvallis is number one, Star Wars rules (not Steve), and pigs are cute. The zaniness at this location is quite admirable, and I highly recommend a visit.
Thank you for visiting Corvallis’ Museum of Vandals. See something we missed? Contact us at editor@corvallisadvocate.com
By Cheyanne Simon
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