The Making of the Mural on the New Big River Home Apartments

The mural at Big River Home Apartments is finally complete, and we had the opportunity to speak with one of the artists behind the piece and learn more about the stories and intentions woven into its design.

Stephen Smith is a self-taught artist from Seattle, Washington. This mural is his largest to date, and through his work, he hopes to see more Native artists represented in public art. He also believes strongly in sharing what he has learned from other artists and passing that knowledge on to the next generation.

The mural was intentionally designed with a trauma-informed approach. Stephen wanted the colors and imagery to create a sense of calm and comfort for anyone who encounters it. Through his years dof mural work, he has seen how people connect with the calming nature of his art.

Stephen began designing the mural by researching Cowlitz stories. As he learned more, he realized that some of the stories he was reading had been passed down through his own family, including stories from his great-great-auntie. He spoke with his mother to learn more, and she shared the stories that had been passed down to her, continuing a tradition of storytelling through the mural.

Each animal represented in the mural has its own story, while also connecting to the others. Together, they reflect the understanding that all our relatives are connected and related to one another.

As we spoke with Stephen about the mural, people walking by stopped to tell us how much they loved it and what it meant to them. One man who lives across the street told us he had a front-row seat to the entire process. He watched the mural come to life from his apartment and said he loved having the new, beautiful view outside his window.

Stephen was not alone in creating the mural. He was supported by friends, his cousin, and collaborated with fellow artist Sarah Folden. Sarah is a Cowlitz tribal member whose artwork is inspired by her heritage and ancestral connection to place. She is also a self-taught artist who learned Coast Salish design from accomplished Indigenous artist Brian Perry. Her inspiration for this mural came from a book written by a former Chairman of the Cowlitz Tribe.

For Stephen, this mural is about more than creating a beautiful public space. It is about carrying stories forward, honoring connections to culture and place, and creating opportunities for Native artists to be seen in public spaces. He hopes to be part of more projects like this in the future and to continue uplifting the next generation of Native artists.

Big River Home Apartments (táw’k u pútmx x̣áx) are new, income-qualified apartments in downtown Vancouver and will be available beginning January 2027. The apartments were developed in collaboration with Colas Development Group and the Cowlitz Tribe.

If you want to experience the mural for yourself you can view it at 615 W. 6th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660.

Interested in Big River Home Apartments? You can fill out the interest form HERE.

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