Julie Keefe | Community-Based, Fine Artist

“I am a community-based, fine artist who utilizes photography, personal narratives and conversation to create connections that strengthen individuals and communities. My recent public art projects include Hello Neighbor, Boise Voices, the Ask the Question Project, the Regional Equity Atlas 2.0, Talk to Strangers, and Messages To A President. I frequently collaborate with institutions, youth programs, municipalities and arts organizations to create public projects.

In 2012 I was named Portland, Oregon’s first Creative Laureate, a unique position that uses the Office of the Mayor and the Laureate role, as a platform to advocate for the arts, arts education, equity, creative industries and practice, and the overall cultural health of Portland.

In 2013, I was honored as one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative in Business. This recognition illuminated my work with the Coalition for a Livable Future’s Regional Equity Atlas 2.0, a collaborative storytelling project that highlighted disparities in communities across the region, but also demonstrated the richness and resilience of its inhabitants.

I find nearly everything that is meaningful begins at a table and continues in the fresh air..”