Newport, Oregon's bustling Historic Bayfront is a unique mix of canneries, fish markets, art galleries, gift shops, and various eateries that welcome visitors to shop and dine in a turn-of-the-century atmosphere largely forgotten by time, but documented by stunning murals that help bridge the past and present. More than a dozen of these massive paintings stand alone or adorn various structures that line S.W. Bay Boulevard from one end of the Bayfront to the other, telling a nautical story that is both specific and collective to the area. Come and experience the vivid detail and life-like images that the murals provide amidst the sights and sounds of the working Bayfront!

Most of the murals were painted by artist Rick Chambers, and these include his signature, the date they were painted and a coded statement about their significance. While some of Chambers' statements are obvious and in context with the content of the images, others are not clear and hold special meaning to the artist and the background for which he has knowledge. Although some of the murals date back to the middle of the 1990's, with the remainder painted in the first decade of the millennium, they are all fresh and unblemished despite the rough coastal weather and salt air that they constantly endure.

The Historic Bayfront's southwest entrance begins under the hilltop grounds of the Yaquina Bay Coast Guard station, where three billboard murals greet visitors. One of these paintings is a replica of an old Yaquina Bay salmon canning company label, and another is of the aftermath of the shipwreck of “The Pilgrim.” The third mural is of the Coast Guard lifeboat CG36503 being pitched about in a rough sea, and is placed directly below the actual lifeboat, which is displayed in the middle of the Coast Guard campus; the placement of the two boats provides an exciting visual dimension that brings the scene to life!

Midway down S.W. Bay Boulevard, the mural of a Coast Guard helicopter hovers above the street, covering the front of a bay building as if it were conducting a rescue mission; another tribute to the importance of the heroes who guard and protect both locals and visitors. The majority of the murals in the center of the Historic Bayfront are massive in scope, filling storefronts and fish processing factories with both images of daily coastal life and fantastical vignettes from a collective maritime consciousness. Many of the paintings depict fishing boats in a variety of situations, and while a few vessels are calmly docked, beached or being repaired, others are dramatically fighting storms and rough waters to bring another fresh catch into port. Most of these images represent the rigorous, and often dangerous life led by local fishermen and remind visitors of the historical significance of ocean fishing, and that Newport proudly remains home to Oregon's largest commercial fishing fleet.

Bright fish dart about and massive whales swim, breach and roll in several of the murals, giving a nod to the wide assortment of sea life that reside and migrate through Newport's Pacific coastline. The various species of painted fish and other sea life resemble the live versions that can be seen locally in coastal tide pools, and at The Oregon Coast Aquarium and OSU's Hatfield Marine Science Center. Visitors are often able to identify fish in the murals from those they've seen and learned about at the Aquarium and the Science Center. Grey whales also provide an exciting part of Newport's charm, and can often be seen from shore or from aboard charters that specialize in whale watching. Although most of the whales drift along the coast during specific times, not all migrate through the area, and several whale pods live off the Newport coast year-round. 

The next time you visit Newport's Historic Bayfront for one-of-a-kind shopping, world-famous culinary and craft beer selections, and nostalgic atmosphere, take the time to stroll along S. W. Bayfront Boulevard to study the many murals that tell a deeper story of the area. Perhaps these paintings will help frame and capture the essence of your experience in Newport, “The Coast You Remember.”