Vendors’ contributions to the Street Roots chalkboard hold special meaning for Wendy
For the past several years, a humble chalkboard that stands in the middle of the Street Roots vendor office has been a focal point for art, creativity and inspirational quotes that brighten the day for staff, volunteers and vendors. Ten feet high and just 2 feet wide, the narrow board features a rotating display of artwork that changes every week or so. Any vendor who feels inspired is welcome to grab the paper cup full of colored chalk and draw, write an inspirational quote or create a colorful cartoon.
Recently, vendor Wendy Mustacci spent a morning creating her own original expression for the chalkboard. She dragged the big ladder out of the back and got to work, choosing as her subject Portland’s iconic Steel Bridge, accompanied by a Rumi quote that said, “Love is the bridge between you and everything else.”
“It makes me feel good to do this,” Wendy said. “Art makes you happy.”
The changing display of chalkboard art holds special meaning for Wendy.
“This board starts in one place and grows. It’s a statement about what we’re about, what we’re feeling and doing,” she said.
Wendy is homeless, and she explained that the Steel Bridge is meaningful to her and to many other people living on the streets of Portland.
“I know all about the Steel Bridge,” she said. “I know some of the people who live underneath it, to the side, and even inside of it. People have planted flowers at the ends. The train goes over it, and people run, walk and bike across the bridge. They fish and sleep down below. Lots of things happen on this bridge. It’s our bridge, and it’s made of love.”
Wendy grew up with seven brothers and four sisters in St. Augustine, Fla.
“It’s the oldest city in America,” she said. “I miss my family. Street Roots reminds me of family. That’s why I come here. Doing this chalkboard makes me feel like I’m doing something for this place, like I’m part of Street Roots, part of a family.”
Wendy sells Street Roots at the Stadium Fred Meyer at 100 NW 20th Place.
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