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The Lovejoy Columns are located on NW 10th Ave., between NW Everett St. and NW Flanders St., Pearl District, Portland (courtyard of the Elizabeth Lofts).

Transcribed from one of the columns:

THE LOVEJOY COLUMNS
From 1948 to 1952, Greek immigrant and artist Tom E. Stefopoulos created a series of paintings on the columns of the old Lovejoy Ramp. The two columns in this plaza bear six of Tom’s original paintings, which will be restored by a professional conservator in the Spring and Summer of 2006. The photos you see here are full-scale images of the actual paintings underneath.
Prior to being redeveloped, much of what is now called the ‘Pearl District’ was a rail-yard. This rail-yard, spanned by the Lovejoy Ramp, was where Tom worked as a watchman for the SP&S Railroad. During idle moments Tom created these paintings. As he explained in a 1967 interview, “When trains stop at crossing, waiting for other trains to switch, I climb on top of boxcar next to painting, reach out like this, and paint. Sometimes, when I’m not finished, the train wait a minute- I paint- then climb down and waive her on.”
-Next Steps-
As cultural treasures, these painted columns were saved from demolition – and now they need your help. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to aid the restoration effort. Additionally, we are actively seeking photographs of the paintings, especially those dating from 1948 through the 1970s.
For contact information, to donate, or to learn more about the project, visit www.lovejoycolumns.info.