Skip to content

Lone Fir Cemetery art survey - spring 2026

Introduction

Construction has begun on the memorial at Block 14, the historic Chinese section of Lone Fir Cemetery. Artist team Qi You and Sophia Xiao-fan Austrins are finalizing their selection and arrangement of offerings created with community members, to be installed at the future memorial. They would like your help in understanding the significance of the objects based on your lived experience and personal or family traditions.

If you would like to refamiliarize yourself with how we reached this point in the art project, please read this article on Metro's website.
How your input will be used
Object selections and placement will be confirmed based on survey feedback as well as fabrication, installation and budget considerations.

All responses to this survey are optional and anonymous. We anticipate this survey taking between 10 and 15 minutes.

Artists’ statement
The rest of this survey has been written from the artists’ perspective and in their words. Their introductory statement is below.

Block 14 was a burial ground for Portland’s Chinese community. In the 1950s, it was cleared for a parking lot and maintenance building. Injustice removed our ancestors with a bulldozer, and with them, our ability to mourn, honor, and practice tradition. Women and children likely remain buried and unknown.

With our art, we seek to repair and reclaim space for our communities.