Why did 400 dexterous artists come from around the globe to converge in SE Portland for a weekend of throwing things around? Take a look, and discover what we learned from our visit …
Award-winning 11-year old juggler Rachel Leshikar, from Kennewick, Washington, shows her skill at five-ball juggling. (To see her perform on YouTube: CLICK HERE)
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The director of one of our favorite annual events – the 16th annual Portland Juggling Festival – Daniel Peterson, didn’t travel far to the event – he lives in SE Portland. But, some of the 400 participants trekked half way around the world to attend this annual event.
“We’ve brought in performers from Germany and Japan,” says Peterson, a Brooklyn neighborhood native. “But we have performers come from Canada, California, and points east.”
The performers converge on Reed College for a long weekend of juggling to see new “patterns” and equipment, reunite with old friends.
Portland Juggling Festival Director Daniel Peterson (left) “passes clubs” with friends Jennifer Noll and Borg Norum.
Reed College a juggling hub
Another reason Reed College is a juggling nexus is that the school has offered juggling as a physical education course for 30 years.
“I took juggling when I attended Reed College my freshman year, about 20 years ago,” Peterson relates. “But, I really got into it about 10 years ago.”
Asked about his favorite style of juggling, Peterson replies that it is “passing clubs”.
“Two or more people juggle clubs, and pass them back and forth among one another,” he explains. “There are standard, internationally-known ‘patterns’ or sequences for passing clubs; partners don’t need to speak to do it. And, people are always generating new, challenging patterns.”
Daniela Künster teaches new patterns to a class learning ways of passing clubs.
Although it might look like martial-arts mayhem, no one was injured in this – or any – juggling classes at the Festival.
Build mind, body, and friendships
Peterson says most jugglers he knows like the activity because it is challenging, both intellectually and physically. “There’s something new to learn and make a connection to what I’ve figured out in the past. It’s part of my lifelong continuing learning program.”
All of the jugglers with whom we speak also commented that – unlike magicians, who keep the secret of their tricks hidden – “There’s always somebody in the juggling community who has something amazing to show that I want to learn. Sharing juggling tricks builds friendships.”
Class is in session
In one room during the festival, I find two long rows of participants facing each other, ready to pass clubs. “Pass-self-self-pass-self-self,” chants German instructor Daniela Künster, as clubs start to fly through the air in orchestrated pandemonium.
“This is just one of many classes offered at the Juggling Festival,” says Peterson, as we watch advanced jugglers help novices learn how to juggle and pass clubs.
“And, over here, we have a ‘Stilt-walking 101’ class going on. We even offer a class dedicated to picking up dropped juggling equipment,” the event’s host added.
Rob Brown shows off while riding his seatless “Ultimate Wheel”.
Just how many rings is Matthew Knight, who hails from SE Portland, juggling?
Allied arts welcomed
We ask why there are folks at the festival performing related arts such as unicycling, diabolo, devil stick, poi, footbag, and Rolla-Bolla.
“All these arts are affiliated with one another; all ‘circus arts’ are welcomed,” replies Peterson. “Our participants are folks who like to work with props. We all learn from one another.”
Whizzing around the perimeter of the lower gym, in perfect control, is unicyclist Rob Brown. “When I was in sixth grade, I asked for a unicycle for Christmas. About three months after Santa brought it, I was unicycling to school. That was 32 years ago!”
Michael DeBuhr quickly learns how to walk on stilts. “I have a really good sense of balance.”
When he moved to Portland in 1990, Brown looked for a place to ride his unicycles during the rainy winter months, and found that jugglers welcomed him into their midst.
We see that the unicycle Brown was “riding” has no seat – it’s simply a spoked bicycle wheel with pedal cranks. “It’s called ‘The Ultimate Wheel’; I’ve been riding one for 20 years,” Brown explains. “I kept lowering the seat on my unicycles until finally I just took it off. You won’t find many people riding this.”
The best part of unicycling, Brown says, is feeling success after he works at learning difficult tricks. “And let’s face it – I like to show off. Ask anyone here; it’s one of the reasons we do this!”
Peterson smiles and nods his head in agreement. “No matter what a performer may say, we all love to show off.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
The City of Portland overlooked this rainy-weather trouble spot – discover why they may have caused the problem …
Long-time Lents Neighborhood resident Joyce Beedle put on her hip waders and cleared storm drains of debris she believes came from land owned by the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services. Hours later, it’s still draining!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We certainly didn’t get the hurricane-like conditions predicted by the forecasters on November 12 – but many of the outer East Portland streets that are prone to flooding were again underwater for hours.
Police simply closed SE 92nd Avenue, between SE Foster Road and SE Division Street – a perennial trouble spot.
Foster Road floods, but not Johnson Creek
We were surprised to learn that Johnson Creek was flowing well below flood stage, even with the heavy rainfall.
Yet, for hours, all lanes but one eastbound on SE Foster Road, just west of SE 111th Avenue, was flooded.
“This morning my son couldn’t bicycle safely to school, because all of the westbound lanes, the turning lane, and one of the eastbound lanes were completely underwater,” reported long-time Lents Neighborhood resident, Joyce Beedle.
Calls it a ‘predictable problem’
By the time we arrived, the water had receded, and only one westbound lane – and the bike lane – were underwater. That was thanks to the intrepid Beedle.
She said she put on her hip-waders, grabbed a pitchfork, and pulled leaves and grass out of the storm drain grates. “It was clear to me that the City of Portland wasn’t going to do it,” she explained.
The water from the leaf-and-grass choked storm drains backed up – and also flooded SE 111th Avenue.
The worst part, she added, is that this flooding was totally predictable – and not because of problems with Johnson Creek.
“Two days ago,” Beedle noted, “the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services mowed the property they own along Foster Road. The storm water drains were clogged with fresh grass clippings and leaves. There aren’t any trees or grass near the storm drains. I would prefer that they take care of the property in such a way that traffic is not impeded on SE Foster Road.”
So, if you drove along SE Foster Road on Wednesday, please know that it was a neighbor who helped drain the water from the street, and provided you with a safer trip!
No homes or businesses were damaged due to the flooding.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
It’s time for the annual dance festival at Portland Metro Performing Arts. See what’s in store for you – at this great outer East Portland cultural event …
Metro Dancers (Back row) Emilie Larison, Sophie Gunz, Riley Willis, Julia Manning, Sarah Stanton, and (Front row) Beth Barnhart, Angelia Biornstad, Violet Lane-Ruckman, Michaela Martens, and Kylee Martens, rehearse a number from the Dance Mosaic show on November 22 called “Bluegrass”.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
If you haven’t been to a performance of the Portland Metro Performing Arts (PMPA) dance company called the Metro Dancers, your opportunity is coming up next week.
“We call the program ‘Dance Mosaic’, explained PMPA’s Director Nancy Yeamans, as we watched a group of young ladies rehearse a number from the show. “It’s an exciting repertory dance concert, featuring works ranging from classical ballet to cutting-edge modern.”
Guests artists to perform
Metro Dancers will be joined by guest companies Kinetic Images Dance Company, Western Oregon University Dancers, Anne Kemer Dance and Skylark Tappers, performing the works of dynamic choreographers.
“This program gives the guest artists the chance to be seen by our audience,” Yeamons told us. “And, they bring some of their audience to see what we are doing. There aren’t enough venues and events in Oregon for companies to be seen.”
Dinner helps raise funds
In addition to the afternoon and evening shows, PMPA is hosting an Italian dinner, the organization’s director said. “We’re hoping people will come to support our non-profit organization by joining us for the dinner we’ve scheduled between shows, whether or not they also come for a performance.”
It’s important for PMPA to continue because, as Yeaman’s pointed out, “We’re the only people who do what we do – provide education in dance, music, and theater, all under one roof. And, being a nonprofit organization, it means that every dollar we raise goes into our educational programs – and thus back into the community.”
Two shows on November 22
Showtimes are at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Saturday, November 22 at Portland Metro Performing Arts, 9933 SE Pine Street – just a couple of streets north of SE Stark Street.
Advance tickets are $15.00, or at the Door $18.00. The Italian Dinner featuring food from Pizza Baron, Olive Garden, Flying Pie Pizza, and Bridges Café, is on from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., and the modest charge is $10 for high school and adult; $5 for grade school kids, and $2.50 for preschoolers.
For tickets, call PMPA at (503) 408-0604.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
What did Mayor-elect Sam Adams have to say about Portland’s economic outlook, at this meeting with businesspeople held east of the Willamette River? And what did they tell him? Learn all about it, and why it drew business people from all over East Portland, right here …
Before the meeting, Sam Adams listens to comments by John Perkins of the Hollywood Boosters.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although it was a dreary fall morning, about 80 business people from all over Portland filtered into the Portland Community College Central Portland Workforce Training Center in Inner SE Portland early on November 7 for a “conversation” with Mayor-elect Sam Adams regarding the region’s economic outlook, and the Economic Stimulus Package being prepared by the City.
President of the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations (APNBA), Jean Baker of the Division/Clinton Business Association, introduces the program.
Debbie Kitchin, with the Portland Small Business Alliance, introduces Mayor-elect Sam Adams.
Adams told the group he accepts the fact that the nation is in a depression, and thanked business leaders for gathering to talk about key issues.
“Portland city government is going to be cutting its budget,” Adams announced. “We face a shortfall created by reduced revenue and increased costs.” He said that his eleven years as Chief-of-Staff for former Mayor Vera Katz familiarized him with the process. “This is an exercise with which I have some experience.”
Portland Mayor-elect Sam Adams welcomes businesspeople to a conversation about improving Portland’s business climate.
Seeks to define prosperity
Adams decried the lack of interest in creating a durable economic plan for the City, telling how he’s sought to define economic success among all sectors of business and society.
“I think that we suffer mightily as a region, and as a community, when key partnership groups do not agree on what we mean by ‘business success’, and by what we mean by ‘personal and family prosperity’. Lacking that agreement means you get rather muddled economic development efforts.”
Mayor-elect Adams describes the current state of Portland’s economic condition.
Challenges faced in the business community
While the region has fared quite well in comparison to other areas so far, Adams said that, in the recent past, 26,000 living-wage jobs went unfilled. “Yet, we have 84 agencies in the region and spend $125 million a year to educate and train folks. That’s fairly mismatched.”
The Mayor-elect pointed out that the City of Portland has revised its licensing fee structure, shifting some of the burden from small businesses to large firms, grossing more than $20 Million annually, which pay only $100 each year. He also announced the City is streamlining the license fee system, eliminating estimates, and going to an after-the-fact tax. “I’m apologizing to all of the accountants who will lose business from the simplification.”
Decries rampant poverty-level wages
While there is nothing wrong with service-wage jobs, Adams continued, he stated that 21% of Portlanders earn poverty-level wages – earning less than what is necessary to provide for their basic necessities. “Compared to the 9% who earn low wages in Seattle, we’re in lot more vulnerable a position.”
Speaking of his personal background, Adams said he is the son of a single mother who “got by on subsidized housing and government support. I came from a family who couldn’t always get a good job. So, although I have never owned or run a business, we come to similar points of passions from different paths.”
Nearly 100 businesspeople came to Inner SE Portland to hear about the City Council’s plans, and to give their own ideas for economic improvement.
Looks to better educational system
Adams said, as Mayor, a primary focus for him will be improving education. “47% of our eighth-graders do not graduate from high school. 47% of our eighth-graders drop out before they finish high school on a standard-length timeline. It’s no wonder we have a high percentage of people working at poverty wages.
“If you look at the data for our region, you’ll see they we’re a highly educated city, but we’re ‘importing’ most of the talent who work at high-end jobs.”
Working on an economic stimulus package
Being the Mayor-elect of just one city in the world economy, Adams said he had no illusions about our ability to change global economic trends.
“I’ve always wanted to have city government positioned to be less self-absorbed about the impact of a recession on its functions; and more externally focused [on] helping our businesses and workers through tough times.”
While Adams suggested that the term “stimulus package” has become tarnished because of current federal programs, he announced that the Portland City Council is developing a program to aid Portland businesses. “I’d like to see city government to be proactive, trying to locally forestall the worst impacts of a national recession. There are things that we can do to make things better on the local level.”
Specifically, Adams said they’ve requested funds for economic revitalization from the federal government. “We wanted to be first in line, so we submitted our request two weeks ago.”
Also, he said the City is “moving up” construction project start dates for which money has already been earmarked. “Say a project is three years out. Construction inflation is running 7% to 8%. We save money by beating inflation; and, because the construction industry is down right now, we’re getting more competitive prices for our projects.”
Other programs include fast-tracking housing projects, expanding the city’s property tax investment program, and a 12-point small business and start-up business program.
Adams listens to comments during the morning’s conversation.
Business leaders comment
Businesspeople at the meeting praised Adams for his past and present efforts – yet at the same time took the city to task on a variety of issues.
The praise was offered by past-President of the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations (APNBA) Patrick Donaldson, who summarized the positive sentiments expressed by many at the forum: “You [Sam Adams] have under-promised and over-delivered. You are the voice of small business on the Portland City Council.”
But Donaldson warned that fees, fines, and permit costs can “whipsaw” small business owners into closing. He suggested the City carefully use incentive plans. “We’d all like to pay employees a good living wage. At the same time, remember that business owners themselves are struggling to earn a living wage and gain benefits for their own families.”
Adams listens to complaints and suggestions about the City’s management.
Complaints and suggestions aired
Answering a complaint regarding System Development Charges (SDC), used to pay for infrastructure improvements in conjunction with new development, Adams responded that Portland’s SDCs rank in the lower third nationally, and have not been increased.
Dan Yates commented, “I’d love to see the Portland Development Commission get out of the housing business. It’s supposed to be an economic development agency.”
Tony Fuentes suggested that a micro-loan program would help spur local growth. He also suggested creating a local “manufacturing brokerage program” that would help local manufacturers more easily connect with area suppliers.
School improvement suggestions
Returning to the City’s high-school drop out rate, Adams suggested businesses find ways to hire interns and provide summer jobs. “When I worked as a dishwasher, I realized I wanted to get better educated.”
The historic Mississippi Business District’s Bryan Steelman told of their youth employment program, funded by businesses, in which ten youths from charter schools worked summer jobs and paid internships.
Amy Salvador and Wayne Stoll, of Century Associates and the Parkrose Business Association, listen intently to the plan Adams outlines.
Wayne Stoll challenged other business districts to match what they do in Parkrose – giving five $1,000 sponsorships to seniors graduating high school.
Promises to keep citizens informed
In conclusion, Adams promised that on November 19 the Portland City Council would be announcing a detailed plan for boosting the City’s economy.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
It is unclear why he stabbed his sister to death – especially because the two siblings lived in the same apartment complex. Here are the details of this sad and troubling story …
Both the accused and the victim of the sororicide lived in different units of this same apartment complex on SE Division Street.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Friends of 52-year-old Theresa Ann Rockwood were just concerned about her at first. When no one could reach her for a week, some went to check on her.
Her dog, which friends said she dearly loved, was unfed. Neighbors said her car, parked in the complex lot, hadn’t moved in seven days. It was suggested they call police and ask them to check with her brother, 54-year-old Joseph F. Rockwood, who also lived at Stonehenge Apartments in a different unit.
Police immediately suspect foul play
“Officers from East Precinct were dispatched for a ‘welfare check’ at Joseph Rockwood’s apartment at 11:39 a.m. on November 7,” reported the Portland Police Bureau spokesman, Sgt. Brian Schmautz.
“When Rockwood answered the door, they noted a strong odor of decomposition that led the officers to investigate further,” Schmautz told us. “They found his sister, Theresa, in Joseph’s bathroom with multiple stab wounds. He was arrested on probable cause of murder.”
The medical examiner confirmed the woman had met an untimely death, and then confirmed her identity with dental records.
Police suspect this man, 54-year-old Joseph F. Rockwood, stabbed his own sister to death.
Thought to be mentally ill
According to police records, Joseph Rockwood suffers from mental illness. What led up to the suspected murder, however, remains unclear.
Rockwood was arraigned on November 10 on one count of murder.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
This fundraiser was successful – but, see why
they really need your help in the coming weeks …
Cassie Goulart, Chef Curt Martin, and Patricia Tarkington help serve up turkey dinners at the CherryBlossom Loaves & Fishes Center in an outer East Portland fundraiser.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There’s nothing better than a hot meal featuring roast turkey or ginger ham – served with potatoes, yams, and all the trimmings, on a cold, blustery day – to lift the spirits and cheer the soul.
That’s what visitors to the CherryBlossom Loaves & Fishes Center got, for a small donation, on November 2, when more than 200 diners attended the organization’s annual fundraising dinner at the East Portland Community Center.
Donated food and labor
“It’s our 11th year doing it here at the Center,” said Director Bennett Bailey when we stopped by to donate to the cause. “Because the food is donated, and volunteers help prepare and serve it, all of the money from our event goes directly into supporting our meals program.”
Even though Loaves and Fishes is a nonprofit agency serving seniors in need, less than 25% of their budget comes from public sources, Bailey reminded us. “So, in addition to our generous corporate and private sponsors, we’re left with a substantial amount of fundraising to do, to keep our centers going. This is one of our big fundraisers for the year – supporting the meals we serve both here at the center, and those we deliver to seniors at home.”
Bennett Bailey, director of the CherryBlossom Loaves & Fishes Center, serves guests at the annual Turkey Dinner benefit.
Nutritional support served with side order of kindness
The CherryBlossom Center is one of several Loaves & Fishes operations in the greater Portland area, but this one puts out about 600 meals per day. “Our service is important, because we provide about 60% of our home-bound clients’ daily nutrition,” Bailey said.
Almost as important as the food delivered, Bailey added, is the social interaction the delivery volunteers provide when they drop off meals. “When they talk with the senior for a moment, and give them a smile, they give the client a human connection with their community.”
Although they aren’t a full-service social service agency, volunteers also check on the seniors they visit. “They make sure their house is warm, and safe, and that the senior isn’t living in an unhealthy or dangerous environment,” Bailey added. “Occasionally they have found an at-risk senior unconscious on the floor. So, it’s not just the meal. It’s making sure that there is some social interaction, and finding out what their other needs are, other than the hot meal we bring every day.”
More than 200 diners tucked into a hot turkey dinner to support the efforts of their outer East Portland Loaves & Fishes Center.
Volunteers needed, especially during the holidays
We’re happy to report that this year’s Turkey Dinner Fundraiser was indeed a success – seeing an increase of about 50% over the previous year, we learned.
“We really appreciate the support of our community members. But now, especially during the Holidays when our regular volunteers take time off for their families, we need more volunteers in the kitchen and as drivers,” Bailey said.
If you can spare a couple of hours a week, brighten a senior’s life by helping out. Call Bailey at (503) 256-2381 to volunteer, or e-mail him at bbailey@lfcpdx.org.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Why did so many law-abiding citizens turn their weapons at this event? We’ve got the answer right here …
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Sgt. Tim Sessions checks out a gun being turned in at the Lents Neighborhood Association event.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Lents Neighborhood Association, in cooperation with Ceasefire Oregon and the Portland Police Bureau, provided citizens the opportunity for citizens to turn in working handguns and rifles on November 1.
“I guess the word got out,” said Dewey Akers, the immediate past chair of the neighborhood association. “We had people coming here, from as far away as Canby and Gresham, from the hour we opened.”
Akers said that Ceasefire Oregon made a presentation to the neighborhood association, at which time they agreed to sponsor the turn-in program.
Gets guns off the street
In charge of the day’s program was Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Sgt. Tim Sessions, who talked with us about the event, as he made sure guns were made safe and ready for transport.
“The number one reason do this is to help keep us all safe,” Sessions began. “And, we encourage people who don’t want guns they inherited or have to bring them to events like these. It gives them a safe way to turn in a gun to be destroyed without any questions asked.”
Sessions said gun turn-ins help “keep us all safe” because, “When you think about it, if a person doesn’t know how to be responsible for a gun doesn’t know how to secure the weapon, there is the possibility of an accidental shooting. Add to that is the potential of a theft or burglary that can put the gun ‘on the street’, and in the wrong hands.”
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Cadets Houck and Cisneros help at the event.
Said most successful ever
“Ceasefire Oregon”, we were told, collects donations used to buy gift certificates which are then given to citizens who surrender a “workable firearm weapon”. At this event, each citizen turning in a working weapon received a $75 Fred Meyer certificate, with a maximum of two certificates for two guns turned in.
“We started out with 375 certificates, and gave out 100 IOUs after we ran out,” commented Akers. “I didn’t think anyone would leave their name and address on the envelope, but they did.”
We observed some citizens deciding to keep their gun after they learned the supply of gift certificates was exhausted.
534 guns were surrendered at the Lents turn-in; organizers said it was their most successful event ever.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News.
It looked as if this driver tried to pass a stopped bus – by bouncing up on the sidewalk to pass on the right. Officials say, he apparently hit the gas instead of the brake. See why it was fortunate no one was killed …
Witnesses say they can’t figure out why the driver gunned his engine – and tried to pass the stopped TriMet bus – on the right!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There weren’t any serious injuries in a bizarre wreck that took out a utility pole in the 6400 block of SE Holgate Boulevard on November 3. But, the accident totaled one car and damaged a truck.
Once on-scene, we learned that an eastbound TriMet bus stopped to take on passengers just after 10:30 a.m. Witness Bill Farr told us, “I was stopped behind the bus. The driver of a red car in front of me was impatient, he pulled out and passed the bus. Then, this other car drove off the street, right beside the pickup, and took out the pole.”
Was this driver trying to pass on the right – using the sidewalk? That’s what it certainly looked like, to witnesses.
Roof rack saves passenger
“We were stopped behind the bus,” said eyewitness Ilia Morozov. “In my mirror, I saw a car driving quickly up. Before he hit our truck, went like he was going to pass our truck and the bus on the right side. But there is no lane – just curb, and grass, and sidewalk. He ran right into the pole.”
Morozov said when the utility pole toppled; it landed on his truck “My dad ducked down, like the pole would crush us. But the roof rack on our truck saved us.”
Although the accident looks serious, no one was injured, police say.
Driver confuses car’s controls
The official word on the wreck came from Portland Police Bureau Sgt. Brian Schmautz. “The collision occurred when 81-year-old Norbert Paul Kent inadvertently applied the accelerator instead of the brake as he approached some vehicles stopped for a TriMet bus.”
To avoid the stopped vehicles, Schmautz added, Kent drove up onto the sidewalk. He missed the first car but sideswiped the second and then hit a pole on the sidewalk.
“Kent was cited for Careless Driving. No one was injured in the collision.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Across Portland, this special cultural event helps art lovers ‘pull back the curtain’ to see how artisans create their magic. See what we discovered, visiting five SE Portland studios …
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Spending an afternoon at a museum or art gallery admiring the work of artists who have passed on years, even decades, ago may appeal to some. But thousands of Portlanders annually spend one or more weekend days on a self-directed tour of 98 artists’ studios, during Portland Open Studios.
We didn’t have to travel far to meet five fascinating artists, all located in SE Portland, who opened their studios to the inquisitive, as part of the tour a couple weeks ago.
Brooklyn’s Madeline Meza Janovec says jewelry-making is just one of her creative talents.
Madeline Meza Janovec
4504 SE Milwaukie Avenue
www.mmjanovec.com
Janovec is well-known in the art community – she’s ensconced in the yellow building on the corner of SE Holgate Boulevard and SE Milwaukie Avenue, in the Brooklyn neighborhood.
“I first moved to Brooklyn in 1966,” Janovec says, taking a break while working at her jewelry workbench. “I’ve lived in three different buildings in this neighborhood over those decades.
“I do jewelry, prints and paintings,” she explains. “I’m not just the jeweler; I’ve always been involved in all three forms of art for my entire career.”
Janovec says she uses recycled metal objects and stones (not gems) to create her elegant jewelry. “Many of my materials have had a ‘former life’, and suggest to me what they’d like to become.” The idea, she added, is to transform them into jewelry, yet allow them to keep their character.
What she likes about being on the Open Studio tour, Janovec says, is letting people see how her art is created. “I enjoy sharing my creative process. There is ‘magic’ involved in making art; we create ‘something’ from a ‘nothing’.”
Sellwood’s Marcy Baker both practices and teaches her artistic techniques.
Marcy Baker
1500 block of SE Rex Street
www.MarcyBaker.com
“I live and work here in Sellwood as a painter and a printmaker,” Baker told us when we visited her home studio. “I work in acrylic paints.”
The professional artist of 20 years said her move from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Portland, about seven years ago, has influenced her art. “I just feel so hydrated here; I love the moisture and all the trees. Moving here brought more botanical imagery into my art.”
She also showed us a large hand-operated device. “It’s a monotype press used in the printmaking process that applies oil-based etching inks on paper. I combine printmaking with the painting processes and many of the elements of collage.”
In addition to being a professional artist, Baker said she teaches monotype and collage at Multnomah Art Center in Multnomah Village.
Baker says the Open Studios tour is “a wonderful way for people to feel that they’re welcomed into the artist studio to connect with the artist and her process. And, it’s a great way for artists to connect with people who love art work.”
Sculptor Samuel. H. Soto is laminating wood he’ll carve into a work of art in his “ground level” loft. He’s also known as painter Thomas Soule. Confused? Read this!
Thomas Soule & Samuel H. Soto
632 SE Haig Street
(503) 341-8571
After watching the two-story, rectangular building being constructed just off SE McLaughlin Boulevard a few years ago, we’ve always wondered about the use of the structure. That is, until the Open Studio tour indicated this building contained the studios of artists Thomas Soule & Samuel H. Soto.
“We built it as a place to live and work,” Soule explained. “I lived in a loft, but I couldn’t continue living there because I made too much noise. So I decided to build a ‘loft on the ground’ – so here it is. It’s a two-story building similar to a loft.”
When we naively asked about his counterpart, Samuel H. Soto, Soule smiled and said, “I do both sculpture and painting. Thomas is the painter, Samuel is the sculptor. The name is an anagram; the names represent my two different ways of working.”
The painter, Thomas Soule, talks with visitors to his ground-level loft and gallery.
When painting, Soule explained, he begins with a blank rectangle. “In a way, it determines how the painting turns out. Sculpture is a whole different activity. There’s no predetermined sort of location; space is handled in a totally different way.”
Showing us first his acrylics, then his sculptures, he added, “For most artists to create in both media, their work looks similar. In my case, the two different kinds of activities produce different styles of art.”
The artist, who said he’s also been a teacher and worked in computer graphics, said he likes the Open Studio concept because, “When people come here, they’re here to enjoy art – not just drink wine and eat cheese. I get an interesting variety of people who come to visit.”
Clinton Street’s Annie Meyer uses a monotype press to transfer the image to paper.
Annie Meyer
2507 SE Clinton St.
www.anniemeyerartwork.com
Although it’s been a couple of years since we last visited Annie Meyer’s studio and gallery, she welcomed us like an old friend.
While she considers her art the work of a painter, Meyer said she works in three media: Monotypes, paintings, and ceramic tiles.
“I’ve drawn the [human] figure since high school, and I’ve been doing landscapes since about 1995,” Meyer explained as she prepared to make a monotype. “I just love what I’m doing, and can’t imagine doing anything else. To have a life where one is making a living doing what they love is the very best thing one can do.”
Meyer shows how she first creates her painting on a block of acrylic, before she makes the print in her press.
Meyer explained that her monotypes are one-time prints. Using her fingers, as we watched, she created an image on a piece of Plexiglas using a special kind of paint. She then placed the Plexiglas face up on the bed of a press and carefully positioned paper over it, and used the press roller to transfer the image to the paper. The result was an original print.
“I really enjoy the Open Studio tour – I get to show visitors my art process, just like I showed it to you,” Meyer said.
If you’ve visited a high-end poster shop, you’ve certainly seen Allan Stephenson’s work on sale; but he says he loves talking with art lovers who visit his home-based studio.
Allan Stephenson
3800 block of SE Clinton St.
www.allanstephenson.com
When we walked into his basement studio, we listened as Stephenson told a visitor how the idea for a painting, a print of which the guest had purchased, had come to him. He graciously signed the print for the guest.
“I’m a landscape painter, and I work in oils and acrylic and pastel – all three media,” Stephenson told us. “Most of my work is used by designers, consultants and publishers. A lot of my work becomes published as posters.”
Asked how art became his vocation, Stephenson said, “There was never any other option for me. I drew from when I was a kid onward. When you realize what your strengths and weaknesses are, you go for your strengths.”
That strength, for him, was being able to easily draw and sketch scenes that are recognizable. “Since day one, I’ve been an artist. I’m not saying I haven’t worked the odd job here and there when I was younger, but I’ve managed to be professional artist all my life.”
The best thing about his profession, opined Stephenson, is having control over one’s time. “There are two things in life: Time and money. You can usually only get one or the other. The downside of being an artist is sometimes one doesn’t have the money, but what one does have is the time to organize one’s life as we so choose.”
Stephenson said he was also enthusiastic about the Open Studio tour. “A lot of people are intimidated going to galleries. They feel silly asking questions in a gallery like ‘What’s the difference between an oil and acrylic?’
“Whether my visitor is one who enjoys art – or is a student – people feel comfortable asking questions and exploring the process of art at my home.
“Here, they get to learn the stories behind my art.”
And once again next year, on the Open Studios tour, you’ll have the chance to do the same.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland Nooz
Just how old was the document from which Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish read, supporting his decision to deny industrial development? You might be surprised to learn …
Golfers at this year’s East Portland Chamber of Commerce tee off at the northern edge of Colwood National Golf Course, located next to Portland International Airport.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
At a regular session of the Portland City Council a couple of weeks ago, the commissioners decided – once and for all – whether the Cully Neighborhood’s only green space, Colwood National Golf Course, would be bulldozed for industrial development.
To the chagrin of neighbors near the airport, owners of the 138-acre property located between NE Columbia Blvd. and Portland International Airport had hoped to sell the land to a developer who wanted to build an industrial park.
Because a hearings officer rejected the plan, Haertl Development Company, the applicant, and Colwood Partnership, the property owner, sought to appeal the decision, and took their case to the City Council.
The Portland City Council met at City Hall to decide the fate of Colwood National Golf Course.
Commissioner Fish quotes report
When the vote was called, Commissioner Nick Fish said he’d like to reread information he’d voiced during the earlier hearing on the topic.
“I want to read briefly from the following report,” Fish began.
“And I quote: ‘The remaining great landscape feature of the City is that of the Columbia Slough which borders the eastern part of the city on the north. The region is low and distant from the city and seems to be at present comparatively valueless for any other than farming purposes. It is therefore to be hoped that a much larger park, of the meadow type, than can elsewhere be afforded, will gradually be acquired here by the city.'”
He continued quoting the report, “No other form of park has been proved so attractive and so useful to the masses of the people as a meadow park, particularly where there could be associated with it long stretches of still water as a landscape attraction and for boating purposes.”
Commissioner Fish tells the City Council that honoring Olmsted’s vision is a “historic opportunity”.
Says century-old report stands up
After reading several more passages, Fish concluded by saying, “I’m quoting from the 1903 Olmsted report which addressed the question of the possible use of the land adjacent to the Columbia Slough. We have a historic opportunity through this vote to honor the vision of Olmsted, over 100 years ago, to maintain the current designation of open land – and, in my judgment, to correctly apply the law to the facts before us. Aye.”
Mayor Potter abstained from voting because he’d missed earlier meetings on the subject – and so the rejection of the industrial plan was upheld at the City Council session on October 22. As a result of the decision, Colwood National Golf Course will remain as it is.
For now, the property will remain a duffer’s delight.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
It’s not a reading lesson! Find out what outer East Portland neighbors learned about Asset Based Community Development, right here …
“Asset Based Community Development” expert Ron Dwyer-Voss leads the training held in the Centennial neighborhood.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Folks from many outer East Portland neighborhoods – all of them looking for ways to help make better their communities – attended a unique training session held at the Parklane Community Church last month.
The workshop’s organizer, Mike Vander Veen, told us, “‘Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)’ is not a program or solution, but rather a way of approaching community.”
Centennial Community Association chair Tom Lewis, and board member Patty Hicks, discuss ABCD concepts with neighbor Aimee Krouskop.
Focusing on strengths
While the attendees were involved in small group discussions, the trainer, ABCD expert Ron Dwyer-Voss, talked about the program with us.
“ABCD is an approach to engaging one’s community,” Dwyer-Voss began, “It’s based on the premise that residents and local institutions will get better results and by first considering the community’s strengths and assets, rather than the traditional approach of starting with the community’s flaws and needs.”
He said they refer to assets as “gifts” – gifts of individuals, the gifts of association, and the gifts of institutions.
During the workshop, neighbors learn to focus on the “gifts” in their community, instead of its problems.
Better communities from the inside out
Dwyer-Voss said he got involved with the ABCD concept years ago when he worked within very poor communities in inner-city Chicago.
“We realized if we just talked about food stamps, and welfare, gangs, and drugs – we would be overwhelmed with problems. But we looked around and saw some people who were good at taking care of kids, some who were good at cooking, others who were in voluntary associations that could be used to help the community.”
It was there, Dwyer-Voss said, that he saw how this positive approach helps communities build “from the inside out”.
Creating sustainable improvement
“The result of stronger connections between existing community assets is that it provides a stronger community,” noted Dwyer-Voss. “This helps people better deal with problems in a way that is sustainable over time.
“It’s not dependent on whether or not there is a government grant, or a nonprofit organization survives, or an expert is available. Instead it’s sustainable because the community is controlling it.”
Participants in the ABCD workshop learn that the process can help them solve outer East Portland’s problems on a long-term basis.
Ongoing meetings
If you’re interested in participating in on-going ABCD discussions, these monthly sessions are held at the East Portland Neighborhood Organization offices. Contact Vander Veen at (503) 823-4550 for more information.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Here’s the story behind the summer-long scurry of construction activity on SE Division Street at SE 68th Avenue …
This auspicious group, ready to dedicate the newly-reconstructed Egtvedt Hall at Warner Pacific (WP) College, are: WP alum and Church of God pastor John Parker; Bill Jones, VP with Bank of the West; Steve Stenberg, WP Director of Facilities and Planning; Conner Peckham, Student Body President; Jim Teague, Chair, Board of Trustees and an alumnus; Andrea Cook, interim WP President; Jay Barber, President Emeritus; Wayne Peterson, WP’s CFO; Frank Harris, who is with contractor SD Deacon; Skip Spanaway, from SRD Partnership, architects; and, Ray Cotton, pastor of New Hope Community Church, alumnus and parent of a current student.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
People motoring east or west along SE Division Street have probably noticed a recent flurry of construction activity at SE 68th Avenue – on the campus of Warner Pacific College (WP).
In what Andrea Cook, interim WP president called “amazing work in a very short time,” the school’s Egtvedt Hall underwent a complete renovation. “Groundbreaking for the project was on April 3, and we got our occupancy permit on August 21.”
Although the turnout was light for the dedication ceremony, everyone at the ribbon-cutting ceremony appeared to be ebullient about the project’s successful, rapid, and timely completion.
Warner Pacific’s interim President, Andrea Cook, introduces the speakers at the building’s dedication ceremony.
Speeches accompany ribbon cutting
After introducing distinguished guests standing behind the dedication ribbon, the school’s interim President, Andrea Cook, said, “Now, our students will have a place in which they can feel proud, when they bring their families and friends.”
Jim Teague, an alumnus and the Chair of the school’s board of trustees, told how, in 1976, the impetus behind the construction of the original building was to have a place to host then-President Gerald Ford when he came to speak at their graduation ceremony.
In the foreground, newly renovated Egtvedt Hall stands ready to serve students, faculty, and the community, school officials say.
“That was our motivation then,” Teague told the assemblage. “The motivation [for the improvements] is really all about our students. We felt deeply that we needed a place to really host our community. This includes our students, our faculty, our alumni – and our staff, as well. What you see here, now, is a place that is all about community. Community is what Warner Pacific is all about.”
Representatives of the architects, contractors, and the school each took turns praising the project and offering up dedication prayers. With that, the ribbon was cut and visitors toured the building.
With a snip of the mighty scissors wielded by Cook, Egtvedt Hall is official open.
Will provide a ‘community space’
Greg Moon, the school’s Development Director, told us that Egtvedt Hall now provides the campus with a spacious dining room, a coffee shop, a student center, and a bookstore. “Additionally, faculty, admissions, the registrar, and the business and financial offices occupy the second story of the building.”
“The renovation gives students a place they can relax,” Moon said. “The dining room, coffee shop, and multi-purpose room are open and available for our neighborhood community to use. The building also houses our ‘black box’ theater and music rehearsal studios. We hope you’ll come to our events.”
Learn more about this unique SE Portland educational facility by visiting their web site: CLICK HERE.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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