Artisans frolic at ‘Arts Alive! 2024’ in Powellhurst-Gilbert

Now! INCLUDES COLORFUL VIDEO TOUR | Take a look at this inimitable ‘Festival of Art’ that came to outer East Portland, and discover why it took place …

In the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, makers put their work on display at the Arts Alive! 2024 Festival of Art.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The area around Arte Soleil, along SE 122nd Avenue near Harold Street, became a mini art Mecca on Saturday, August 17, when the Arts Alive! 2024 Festival of Art got underway.

Next door, the parking lot of Lents-Gilbert Church of God was filled with vendors’ canopies and live music, which continued throughout the festival.

Showing some of her handiwork, here’s Hannah White – Executive Director of FreeArts NW.

“I don’t feel that this area of the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood gets much positive attention,” remarked Free Arts NW Executive Director Hannah White, the event’s organizer. “So, we’re excited to have a festival right here, to bring neighbors together!

It’s Julie Walker of J Walker Glass with one of her unique glass decorations.

“We created this festival because we wanted to do something to brighten this area of outer East Portland. It’s also a fundraising event, to support our art programs of Free Arts NW,” White told East Portland News.

Here’s the promised video tour of this year’s Arts Alive! event:

“In addition to hosting 18 artists and craftsmen vendors, we also have community organizations joining us,” White said. “We are so happy to have nonprofit SoundsTruck NW here with their mobile stage, bringing in musical performers throughout the day.”

Singer Laura Head finishes her set on the SoundsTruck NW stage.

In addition to shopping with the artisans, visitors could avail themselves of astrology readings and get face paintings – plus, there were lots of hands-on artistic activities for kids to do – like painting and drawing.

“We’re thankful for the help of some 20 volunteers, who helped us put this festival on,” acknowledged White.

There’s lots to see and do at the Arts Alive! 2024 Festival of Art.

“It’s just really special to see neighbors meeting each other,” White mused. “There are people that live nearby, but have never met each other. This allows people to slow down, cross paths, and make new friends.”

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