Parkrose and Lents groups participate in PDX Winter Light Fest

See what folks in Parkrose came up with – to join this year’s winter light-up celebration! Learn why the group in Lents continues to take part in a event that’s become downtown-centric …

Getting ready for their “Parkrose Glow-up Celebration” are: Historic Parkrose Outreach & Marketing Director Samantha Montanaro; District 1 Portland City Council Jamie Dunphy’s office Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator Emma Johnson; and HP Executive Director Héctor Márquez.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

For years, East Portland Collective has been the only outer East Portland organization to host events in conjunction with the now-11-year-old Portland Winter Light Festival – which this year is being held on February 6 through 14.

But now, this year, Historic Parkrose has jumped on the bandwagon with a display, and live event.

‘Mechan 42: Space Explorer’ lands in Parkrose

Showing off their new illuminated installation, Mechan 42: Space Explorer, are: District 1 Portland City Council Jamie Dunphy’s office Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator Emma Johnson; along with Historic Parkrose Executive Director Héctor Márquez; and HP Outreach & Marketing Director Samantha Montanaro.

This year, Historic Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative (HP) decided to participate in the Portland Winter Light Festival with a light-based art installation, and a “Glow-up Celebration” which took place on Friday evening, February 6.

“We were thinking up ways to ‘glow up’ our Parkrose area, and District 1 Portland City Councilor Jamie Dunphy’s office was integral in ‘getting us on the map’ of the Portland Winter Light Festival this year,” HP Outreach & Marketing Director Samantha Montanaro told East Portland News on February 5th, as they were setting up for the event the following evening.

The Parkrose “Glow-up Celebration” is underway! Photo by Samantha Montanaro

“Having Mechan 42: Space Explorer set up in the parking lot of Parkrose Hardware, facing NE Sandy Boulevard — this is the farthest east ever to participate in the festival,” Montanaro exclaimed.

“Our goal for hosting an event – and the art installation that will be here on display for several weeks – is that all of this will help further activate our community, reduce crime, and increase economic development opportunities!”

Into the night, the Parkrose “Glow-up Celebration” continues. Photo by Samantha Montanaro

The kick-off event featured a marching band in banana suits, bubbles, glow sticks, free gifts, hot coco, Level Beer, and other excitements.

– Mechan 42: Space Explorer will be on display through March 16 in the Parkrose Hardware parking lot located at 10625 NE Sandy Boulevard, 97220.

Learn more about Historic Parkrose NPI at their website: CLICK HERE.

‘Lights in Lents V: Community ‘Living, Room

Here, in the Woody Guthrie Place Community Room, the East Portland Collective continues their involvement with the Portland Winter Light Festival.

For the fifth consecutive year, the leaders and volunteers of the East Portland Collective (EPC) encouraged Lents neighbors to be involved in their Portland Winter Light Festival installation and activities.

They started out their “Lights in Lents” participation using vacant retail spaces in Lents Town Center, at the corner of SE Foster Road and 92nd Avenue. After a location was leased to a tenant, they moved to the Woody Guthrie Place Community Room a block away – to 5800 SE 91st Avenue.

EPC volunteer Jean Fang spends a moment in their display, ‘In the living room’.

“This year’s theme we’ve called ‘In the living room’, here at our location,” EPC Volunteer Jean Fang explained.

“So we have a full-size living room set here, complete with curated items and books, inspired by nature, and assembled by our EPC Featured Artist, Romana Sena, who lives in the neighborhood,” Fang told East Portland News on our February 7th visit.

Visible from the sidewalk, through the windows of the Community Room, are these tiny living-room black-light illuminated, glowing dioramas.

“And, on the outside facing wall, visible through the Community Room window, we have our tiny living-room dioramas,” Fang continued.

“People have been coming in and been making a ‘living-room-in-a-box’ art pieces, which have all different interpretations of what it means to them. Come by and check it out!” she invited.

Creating parts for their art projects are participants Anna, Emily Foltz and David Jordan.

“We at EPC feel it’s important to participate in the Portland Winter Light Festival because, being post-Holidays, and with long winter nights, this can be one of the darkest times of the year,” observed Fang. “As they participate, or just look at what’s going on here, they can feel lifted and less isolated.

“And, this is an awesome opportunity to connect with the greater Portland ecosystem of artists, meet new neighbors, and enjoy some food and fun together.”

Crafting and creating a greater sense of community are objectives of East Portland Collective.

Learn more about the East Portland Collective by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

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