Find out why children, veteran artists, and neighborhood organizers gathered in a Powellhurst–Gilbert parking lot to celebrate the end of summer …
In outer East Portland, at the fourth annual ‘Arts Alive Celebration’, HaHa the Clown entertains as the community art fair is in full swing in the Powellhurst–Gilbert neighborhood.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although forecasters predicted passing showers, overcast skies gave way to spots of sunshine as the afternoon progressed at this outer East Portland event. Live music filled the air, and kids found several different activities hosted by volunteers at different stations. It was a lovely, low–key community art fair that brought warmth and creativity to everyone who attended.
The Arts Alive Celebration took place on Saturday, August 15, from noon until 5:00 p.m. in the Powellhurst–Gilbert neighborhood. The community arts celebration was hosted in the Arte Soleil parking lot, located on SE 122nd Avenue at Harold Street in the Northeast lot of the Lents–Gilbert Church of God.
The all–ages, family–friendly gathering was designed to support outer East Portland artists and build stronger neighborhood connections, according to Hannah White, the executive director of Free Arts NW.
Free Arts NW Executive Director Hannah White smiles as she welcomes neighbors to the fourth annual Arts Alive Celebration.
Celebrating local talent and end-of-summer joy
“We’re at Arte Soleil, who is hosting Arts Alive,” shared White. “There have been block parties here for a long time, but this is Arts Alive’s fourth year – kind of bringing together community with local artists and musicians and community organizations and food – and yeah, a way to just celebrate the end of summer.”
To make the event truly inclusive for neighborhood creators, organizers kept fees low. “It’s very affordable,” White explained. “This year we had a low entry rate of $20, but they get $10 of that back in food. We just want to make sure they came.”
Both seasoned and new artists show and sell their original creations at the bustling neighborhood art market.
It having a “low barrier” to participate is a key part of the organization’s mission to uplift creators of all experience levels, illuminated White. “We want to make this accessible to artists who are at any stage of their career,” White told East Portland News at the festival. “So we’ve got some beginners for whom this is their first tabling experience and some veteran artists as well.”
The market also provided an entry point for neighbors who had never explored and shopped at local art markets before. “I’ve also talked to people who have never been to an art market before,” White smiled. “So they bought their first piece of art here, which is like one of my favorite stories from this location.”
Pleasant Valley Neighborhood Association Treasurer and Vice President Alex Paja volunteers at the paper crafts station, guiding young creators through hands–on projects during the festive afternoon.
Kids’ passports encourage conversations with artists
A major highlight for the younger attendees was an interactive program designed to spark conversations between children and local creators.
“This year we have a passport activity for kids where we’re encouraging them to interact with the artists and ask them questions about their art or share what they like,” White detailed. “So really, really just encouraging the communication and the community.”
Encouraging neighbors to share their local pride, Sarah Joy Calpo displays the layout of the new Powellhurst–Gilbert “zine” and invites community members to mark their favorite spots on an interactive map.
Representing the Powellhurst–Gilbert Neighborhood Association is Richard Dickenson, while Midway Business Association President Laura Martinez spreads the word about local resources and community opportunities to passing visitors.
The event hosted approximately 28 artist vendors alongside seven other community tablers, including representatives from Arte Soleil. In addition to the artist booths, families enjoyed face painting, a wellness table, and an art supply swap.
Attendees also enjoyed diverse culinary options, including Jimuku Cuisines and a shaved ice stand. “Shaved ice is becoming more popular, now that the sun comes out,” White noted that.
‘Safe Blocks’ and stronger neighborhoods
The City of Portland Safe Blocks program was also on hand to support the neighborhood event. Sarah Berkemeier, who works with the program, highlighted how art and safety go hand in hand. “I live in Hazelwood, but I get to work in Powellhurst–Gilbert on a regular basis through the Safe Blocks program at the city,” Berkemeier noted as she helped kids create art.
Bringing safety and creativity together, City of Portland Safe Blocks Program Coordinator Sarah M. Berkemeier helps support families and neighbors during the dynamic Arts Alive event.
Berkemeier emphasized that creative events play a vital role in local community safety. “Today part of what we’re doing is helping support this event of Arts Alive and encourage community to be together, to do art together, because that brings people together in a safe and positive way,” Berkemeier expressed. “And that’s part of our bigger mission is just to keep building community in little ways so that eventually it becomes a safer community for everyone.”
For White, having these events directly in the neighborhood is incredibly meaningful. She lives in the area and notices a distinct lack of public events within walking distance or visible from the main street.
“This is the neighborhood I live in,” White explained, emphasizing that having a vibrant gathering right down the street is a vital asset for the community. Because local events are rare, she believes the neighborhood can use as many of these celebrations as possible
Providing the soundtrack for the festive afternoon, Cynthia Foster and Monica Robles perform as the musical duo “Sweet Resonance,” filling the outdoor air with live music as the celebration is underway.
Local partnerships put original art in neighbors’ hands
The event was bolstered by local grants and partnerships, ensuring that community members could fully participate. “This event is made possible by a grant from District 1 East Coalition and sponsored by Civic Life,” White pointed out. “And we also got a donation from Unidas Credit Union to give vouchers out to the visitors so that they can spend them on art.”
Throughout the afternoon, the fourth annual Arts Alive Celebration provides a safe, vibrant gathering space for outer East Portland artists and their supportive neighbors.
To help sustain these ongoing community projects, organizers also hosted a raffle to benefit Free Arts NW.
To find more opportunities to support or participate in local art programs, learn more about Free Arts NW at their official website: https://freeartsnw.org/.
On our Front Page: Professional outer East Portland-based artist Nancy Tingley creates another masterpiece
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
