JK Photography and Design: Studio Opening Party

Writers in the Schools: Readings

Student readings in February


Writers in the Schools brings local authors to teach creative writing to high school students. Please join us to hear the student work inspired by this collaboration.

Grant High School Reading
Tuesday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Fleur De Lis Bakery & Café at 7:00p.m.
3930 NE Hancock, Portland
Writers-in-residence: Joe Kurmaskie, Carlos Reyes and Matt Zrebski

Madison High School Reading
Tuesday, February 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Bipartisan Café at 7:00 p.m.
7901 SE Stark, Portland
Writers-in-residence: Mark Pomeroy and Natalie Serber

Readings are free, and everyone is welcome!


Charles D'Ambrosio reads at the
Heathman library
Thursday, February 7 at 5:00 p.m.

Oregon Book Awards winner
Charles D'Ambrosio will read from his book, The Dead Fish Musuem, as part of the ongoing Heathman Hotel First Thursday series.
1001 SW Broadway, Portland

Read a review of the book!


South Waterfront Reading
Wednesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Oregon Book Awards authors Alison Clement,
Robert Hill and Monica Drake will read selections from their novels as part of the South Waterfront artist-in-residence program.

This event is free and open to the public.
Visit our website for more information.

Consuming Jesus: Paul Metzger Reads at Powell's

Paul Louis Metzger, local professor, author, and Imago Dei member, will be reading from his newest book, "Consuming Jesus: Beyond Race and Class Divisions in a Consumer Church" on Wednesday, February 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Powell’s Books (1005 W Burnside). Metzger’s book challenges the consumer nature of the Church (actually our nature, since we make up the Church), which reinforces race and class divisions in society.

"25th Hour:" Showing and Discussion

The Faith and Film group will be meeting on Saturday February 23rd at 7pm to discuss Spike Lee's 2002 movie "25th Hour" starring Ed Norton and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend, bring a snack and enjoy a great movie and engaging discussion.





Address:

Regina Blevins
4634 SW Comus Place
Portland, OR, 97219

Contact if you have any questions……reginablevins@yahoo.com

PDX Picks January 24th 2008

Starts Friday 25th: Persepolis

Marjane Satrapi's film adaptation of her autobiographical graphic novel of the same name mixes beautiful animation with the captivating story of a young girl growing up in Iran. Showing all week at Fox Towers 10, 846 SW Park.

Saturday 26th: Norfolk and Western

Local chamber folk songsters Norfolk and Western are back in town after a painfully long hiatus. With support from Point Juncture WA and Bark, Hide and Horn. Over 21s. $10. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E Burnside. 9pm.

Tuesday 29th: Lord Save Us From Your Followers.

An evening with Dan Merchant, local director of the soon to be nationally released film "Lord, Save us from your followers". We'll be watching the movie and hearing Dan talk about his experience in making it.The movie, subtitled "Why is the Gospel of Love tearing America apart?" Is set to be nationally released in theaters across America in March, 2008. Dan is a strong follower of Christ and will be sharing with us his motivation in making the film and thoughts on the experience behind it. For more on the movie, you can find its webpage at www.lordsaveus.net. Meet in the Sanctuary at Evangel Baptist, NE 29th & Flanders. Movie begins at 7pm sharp.


Wednesday 30th: Alaska.

PICA presents a new dance performance from Argentinean director Diana Szeinblum. All ages. PSU's Lincoln Hall, 1620 SW Park. Tues-Wed 8pm. $20-$25.

Wednesday 30th: Action/Re-Action Runway Show.

Museum of Contemporary Craft in collaboration with ULTRA presents the Action/Re-Action Runway Show. Local independent fashion designers have created one-of-a-kind pieces in response to the tactile and distinctive work from the Touching Warms the Art exhibition. 7 PM, The Lab. $10. (Members $9) Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information please email: education@MuseumofContemporaryCraft.org

January 29th: "Lord Save us from your Followers"

An evening with Dan Merchant, local director of the soon to be nationally released film "Lord, Save us from your followers." We'll be watching the movie and hearing Dan talk about his experience in making it.

The movie, subtitled "Why is the Gospel of Love tearing America apart?" Is set to be nationally released in theaters across America in March, 2008. Dan is a strong follower of Christ and will be sharing with us his motivation in making the film and thoughts on the experience behind it. For more on the movie, you can find its webpage at www.lordsaveus.net.

Meet in the Sanctuary at Evangel. Movie begins at 7pm sharp.

The Portland Round: February 3rd

"A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" at Book Group

The Imago Book Group will be meeting to discuss McSweeney's founder, Dave Egger's post-modern autobiography, “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius” on Sunday February 24th at 2:30pm at 434 NE Morris St. Apt. A. 97212. Check out some of Dave Egger's other work at www.mcsweeneys.net. Please read the book beforehand and come ready to discuss your ideas. You are welcome to bring a snack or a friend to the group.


For more information or to join our mailing list email vortecho@gmail.com

Dance Workshop in Association with PICA

Diana Szeinblum Workshop: Intermediate/Advanced Technique and Improvisation
Limited Space! Call 503.242.1419 x221 to Register
Sunday, January 27, 2008 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm
Conduit 918 SW Yamhill Suite 401 Portland
$10 members / $15 general

Szeinblum began her career with the prestigious contemporary Ballet of the San Martin General theatre under the direction of Oscar Araiz. On a Goethe Institute scholarship, she studied at the Folkwang Tanz Schule and danced with the FTS company under the artistic direction of Pina Bausch, where she worked with choreographers such as Bausch, Susanne Linke and Urs Dietrich, among others. Her award-winning independent dance theatre work Secreto y Malibú toured across Europe, Asia and the US in 2003 including performances at PICA, The Walker Art Center, Dance Theatre Workshop and the Fresh Terrain Festival in Austin.

And don't miss Szeinblum's new work ALASKA, January 29 & 30, 2008 at 8 pm at PSU Lincoln Hall. Advance tickets are available now. Just $20 for PICA members, otherwise $25 general admission.

Jim Wallis Reading

In The Great Awakening (HarperOne), the New York Times-bestselling author of God's Politics reinvigorates Americans' hope, offering a road map to rediscover the nation's moral center and providing the inspiration and a concrete plan to change today's politics. Co-sponsored by The Oregon Center for Christian Values. Please note: This ticketed event takes place at the Bagdad Theater, 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Tickets, $25.95, include admission and a copy of The Great Awakening, and are available at the Bagdad Theater box office, the Crystal Ballroom box office, Ticketmaster.com, and all Ticketmaster outlets. Books will be distributed at the event.

Thursday, January 31st @ 7:00pm Bagdad Theater
3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd. (503) 236-9234

Oscar Night at the Hollywood: Sunday February 24th

For the third year, Film Action Oregon, one of Portland's leading arts nonprofits has been chosen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to host an official Oscar Night® America event. This honor is bestowed to only one nonprofit in a major metropolitan area. Our Oscar Night® America event will raise funds for the preservation of the Hollywood Theatre and the continuation of our educational programs for youth. Please visit the following link to learn more: http://ona.kintera.org/hollywoodtheatre. Tell your friends!!!

Graphic Worship: School of Theology Class Winter 2008

The act of creation begins the story of God - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth..." As created, and creative souls, the connection between story and image is central to our journey as human beings. This class will explore the physical and spiritual aspects of creating visual images as acts of worship - and as instruments for education, social justice, and the building of community. We will focus our attention on the applied arts - art in the streets, art outside of the gallery walls and it's impact on our own culture as well as cultures around the world. Art works from a variety of artists and media will be viewed and discussed as a means to inform and challenge our views of what God has gifted us to do as visual artists.

When:
Tuesdays, January 22 - March 25
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Where:

Pacific Northwest College of Art Illustration Studio

(815 NW 13th & Johnson, Portland, OR 97209)

The Illustration Studio has a big red door with the address "815" above it and is across the street from the main PNCA building. Enter through the big red door, and go to "Studio A" at the top of the stairs.

Textbook: None required

Instructor Bio:

A native of California, Martin French graduated from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena where he studied graphic design and illustration. He has operated Martin French Studio, an independent Illustration studio since 1996. His diverse body of work ranges from outdoor murals on the campus of a home for street kids in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to signage and graphics for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, to portraits of Greenday for the Grammy Awards. Martins’ clients are among the top institutions, magazines, and publishers throughout North America and Europe including Apple Computers, Atlantic Monthly, Dreamworks, ESPN, the Joffrey Ballet,
National Geograpic, Rolling Stone, and Time Warner. He has received a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators New York and a Bronze Medal from the Society of Illustrators Los Angeles, along with numerous awards of excellence from the premier juried shows in the United States. Three feature article profile Martins work: Communication Arts 2003, Illustrators Illuminated 2003, and Step by Step Magazine 2000. An educator as well as an artist, Martin has lectured at colleges and universities nation wide and in 1995 helped to establish a BFA Illustration program at the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon, the only one of its kind in the region. He is a professor of Illustration at PNCA and serves as Illustration Chair. Martin French lives and works in Oregon, splitting time between Portland and the high desert plateau of the Cascade Mountains.

Instructor Statement:

I have been engaged with the illustrators art since my days as a young boy browsing the comic book rack at a local grocery store. It was my first art gallery – art in the streets accessible to anyone. It captured my heart and began my artistic journey. My work draws its energy and inspiration from those early impressions – dynamic, symbolic, story-telling images. As an illustrator I use the human form as symbol, creating characters in relationship with the physical world and with creator God seeking to express the dynamic interplay of flesh and Spirit, human and Holy.

Contact information
503.310.9078
studio@martinfrench.com

Top Five Picks This Week: January 17th

Thursday 17th: Shaky Hands and Swan Island

The Holocene plays hosts to a twin video release party for local indie rockers the Shaky Hands and Swan Island. With live sets and DJ turns from both bands. Holocene, 1001 SE Morrisson, 9pm. FREE.

Thursday 17th: Lovely Petaluma

In the first of three weekly, artist driven film nights at small A, Dana Dart-McLean presents the Disney classic Fantasia accompanied by live music from Tara Jane O'Neil and other local musicians. small A projects, 1430 SE 3rd. FREE. 7pm.

Friday 18th: Audiozine 2.

Tonight the IPRC (Independent Publishing Resource Center) celebrate the release of the second issue of Audiozine, a cd that finds nine zine publishers performing their written work. IPRC, 917 SW Oak. FREE 7pm.

Showing all week: There Will Be Blood.

P.T. Anderson's new classic has Daniel Day Lewis smoldering as a crazed oil magnet beside Paul Dano's Devil-baiting small town preacher. The acting is amazing, the storyline menacing and completely absorbing and the soundtrack courtesy of Jonny Greenwood, a perfect backdrop for evil. A must see movie. Cinema 21, 616 NW 21st. Nightly.

Showing all week: Joe Sacco Exhibition.

Portland cartoonist Joe Sacco proves his worth as a graphic journalist with Graphic Articles his new show at PNCA. Gathering panels from Sacco's work in war torn countries such as Bosnia and Palestine, the exhibition features photographs, sketches and other mementos from his travels. PNCA Feldman Gallery, 1241 NW Johnson, daily through Feb 24th. FREE.

IPRC Events This Week

The IPRC (Independent Publishing Resource Center) exists to help local Zine producers, letter writers and print makers find resources and community. They are pleased to be hosting the following events all of which are coming up soon. All events are free.

Thursday, Jan 17
Ryan Jacob Smith, IPRC's current gallery artist, kicks of a series of free presentations by working artists who have made a career out of making the art they love. All presentations are free and at 7 pm. Space is limited so please register.(www.iprc.org)

Working Artist Talk Series:
Jan 17: Ryan Jacob Smith, Freelance Illustrator and Gallery Artist (ryanjacobsmith.com )
Feb 4: Jesse Reklaw & Dylan Williams, Comic illustrators and Publishers ( slowwave.com, sparkplubcomicbooks.com )
Feb 19: Briar Levit, Graphic Designer for own company and national magazine, Bitch ( briarmade.com, bitchmagazine.com)

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Friday, Jan 18
Audiozine II Release Party
7 pm, Free at IPRC
The 2nd Audiozine features tracks from nine talented zine publishers and will be available at the event. Performances/Readings by Kate Hass (Miranda), Sarah Contrary (Glossolalia), Dan Hack (The Faithful) and Aria Joughin aka Lost Rocket (Confessions of an urban hillbilly). Come for hot cider and be the first to own a copy of the new IPRC Audiozine.

Community Artist Lab with Deb Trout: Exercising Inspiration

Wednesday, January 23, 4:30-6 pm FREE (but space is limited, please RSVP)

Art Institute of Portland, 1122 NW Davis St in Portland For information or to reserve space: Tim DuRoche, (503) 445-3794

Cosponsored by Portland Center Stage and Art Institute of Portland

Where does inspiration come from? Whether you are a costume, apparel, or fashion designer. . .your next big idea craves the energy and momentum of equally, big and wild inspiration. In this free, informative, hands-on workshop, DEB TROUT, Portland Center Stage guest costume designer for Beard of Avon/Twelfth Night, invites designers/artists to consider the source.

From regular household objects like pencil sharpeners, teapots, and chia pets to sources as varied as nature, history (are we in Katmandu or Elizabethan England?), Japanese Animé, fairy tales, great works of art, the geodesic utopianism of Buckminster Fuller or bridges of Calatrava—discover where world's collide. . .where will your next inspiration come from? You might surprise yourself. Participants should come ready to draw/paint—this is a hands-on workshop.

Participants will need to bring:

water-soluble paint (watercolor or gouache)
brushes
several sheets of watercolor paper
drawing pencils
a small, household object (anything that is not a garment—pin cushion, child's toy, toaster, alarm clock, scissors, blender, fruit, Hummel figure or other tchotchke, etc. —that you can hold in your hand).

Costume Designer Deb Trout
Beard of Avon/Twelfth Night designer Deb Trout is pleased to return to Portland Center Stage where she previously designed Pride and Prejudice and Much Ado About Nothing. Some of her recent work was for Denver Center Theatre Company's You Can't Take it With You, and Intiman Theatre's Uncle Vanya and Heartbreak House. Based in the Northwest, she frequently designs at Seattle's ACT Theatre, Children's, Intiman, and Repertory Theatres as well as The Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Ms. Trout has also designed for The Minneapolis Children's Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Yale Repertory Theatre, Arizona Theatre Co., Shakespeare Santa Cruz and Juneau's Perseverance Theatre, among others. She is proud to have been a co-founder of the New York commercial millinery company "Mackey and Trout." A graduate of the Yale Drama School, she now enjoys teaching design at the University of Washington.

J.R.R. Tolkien Birthday Party: Kennedy School

Saturday, January 19
J.R.R. TOLKIEN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

With jugglers, live music by Sneakin' Elves, the entire LOTR trilogy and more! Come in costume to compete for prizes!
11 a.m. 'til close | Free | All ages welcome

Celebrate Tolkien's birthday by coming dressed as your favorite Hobbit, elf, wizard, ent or other character from one of his amazing novels. We'll have Hobbit-inspired food specials, the entire film trilogy in the Theater (please bring canned goods to donate to the Oregon Food Bank), a performance of "Rings Greatest Hits" by Willamette Radio Workshop, jugglers, a balloon guy and much more. This is a one-of-a-kind party that you won't find anywhere else in Portland!

In the Theater:
11 a.m. – "The Fellowship of the Ring"
3 p.m. – "The Two Towers"
7 p.m. – "The Return of the King"
Admission to the trilogy is free if you bring two canned goods to donate to Oregon Food Bank.

Throughout the property:
2 p.m. – "The Rings' Greatest Hits" by Willamette Radio Workshop
3 p.m. – Juggling and balloon craziness
3:30 p.m. – Costume contest
7 p.m. – Live music by Sneakin' Elves

*** MENU ***

My Precious Onion Rings
Return of the King Burger
Shire Stew
Middle Earth Pizza
Cracks of Doom Molten Lava Cake

Museum of Contemporary Craft: Special Events

Community Partnerships

Action/Re-Action Runway Show


Wednesday, January 30, 7 PM, The Lab. $10. (Members $9)
Space is limited and reservations are required.
Please click here to download an RSVP form (PDF).
For more information please email: education@MuseumofContemporaryCraft.org
Museum of Contemporary Craft in collaboration with ULTRA presents the Action/Re-Action Runway Show. Local independent fashion designers have created one-of-a-kind pieces in response to the tactile and distinctive work from the Touching Warms the Art exhibition. Click here to link to the ULTRA website.

Image (left): Emiko Oye, My First Royal Jewels Jewelry Collection: The Queen Margherita, converts into 3 bracelets, 2 necklaces, 1 brooch, 2007; used & new Legos, coated copper wire, rubber cording, glue, sterling silver; 19.75 x 8.5 x 1.75 inches; photo courtesy of the artist; As featured in Touching Warms the Art

This Week's Event Picks: January 10th 2008

Begins Friday 11th: 25th Reel Music Festival.

This year's annual Reel Music Festival at the Northwest Film Centre will feature the best of music documentaries including "The Other Side of the Mirror: Bob Dylan at Newport" and "Amazing Journey: The Who." Check online for full listings. Northwest Film Center's Whitsell Auditorium.

Saturday 12th: Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers.

There are twenty something drummers in this local collective. Their music is entirely drum and rhythm based. It is probably very loud but it also sounds very interesting. Hawthorne Theatre 1507 SE 39th.

Sunday 13th: Pix Patisserie Anniversary Party.

Portland institution, Pix Patisserie are celebrating their 5th anniversary with delicious specials, live music and prizes. Festivities end today with a superb Sunday brunch and French Bingo in the evening. Pix Patisserie, 3402 SE Division. Brunch 9am-2pm. Bingo 7-9pm.www.pixpatisserie.com for full schedule.

Monday 14th: Amy Franceschini Lecture.

In 1995 Franceschini founded Futurefarmers, a hugely ambitious collective of artists that topple confining notions of what artists should be and do. Currently working on a show about the expanding notion of graphic design, founding member Franceshini lectures tonight at the Fifth Avenue Cinema, 510 SW Hall. 7:30pm. FREE.

Wednesday 16th: Do The Right Thing.

Red Sea presents Reel Talk; an opportunity to watch and discuss Spike Lee's 1989 classic, "Do The Right Thing." Showing for one night only. Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy, $3. 7pm.

Second Thursday At Flutter

Reel Talk: Do The Right Thing

This Week's Event Picks: January 3rd 2008

Friday 4th: River City Bluegrass Festival.

This annual bluegrass festival features over 50 great acts and musicians, including the Del McCoury Band, Marty Stuart and the Seldom Scene. Bring your instrument to the shows and jam along. Event runs as a benefit for Ethos. Oregon Convention Center, Exhibit A Hall. Fri. 4pm, Sat. 10 am, Sun. 10am. $35-55 per day.

Saturday 5th: Horse Feathers.

Local indie folk strummers Horse Feathers play two shows back to back in the intimate setting of the Mississippi Studios. Expect pretty strings and earnest lyrics. Turn up early to avoid disappointment. Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi, 7pm (with Mbilly) & 10pm (with the Botticellis.) $10-12.

Now running through Jan. 6th: A Scandal in Bohemia

Come enjoy a completely genuine theater experience with Northwest Classical Theatre Company's affecting production of the Sherlock Holmes romp, A Scandal in Bohemia. An excellent script, warm atmosphere and faithful script make for an enjoyable adaptation of a great story. Shoe Box Theater, 2110 SE 10th. Thurs.-Sat. 7pm, Sun. 2pm. $12-18.

Monday 7th: Chris Rauschenberg book reading.

In the late 19th century Eugene Atget photographed the underground side of Paris. A century later, Portland-based photographer Chris Rauschenberg moved to Paris and photographed the sites of Atget's haunting photos. Tonight he talks about his new book, Paris Changing. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside, 7:30pm. FREE.

Now Showing 4th- 10th: Grease

Dress up and sing-along with cult classic Grease for one week only. Cinema 21, 616 NW 21st, nightly 7:30 plus Sat. & Sun. 1 & 4 pm. $12.