Bringing Portland Together

Colored Pencils celebrated the coming together of Portland’s diverse communities of all abilities at its June art and culture showcase, held at the OregonHistorical Society in downtown Portland.

The event was organized by the volunteer-driven Colored Pencils Arts and Culture Council, which has been putting together art and culture exhibitions since 2009. The mission of the Colored Pencils Art and Culture Council is to uphold the dignity of all people by creating an artistically and culturally rich environment where everyone feels safe to express their uniqueness.

Colored Pencils partnered with the World Affairs Council and the Disability Arts and Culture Project (DACP), along with venue host Oregon Historical Society. About 200 people attended the event, which celebrated the rich artistic legacy of Portland’s indigenous and newcomer communities – and their contributions to the bold tapestry of our beloved Rose City.

The evening featured a number of notable performances, including that of storyteller Ed Edmo (Shoshone-Bannock tribe). Sir Edmo shared creation stories of Northwest tribal people. Portland poet Emily Newberry read from her latest works.

DACP’s youth dance troupe – known as the Inclusive Art Vibe Dance Company – incorporated bodies and ways of moving to stretch the audience’s view of dance and the possibilities of an inclusive society. Inclusive Art Vibe is led by Kathy Coleman, Artistic Director.

Singer and songwriter Edna Vazquez wowed the audience with her soulful voice accompanied by a Spanish guitar and violin. Have a listen at one of the songs she performed at Colored Pencils.

The next Colored Pencils Art and Culture Night will begin at 5:30pm on Friday, August 31 at Director Park. The lineup of performers and visual artists will be posted on the CP website. "Like" Colored Pencils on FaceBook to get regular updates about events

Medicine Wheel for the Planet

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Enlighten Me

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