How many arts expositions start with a Thailand and Japan friendship dance, followed by poetry from an emerging Iraqi poet, dance performances about past and current wars, and a grand finale of traditional Persian dancing? Colored Pencils Art and Culture Night has topped some of its best ensembles in its three-year history, as it celebrated "New Portland" visual and performance artists at the Portland Art Museum.
"For the first time at our Portland Art Museum, Colored Pencils welcomed artists and performers of all traditions, sexual orientation, and abilities to come together to celebrate our loving culture center,” said Nim Xuto, Colored Pencils co-founder and executive director.
Bringing together poets, dancers and musicians of various backgrounds, Colored Pencils showcased the breadth and depth of Portland's increasingly diverse cultural landscape. It has been quite an honor serving on the Colored Pencils board of directors since its inception in 2009. While still working at the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, I helped coordinate a couple of Colored Pencils events during its first year. I know that it takes an army of dedicated volunteers to make every production successful.
For the Portland Art Museum event, Open Door Gallery and Colored Pencils Art Collective joined forces to organize Colored Pencils' largest multicultural art exhibit. Featured painters included: local Malaysian artist Ping Khaw Sutherland; master painters from Iraq Farooq Hassan and Ali Al Mosawi; and “Project Grow” artist Babs Bowley. Open Door Gallery is led by artist Bobby Fouther, who has been an active Colored Pencils volunteer.
The event featured exquisite performances from the legendary Minh Tran, a choreographer and associate professor at Reed College; the Agnieszka Laska Dancers; and the beloved choreographer, dancer and writer Chisao Hata. Here's an excerpt from her performance of "Remember My Face," a 'choreopoem' about the lingering effects of war, and the promise of peace. Hata’s performance was accompanied by musicians Yukiko Vossen on the koto and Peter Zisa on guitar.
The Iraqi Society of Oregon, community-co-host of the event, highlighted Iraqi poet Jarad AlHadi (clip below), as well as traditional Iraqi music and dance led by singer Roni Salim and the Jobi group of dancers.
Colored Pencils at the Portland Art Museum was a wonderful exposition of talent and creativity in our diverse communities. Colored Pencils staff and volunteers are planning the next event, which will be held in December -- date and location will soon be announced. Bookmark the Colored Pencils website for updates. Hope to see you soon!
"For the first time at our Portland Art Museum, Colored Pencils welcomed artists and performers of all traditions, sexual orientation, and abilities to come together to celebrate our loving culture center,” said Nim Xuto, Colored Pencils co-founder and executive director.
Bringing together poets, dancers and musicians of various backgrounds, Colored Pencils showcased the breadth and depth of Portland's increasingly diverse cultural landscape. It has been quite an honor serving on the Colored Pencils board of directors since its inception in 2009. While still working at the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, I helped coordinate a couple of Colored Pencils events during its first year. I know that it takes an army of dedicated volunteers to make every production successful.
For the Portland Art Museum event, Open Door Gallery and Colored Pencils Art Collective joined forces to organize Colored Pencils' largest multicultural art exhibit. Featured painters included: local Malaysian artist Ping Khaw Sutherland; master painters from Iraq Farooq Hassan and Ali Al Mosawi; and “Project Grow” artist Babs Bowley. Open Door Gallery is led by artist Bobby Fouther, who has been an active Colored Pencils volunteer.
The event featured exquisite performances from the legendary Minh Tran, a choreographer and associate professor at Reed College; the Agnieszka Laska Dancers; and the beloved choreographer, dancer and writer Chisao Hata. Here's an excerpt from her performance of "Remember My Face," a 'choreopoem' about the lingering effects of war, and the promise of peace. Hata’s performance was accompanied by musicians Yukiko Vossen on the koto and Peter Zisa on guitar.
The Iraqi Society of Oregon, community-co-host of the event, highlighted Iraqi poet Jarad AlHadi (clip below), as well as traditional Iraqi music and dance led by singer Roni Salim and the Jobi group of dancers.
Colored Pencils at the Portland Art Museum was a wonderful exposition of talent and creativity in our diverse communities. Colored Pencils staff and volunteers are planning the next event, which will be held in December -- date and location will soon be announced. Bookmark the Colored Pencils website for updates. Hope to see you soon!
