A CLASSY Class!

Art On Broadway

pictured (back row l to r) Sharon Segal, Laurie Fendel, Diane Fredgant, Leslie Elder,

(front row l to r) Eddy Shuldman, Esther Liberman

Our membership chair and photographer/historian, Ellen Shefi captured this fun shot of some of the showing artists at Art on Broadway in Beverton! It was a fun evening!

The show continues through December 29...just in case you want to spend a little Chanukah gelt on some art!

Last chance to see the exhibit at Art on Broadway

ORA at Art on Broadway will end Dec 29th.

Affordable art makes for a long lasting and meaningful gift.

We'll post pictures soon but there's nothing like seeing our art up close and personal!

ORA ARTISTS IN BEAVERTON!

Art on Broadway is a gallery in downtown Beaverton. Several ORA artists juried in to a one month show which will be up the entire month of December.

This is a beautiful little gallery representing numerous artists. Each month they rent a portion of the gallery to an art group. ORA was delighted to be invited! This morning we delivered our art and their co-op members juried our work. Selected items will be hung/displayed and all are available for sale!

The new show opens December 3rd.....and December 10th is the reception, from 6-9 and we hope our friends will come celebrate ... shop for art!

12570 SW Broadway, Beaverton OR 97005 - ph: 503.601.3300

Giving Thanks

We give thanks for many things today.
For our spiritual inspiration, for the support of our families and friends.
For the Portland Jewish community's encouragement and sponsorship of our efforts.
For the friendships we've found through this group, and the new ideas coming from our interactions.
For the freedom to create art as we wish.
For things we don't have the words to express, but we know it's there.
And for you, reading this. Thank you.

Picture: Tiffin Crystal Cornucopia

ART Enhances the synagogue experience!

Hiddur Mitzvah is all about beautifying a ceremonial object or a ritual. ORA is pleased to continue exhibiting a few artists at a time in the foyer of the main sanctuary at Neveh Shalom.

This opportunity allows us to fill the lobby will color and light. It gives congregants an opportunity to look at art, meet artists and talk about some of the questions we always wrestle with. WHAT MAKES ART JEWISH? Is it the theme of the art, the religion of the artist?...well, you get the picture!

The second Friday night of each month features a service called ORA Shalom....a Shabbat for the senses. We are so pleased to be a part of this monthly event that allows all of us to redefine our spirituality in various ways.

Featured through the beginning of February are:

JAN KATZ: 2D paintings

ESTHER LIBERMAN: Beadwork

EDDY SHULDMAN: Fused Glass

DIANA UNTERSPAN: Fiber Art

Artists can be contacted directly if you are interested in purchasing or commissioning a piece. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the synagogue.

• Stop by and check out the work.

• Visit our website (listed in the left column of this blog)

• Are you an artist? Join us!

• Want to buy or commission some art? Contact us! oraartists@gmail.com

• Questions about the art you see? Come to services, meet the artist and ask her yourself....or drop her a note care of our ORA email!

• Drop us a note and give us some feedback.....

Jewish Photographers 1890-2011

Carole Glauber is a former member of ORA. Her photography adventures have shifted to doing research, writing and speaking. Those of you with a passion for photography might appreciate this new class offered by Melton.

Here's the info:

WINTER: Picture This! Jewish Photographers

(5 sessions: Jan. 10-Feb. 7, 9:15-10:30) @ Congregation Shaarie Torah

$90 Tuition

$10 Materials

Developed and taught by Carole Glauber

Through readings, discussions, and photographs, we will explore

photographic work by a diverse number of Jewish photographers from

1890 to the present, and along the way we’ll examine history, culture,

technology, and changing religious beliefs that impacted the

development of their photographic style and subject matter.

TO REGISTER:

Morasha/Melton Mini-School
7410 SW Oleson Rd, #404
Portland, OR 97223

(503) 384-2476
rachel@meltonportland.org

www.meltonportland.org

Diane Fredgant and Esther Liberman

One of the major questions we always seem to wrestle with is.....Is it fine art or is it fine craft? In the case of these two artists the answer is a definitive...."YES!"

Diane creates stunning paintings on silk that in many ways are her personal prayers. Her deep study of text opens her to spiritual visions that express a joyful heart. Silk is a demanding medium requiring great care. A single error can ruin yards of precious fabric, but in DIane's capable hands, the cloth is transformed in a magically spiritual creation.

Esther works in beads....hundreds and thousands of tiny beads. She works with needle, thread and high quality beads in a quiet and meditative fashion. It isn't just her choice of beads and color....it is the way these beads transcend their individual forms to become part of an intricate spiritual message. Amulets, memorial candle holders, bracelets, and ritual head coverings speak of love and spirit.

Leslie Elder and Emunah Noa !

Leslie Elder (above) is a founding member of ORA. Her watercolors reflect her passion for representing jewish life as well as scenes from nature. In this picture Fred Harwin and Leslie are discussing her display at the Celebration of Art.

Emunah Noa (left) works with ceramics and creates beautiful ritual objects. This was her first experience with Celebration of Art and we were happy to have her in our show.

Photo credits go to Ellen Shefi, ORA member and photographer.

More scenes from CoA- Diane Russell and Glenn Decherd

There were so many wonderful moments at Celebration of Art 2011. We continue our series of photos of our terrific members and guests. THANK YOU to Ellen Shefi for taking these pictures. It's pretty demanding to set up your own booth... but to also get around to everyone's booth and snap off some shots... WOW!

DIANE RUSSELL (above) joined us for her first CoA event. Her portraits of local and nationally known musicians were a hit!

GLENN DECHERD (below) managed to evade the camera but his pottery captivated his customers! This was Glenn's first CoA as well!

ORA Northwest Jewish Artists is proud of the many talented artists who joined us this year!


.

ORA SHALOM and FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE- 9/12/11

A very special night of music, art, and spirituality comes to SW Portland tomorrow night at 7:30 !

Neveh Shalom will play host to the instrumental music of Klezmocracy and the remarkable vocal stylings of Cantor Deborah Bletstein.

This will be the second time we have had Friday Night Live....and if it is anything like the one last spring, it will be a rocking night!

ORA artists Jan Katz, Esther Liberman , Eddy Shuldman, and Diana Unterspan will have their art work on display in the lobby and will be present to talk with folks right after services.

It will be a beautiful evening...the music will breathe fresh life into our liturgy. The traditional music is beautiful but when we mix it up once in while , the prayers take on new meaning and new life. Put that together with beautiful art and you have a magical evening.

The art will remain on display for the next few months....come to shul! it will be special!

The artists:

Jan Katz paints stunning acrylic paintings ...portraits, landscapes and abstracts- all tell stories in vibrant color and motion!

Esther Liberman brings beads to life in her spiritual interpretations of ritual objects like kippot and yahrzeit candles. Her jewelry is breath-taking.

Eddy Shuldman loves glass and frequently uses it as a way to express her studies of Jewish texts. The lobby exhibit features four Torah adornments/breast plates.

Diana Unterspan works with fibers in various forms. Felting and other interesting techniques lend a poetic quality to her work. She creates intriguing abstracts...several framed examples are on display...and she also makes women's hats (not on display).

SHOW YOUR COLORS!

Laurie Fendel, Sabina Wohfeiler and Barbara Berger are our featured artists today.

Barbara uses her camera to transform the "every day" experience into something unique. She helps the viewer see what she sees. Remarkable!

Sabina is well known for her watercolors but has recently explored the possibilities of pastels. Nature inspires her art and the results are stunning. Customers raved to us about her work and about meeting her!

Laurie has redefined fabric sculpture. Mystical, spiritual, and colorful....her designs inspire!

Pictured here is a commissioned piece that tooks months of designing, cutting and sewing.

ALL IN THE FAMILY!

Scenes from our pre-show set up!

Quilter Sharon Stern and daughter Anna Kodesch, extraoardinary painter were located side by side!

Two vastly different media...but same life force and energy! Keep an eye of these two artists.... this is just the beginning!

photo credits: Ellen Shefi

DAVID SLADER- One Man Show!

Sorry for the small print...this was the best I could do!

David is an ORA member and a very talented portrait artist.

His show opens with an artist's reception Wednesday, Nov 2nd 6-9pm at Gallery 903 at 903 NW Davis.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of his works will benefit the Children's Healing Art Project. YAY!

Celebration of ART was a big success!

Where to start? It was just beautiful, so many people worked on this show, so many friends and family members helped out, so many artists showed work with such diversity, such beautiful live music. Ro working behind the scenes and out in front, to keep everything running smoothly.

Thank-you to EVERYONE who helped today, and over the past many months. And thank-you to our wonderful supportive customers!


-Tired Mama Esther



Picture above: Susan Kuznitsky painted an amazing portrait of David Fuks (Executive Director of Cedar Sinai Park) while art show attendees watched.

SWEET LIVE MUSIC WILL FILL THE ROOM!

•Borrowing from the Haggadah....Why is this Art Sale different from all other sales in the whole year?


• Our sale is housed in the elegant ballroom of Mittleman Jewish Community Center
• LOCAL ARTISTS creating secular and Judaic art
• live demo of portrait painitng
• Booths are comfortably spaced so customers can move about easily without that crowded feel
• Our artists remain in their booths, available to YOU. The great romance of owning art purchased directly from the artist....is that you recall the experience of the purchase!

• sweet LIVE music will fill the room!

••• George in the morning GEORGE FENDEL, Jazz Pianist and DJ ...

-

Year after year George Fendel comes to our Art Shows , sits down at the piano and delights us all with his amazing piano playing talents. He is also a popular DJ at KMHD radio....where he not only plays some of the best jazz you'll heart on the radio, but he also teaches (not preaches) while on the air. Listening to George means you'll get a first class education about jazz music. Tune in on Sundays between 2-6pm at 89.1 FM

•••TIM IN PM- TIM ROTH, Jazz Guitarist and Teacher

This year, we had another remarkable jazz musician fill the ballroom with some amazing guitar licks from none other than Tim Roth.

Tim Roth has been teaching guitar at Multnomah Art Center since 1996. He taught guitar at the Central Community School of the Arts in Arizona and at Portland Community College. He holds a Bachelors in Music from Portland State University, with graduate studies under local guitar great Jerry Hahn. His main focus is jazz guitar.

Do you have a special event or occasion? Tim's music will be perfect. Check him out at this website to hear/see a sample of his work: http://www.wattsfilms.com/timroth

Go to this website and see/hear him in action. YOU WILL BE IMPRESSED!

Celebration of Art '11 10:30-4:30

MJCC

6651 SW Capitol Hwy

EDDY SHULDMAN, our Shining Light

The final artist in this series is our founder and guiding light, Eddy Shuldman. Working with fused glass, Eddy is always exploring new ideas and inspirations, asking questions and proposing new answers. Never afraid to try something new, she pushes the limitations of glass, as well as her imagination. Her beautiful creations grace the homes of many Portlanders, and places far across the world as well.

Eddy is an idea person. ORA was her idea, and so was Jewish Arts Month (JAM). She has a special ability to excite other people with her ideas, and find ways to make them reality. She pushes our members and guest artists to dream bigger and achieve more. Through the force of her energy and enthusiasm, ORA has grown from a vague idea to a well-known organization.

We hope that YOU will be a part of our historical journey. Come to MJCC this Sunday, meet Eddy Shuldman, and see the remarkable things she has achieved.

Celebration of ART!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Mittleman Jewish Community Center
6651 SW Capitol Hwy
Portland, Oregon

Roberta "Bert" Cohen- Jewelry

We are so pleased to welcome Roberta Cohen to ORA!

You'll find a variety of colors and styles represented among Bert's work. She works mostly in sterling silver, Swarovski crystals, natural stones and gems.

Bert's booth is a must see! Stop by and introduce yourself. You will enjoy the art, conversation and Bert! there's a good chance you will find that piece of jewelry you've been looking for. Bert accepts commissions, so even if you don't see exactly what you are looking for.... you can place an order!

OCTOBER 30th 10:30-4:30 Free Admission!

at MJCC: 6651 SW Capitol HWY

JESSICA ISRAEL: Not just pretty pictures!

JESSICA ISRAEL returns to Celebration of Art this year as an ORA member. She lives in Bend where in addition to her day job, she is an extraordinary photographer.

You will delight in getting to know her and in viewing her works. Jessica's remarkable scenic photographs demonstrate her ability to really SEE the landscape; capturing the poetry of the landscape before her.

The biggest challenge will be in the selection of your purchase…. Which photograph will win your heart?

CELEBRATION OF ART ’11 10:30-4:30 OCTOBER 30th

@ MJCC 6651 SW Capitol Hwy

Laura Dawson Rosenblit returns to CoA

Sorry I don't have any new photos to share with you..... this is last year's photo.

You'll have to come to Celebration of Art and find Laura's booth!

This will be her second time as a guest.... and we are excited to see what new jewelry she has crafted!

Laura is very creative with an eye for creating wearable art.

Stop by Laura's booth and say hello..... You will likely find that piece of jewelry you've been look for everywhere else!

Celebration of Art

October 30, 2011 10:30-4:30

MJCC 6651 SW Capitol Hwy

JUDITH HANKIN: Paper and Glass Artist

Judith Hankin is a new member of ORA but she has participated in the past as a guest artist in our annual Celebration of Art.

Judith has a keen eye and a steady hand. Her skills in paper cuts allow her to create the resists needed to create her beautiful sandblasted glass. Wall art, ritual art, functional Judaica...she does it all!

ORA is thrilled to welcome Judith back to our show and to our membership. She lives in Eugene and will make a special trip to be a part of this event. Stop by and say hello. Experience her art work and discover contemporary Judaica at its finest!

October 30, 10:30-4:30

MJCC

6651 SW Capitol HWY

Susan Kuznitzky

The old song says "If a picture paints a thousand words, then why can't I paint you?"

SUSAN KUZNITSKY's portraits do paint you! .....if you are the one posing for a portrait. Well known across the country for her fantastic art work, Susan is a hard working member of ORA.

We are so excited about a NEW event this year: visitors to Susan's booth will find her doing a demonstration from noon-2pm at ORA's Celebration of Art '11. David Fuks, CEO of Cedar Sinai Park will be sitting for the portrait! (That's David below this text!)

Of course she'll have landscapes and other paintings available for sale as well!

In this blog entry we will let Susan's pictures paint the THOUSAND WORDS...... and if you commission her, she will paint YOU!

Celebration of Art '11- October 30th 10:30 am-4:30 pm

MJCC

6651 SW CAPITOL HWY

Portland, Oregon

Diane Fredgant: Color, Passion, Spirit

Diane is one of Ora's founding members. She has a richly deserved reputation for her exquisite silks!

If you spend a little time talking with Diane you will discover how she creates her one of a kind, original tallitot, prayer flags, and wall art. Diane transforms high quality cloth into a rich canvas of spiritual focus. Her use of color can be intense and explosive or subtle and sublime.

She'll have a good supply of inventory, but if you don't see exactly what you want, don't be shy! Tell her what you are looking for. Diane accepts commissions.

Diane's passion for her work will be immediately evident when you see her work in person. Feel the richness of the fabric and experience her transformative artwork. It will stir your soul!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30TH is the date.... 10:30-4:30

at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center

6651 SW Capitol HWY - Portland

ESTHER LIBERMAN: Queen of the beads!

Esther is a co-founder of ORA Northwest Jewish Artists. She is also our humble Web mistress, maven, goddess....well, you get the picture!

Beadwork is Esther's art , craft, and passion. Her work sparkles and shines and usually elicits comments from her patrons like, "How did you do that?" Stop by her booth, look at the amazing pieces of art she has created, and ask her the same question...."How did you do that?"

...then buy it!

Necklaces, bracelets, amulets, and ritual Judaica items will be featured at the Celebration of Art sale next Sunday. Esther's MahJong bracelets are selling well at the Oregon Jewish Museum gift shop...hopefully she'll have a few of those on hand as well at this sale.

Just in case this is your first time at our blog..... here's the scoop on the Celebration of Art '11"

October 30th... 10:30-4:30

MJCC 6651 SW Capitol Hwy

FREE ADMISSION!

Anna Kodesch

ORA is pleased to have Anna Kodesch as one of our newest members.

Anna brings a good bit of fresh energy to the group and her paintings reflect that energy! You'll see confidence in her strokes, vibrant colors and the ability to capture mood whether painting a naturescape or a portrait.

Anna's booth will be filled with new paintings. Stop by to say hello, discover a new artist, and find out why you need to own a Kodesch!

MJCC 10:30-4:30 FREE ADMISSION!

6651 SW Capitol Hwy

SHARON STERN: Visionary Quilts

ORA welcomes Sharon back to Celebration of Art....this time as a member! We are so proud she has chosen us! Her quilts have received rave reviews - you will find yourself looking at her work and asking the question "That's a quilt?" because her work is so painting-like!

The quilt pictured here is called "Raindrops Over Hime Shime" and is based on a photograph Sharon took while traveling in Japan.

Not only does Sharon have command of the stitching skills necessary to create a fine quilt, but her sense of color and composition elevate her works into the category of fine art. Her work is a MUST SEE!

October 30th 2011 10:30-4:30

MJCC

6651 SW Capitol Hwy

Portland, Oregon

Glenn Decherd: Pottery with heart!

First time guest Glenn Decherd works in clay almost daily. ORA fiRst became acquainted with Glenn's clay talents at the Community Warehouse CHAIR AFFAIR FUNDRAISING EVENT.

He has been donating his artwork to this remarkable community institution for years!

We are so pleased that Glenn decided to bring his wares to a sales venue...and that he chose us!

Tall elegant vases, beautiful bowls, tableware and other pieces of functional art will fill Glenn's booth. Earth tones, warmth and heart exude from all his works. Step into his booth and discover Glenn's gentle humor and sincerity. Glenn will likely tell you (with deep humility) about his grand explorations in clay which led him to an Advanced Degree in Mud!

Seriously.... you will delight in his artwork and in his conversations. Stop by his booth for both!

If you've been reading the blog you know where to find Glenn. If not.....

read the not so fine print below!

OCTOBER 30th, 2011 10:30- 4:30 free admission!

Mittleman Jewish Community Center

6651 SW Capitol Hwy

Portland, Oregon

Emunah Noa- Turning Clay into Sacred Art!

Emunah Noa is new to Celebration of Art, but she uses the ancient material of clay to shape ceremonial and spiritual objects for personal wear, the home, and synagogue.

ORA is excited to welcome this creative artist who has emerged

on the Portland scene in a glorious manner.

In Hebrew, Emunah means faith.....Noa means movement.

You will witness her name in all her artwork. Her lines and shapes are graceful; the colors carry depth and the meanings are clear.

All types of judaica, jewelry, secular objects and more await her customers. Stop by and introduce yourself to her!

One of the best experiences you can have is getting to know an artist.....Buy a mezuzah, mount it on your doorpost...and everytime you see it, you will recall the artist and the moment you purchased it. That is the ROMANCE OF ART!

Come to ORA's Celebration of Art and fall in love with one of a kind art...and the artist who created it.

OCTOBER 30, 2011* 10:30 AM-4:30PM

MJCC

6651 SW Capitol HWY.

Portland, OR

Laura Joy- festive fabric

As a founding member of ORA, Laura Joy has been exploring the possibilities of fabric constructions. This body of artwork transforms her spiritual journey into a fabric of metaphors. There are layers and textures and meaning stitched into each vessel, banner and quilt.

A student and teacher of Mussar, Laura Joy explores her Jewish spirituality through the practice of middot or intentions. Her artwork is often the result of her meditations.

Visit Laura Joy at her booth. Experience her work by touching the fabrics, absorbing the brilliant colors, and exploring the intentions of each piece. Talk to Laura Joy and discover what artistic energy really means!

CELEBRATION OF ART '11

OCTOBER 30th 10:30-4:30

MJCC 6651 SW Capitol Hwy.

Diane Russell- 1st time @ Celebration of Art!

We feel so fortunate to be hosting artist Diane Russell in our Celebration of Art '11.

Diane introduced herself to us at an Art Spark event last spring. We raced home to look at her website and immediately extended an invitation to her.

Check out Diane's website and be prepared to be swept off your feet. www.dianerussell.net

Diane specializes in portraits. She has a keen eye- not only does she capture a remarkable likeness of her subjects, but also their neshama...yiddish for soul. Diane is an exhibiting artist at this weekend's Open Studios. We wish her great success in that endeavor and look forward to the artwork she will bring to our event!

Celebration of Art 2011

MJCC 6651 SW Capitol HWY- Portland

10:30am-4:30pm