TOPANIEN in Multnomah!!!!

Topanien is this very cool (and colorful!) store featuring items from around the world....and is located in the heart of Multnomah Village.

Thank you Topanien for supporting ORA artists through your generous donation to our raffle. 

To our wonderful blog followers: You must check out this store!!!!! I have shopped there often for gifts (including gifts for myself!) You'll find great variety, reasonable prices, and attentive help!

Peggy Sundays is the quintessential shop for finding gifts!
This shop in wonderful Multnomah Village not only has a wide selection of amazingly beautiful & functional items, but the staff is incredibly helpful!  Shopping is a fun adventure here! Find the perfect gift here....or do what many of us do....buy a special treat just for yourself!

ORA thanks Peggy Sundays for their generous donation to our Art Raffle. 

Take 2 steps into this shop and you will understand the difference between Village Frame & Gallery...and the chain frame shops scattered about town. VF&G understands what fine art, family trasures, and keepsakes mean to individuals and families. The care they show to each project is professional...and they are innovative!
Art is also available for purchase in their gallery. 

ORA wants to give a big shout out for this very special store. Stop by and experience the difference for ourself. Think about the various keepsakes you have. How might they be displayed to capture their beauty and meaning?  Stop by Village Frame and ask!
You'll find answers!

Gratitude #3

One of the great places to shop for women's clothing can be found in the heart of Hillsdale in SW Portland. Paloma shows their passion for art in the beautiful clothing lines and jewelry featured in their store. I haven't bought new clothing in quite some time....I feel some retail therapy coming on for this wonderful shop.

Thank you Paloma for your donation of a gift certificate for our raffle. ORA appreciates your support and certainly hope we can repay your generosity by bringing in new customers!

Just up the street is Hillsdale's newest brew pub. Sasquatch has been around for awhile and I can say from personal experience, they feature some great food (lots of fresh organic produce and some great recipes!) and a wonderful selection of beers! 

A number of us conduct our afternoon and weekend committee meetings here....with glee!

Thank you Sasquatch for supporting ORA artists by donating to our raffle.   

To all our wonderful readers....stop by and sample some great brews and yummy food!

Gratitude Posting #2

I'm trying to think of the number of times ORA members have had lunch meetings at this yummy restaurant conveniently located across from the MJCC.... too many to count!

Seasons and Regions is dedicated to deliciously fresh food and quality service. They also support the arts and we are ever so grateful.

Two gift certificates were awarded to our raffle winners who are so very thrilled!  

Stop by for a yummy meal (or two or three!) Maybe you'll see some ORA artists discussing art over a delicious meal!

Annie Bloom's is our go-to Book Store! It's astonishing how large their selection really is! They have amazing children's books, art books, specialty sections, bargain books, not to mention great works of literature. They host readings, sell calendars, cards, t-shirts and more. If you are lucky, you will meet the store cat! 
This fabulous book shop is located in the heart of Multnomah Village just across the street from another of our sponsors, Sip D'vine!

Thank you for your donation to our raffle, thank you for your support of local artists, and thank you for giving our community the gift of an amazing neighborhood bookstore that draws customers from all over the city!

Our Gratitude...post #1

Here's a big shout out to 3 wonderful sponsors of our recent Art Raffle. We hope you'll read about each of them and choose to give them your business. They are small, local, and they are generous!

I know I'll be giving each of them my patronage not just because I am grateful, but because I have been long time fans of each business. 

       "The Play's the Thing"Shakespeare

ORA is proud to announce that we will be represented in an art exhibit/sale in the A.R.T. lobby in late April through most of May.

A.R.T. generously donated two theater tickets to our raffle. Our prize winner was ecstatic. Not only will she and her husband get to see a wonderful play "TRIBES" but they will be able to dine at Mother's Restaurant and spend the night at Hotel deLuxe.

A.R.T. is among the finest theater companies in the area. Their productions are always spot on, the acting superb,  and the plays are always thought provoking. We'll be discussing their upcoming play 4,000 Miles by Amy Herzog soon!

Check out their box office for ticket information. You are guaranteed to be entertained....dare I say provoked....(all in a stimulating way!)

A Night of Luxury!

Hotel deLuxe is one of those rare boutique hotels that caters to the needs of their guests with out the stuffy pretention of some places I have stayed. 

We have recommended this wonderful hotel to visitors...and all have proclaimed their joy in staying here.

Thank you Hotel deLuxe for supporting the Arts. Not only will our lucky raffle winners enjoy a night of theater, but they will spend the evening in classic & romantic comfort.

YUM!

Mother's Restaurant is a Portland landmark. The menu offers diners an exceptional variety of artfully prepared meals that will satisfy everyone! We are so grateful to this wonderful establishment for supporting our organization by donating. 

This writer has held more than a few committee meetings over a meal at this fine restaurant...family gatherings too!

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at a restaurant that supports the arts!!!!!! You will be so happy that you did!

Gratitude Postings Launch Tomorrow!

Gratitude is the memory of the heart. ~

Jean Baptiste Massieu, translated from French

ORA just threw our biggest Art Party/Sale.....ever!

It could not have happened without a remarkable set of sponsors, donors,  volunteers, and customers.

In the next several days we will acknowledge the generosity of these individuals and businesses.

We ask that you consider giving these folks your patronage. They deserve it!

Our Members Shine!

Two of our members will be selling their art work at the Hanukkah Extravaganza this Sunday, December 7th, at Congregation Kol Ami in Vancouver. The event runs from 10am to 4pm. Come shop for Hanukkah gifts, and be sure to see Diane Moeglein's beautiful fused glass work and Victoria Epstein's wonderful sterling silver jewelry!

Congregation Kol Ami
7800 NE 119th St.
Vancouver, WA  98662
360.896.8088

GRATITUDE

STU LUXENBERG in his first ORA show!

We hold much gratitude in our hearts for the many blessings we received this year. Sometimes it just feels like words are insufficient. That said, we will try! This is our first installment. We have many people/organizations to thank!

The MJCC has long supported our efforts to bring the arts to our community.  Of course we pay rent..... but their co-sposnorship is evident in their encouragement, and visionary guidance. Their staff members are exceptional and the building itself lends itself so well to hosting events like this.  We hope to repay their kindness by continuing to offer Jewish Arts Month events that bring in the crowds. Please help us in our appreciation of all they do.... come check out the facility! Learn about membership opportunities...and tell them how much you value the numerous contributions they make to the larger community in terms of fitness, health and culture.  Such an amazing gift.... And they have been doing it for 100 years! Happy birthday MJCC!!!!! (6651 SW Capitol HWY, Portland....503.244.0111) Mittleman Jewish Community Center is a non-profit organization. Your donation would go a long way in supporting the remarkable work they do! 

A Taste of Art: CUPCAKES!!!!!!

One of the biggest hits of our "Taste of Art" evening were the cupcakes hand made/decorated by ORA's own Ros Kane. She decorated these cupcakes in the genres of our art" pottery, glass, metal, paintings, photography...some folks thought they weren't edible....and delighted in accepting the challenge to take a bite...DELECTABLE!!!!!! creative! artistic! WOW!!!!!!!!! Thank you Ros for your stunning generosity and creativity!

CUTTING THE CHEESE

Our awesome team on cheese patrol.... getting ready for out opening event this evening....Saturday November 22, 2014  at Mittleman Jewish Community Center...7-9:30pm.
Free spirits, wine and beer....AND  tasty morsels to snack on!!!!!

THE NOTED: A NEW BAND IN PORTLAND!

"THE NOTED" is one of Portland's newest bands.

They will entertain you while you sample awesome distilled spirit samples from Eastside Distillery, Widmer Brewing, and Sip D'vine!

You can delight in free samples of cheese...and special treats from the mediterranean food truck Chickpeadx.

ORA art will be available for purchase. Admission and treats are free! Buy art and receive a free raffle ticket for every $25 spent. The prize packages include a hotel stay, theater tix, dinner....and more!!!!!!

Saturday night Nov. 22 7-9:30pm at the MJCC (6651 SW Capitol Hwy- PDX) ....and Sunday 10:30-4:30. Free admission both days. 
Food and beverage samples only available Saturday night. Raffle tickets are available until 4pm Sunday!!!!

History Rolls On

8 1/2 years ago, a dozen Jewish artists met in Eddy's living room, and dared to dream.  ORA: Northwest Jewish Artists was born (although it would take a few months to settle on that name)!

A few months later an exhibit opportunity arose, and we jumped at it, even if we felt unprepared. Our first public exhibit was a 10-day showing at Oregon Jewish Museum, beginning September 7, 2006. The exhibit was appropriately titled "B'reishit."

Two months later we launched our first big art show, the precursor to our annual Celebration of Art shows.

It's hard to believe, but next weekend we will hold our NINTH annual Art Show. Much work and many exhibits have transpired in these 8.5 years. Many successes and a few disappointments. Guest artists and members have come and gone. Our little website has grown to an incredible size, and expanded to include a blog and Facebook. Our Steering Committee has worked with unbelievable persistence and devotion. The work of our artists lives in homes all over the globe. And Celebration of Art has grown beautifully, continuing to gain community support.  But the excitement has never diminished, and I'm still shaking a little bit as I write this post. After all these years, I worry "am I ready?"

Whether you're a member, a guest artist, an alumnus, a vendor, or a patron, we invite you to be part of this historical event. Come and really experience the phenomenon that is CELEBRATION OF ART 2014!  We're all making this journey together.

Saturday evening, Nov 22nd 7-9:30 pm

A Taste of Art  at MJCC

Food & drink samples, live music, preview of the art

Sunday Nov 23rd  10:30 am - 4:30 pm

Celebration of Art  at MJCC

Over 25 Jewish artists showing & selling their work

September 7, 2006  

"Breishit" exhibit opening night at Oregon Jewish Museum 

COME, PARTY, BUY ART!!!!!!

Just in  case the fine print is too fine....
    join us for the festivities at Portland's MJCC 6651 SW Capitol Hwy
Saturday evening Nov 22: A TASTE OF ART! 7-9:30pm
free admission, free samples of wine, beer, distilled spirits, food!
Hear the awesome band THE NOTED, a new band in town!

Over 20 artists will have their work on display and available for sale.

Sunday Nov 23: Celebration of Art
Discover beautiful artwork perfect for holiday giving or as a treat for yourself!

Free Admission!   BONUS RAFFLE.....Receive a raffle ticket for every $25 spent on art! Winners need not be present. THe drawing will happen Sunday afternoon at 4pm!

What do you get when you bring great art, a live band, delicious  snacks, assorted spirits, beer and wine? A PARTY!!!!!!

Yup, a party called “A Taste of Art”  on Saturday November 22 from 7-9:30 pm at Mittleman Jewish Community Center (MJCC) 6651 SW Capitol Hwy. Meet up with friends, sample the best of Widmer Brewing, Eastside Distillery and wines from Sip D’vine. Learn how to make cheese at home (and sample some) using Urban Cheese Craft kits. Lots of other delicious snacks will also be available free! "Groove" to the tunes of a new to Portland band "The Noted."

We invite you to our preview night which will enable art lovers an early opportunity to meet over 20 artists and make purchases in time for the holiday season. Sunday, the doors will open at 10:30 when art will be again be available for purchase. Customers will be rewarded with a gift ticket for every $25 spent on art. A drawing will be held Sunday afternoon for 2 fantastic gift packages. The show will close at 4:30pm Sunday the 23rd. The event is co-sponsored by the MJCC, The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, and Oregon Northwest Jewish Artists.

Getting Social

We had a great "Social" gathering yesterday at Glenn Decherd's house. Lots of new faces, lots of goodies, and lots of information! Great things are brewing…..

Bagel On!

Yesterday three of our ORA members participated in the first annual "Bagel-On!" street fair at Congregation Kol Ami in Vancouver, Washington.

Eddy Shuldman sold her striking glassware, Esther Liberman featured her beadwork jewelry and Judaica, and Nitzan Lilie showed his amazing blacksmithed objects d'art. Diane Fredgant was also represented in absentia, her hand-painted silks gracing Eddy & Esther's booth.

It was a HOT day, and strong breezes wreaked havoc with our exhibits, but it was wonderful meeting and schmoozing with so many people. For a first effort, the event committee at Kol Ami did a great job of planning, getting the right number of food vendors, great live music, and marketing to the community. Hopefully the attendance next year will be even better!

Events like this are fun, because old friends drop by and delight us, while new contacts are made, and you never know where they will lead.  We encourage all of our members & guest artists to get out there in the world and SHOW YOUR STUFF!!

TRUNK SALE

Our event coordinators Brauna Ritchie and Sharon Segal did a great job organizing our first TRUNK SHOW! 

We are grateful to our host The Mittleman Jewish Community Center for everything they did to support this art sale!

THANK YOU BRAUNA & SHARON!
THANK YOU MJCC-Portland!

Celebrate!

Sunday, November 23, 2014…. our 8th annual Celebration of Art!!

Plus, a surprise bonus…. you might want to save Saturday evening, Nov. 22nd as well….

A Different Kind of "Trunk Sale"!

Great Art Continues!

We had the opportunity today to see some of the new art our wonderful artists are creating...

We had a little "gallery walk" at our annual meeting today!

Apologies to Linda Bourne....I neglected to get your work into my camera!

Brauna Ritchie: Fused Glass

Leslie Elder: oil painting

Esther Liberman: beaded jewelry

Jonathon Lietz: drawing and painting with computer assisted technology

Barbara Cohen: Mosaic Art

Laurie Fendel: Fabric Art

SAVE THE DATE!

                                                  ANNUAL MEETING!   

                          It’s June 8th...right after new folks jury....2-4pm!

                          @ Neveh Shalom in room #102
                           2900 SW Peaceful Lane
                           Portland, Oregon 97221

If you want to jury for a new media, you still need to send in an application. No jury fee is needed for members! Go to our website to get the info or drop Diane Fredgant an email. 

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?

So glad you asked! We’ll confirm the new steering committee, share our 2014-15 calendar, sign up for exhibition opportunities, schmooze, have a nosch....and most importantly, share our art.

WE WANT EVERYONE to bring along 1-2 pieces of art they have created...we conduct a little “gallery walk” and learn about what each of us do. Each artist is invited to take 30 seconds or so to simply introduce their work and give us all a better sense of what you do!

Have you seen the May issue of Oregon Jewish Life magazine?  We're so proud of ORA members Laurie Fendel, Eddy Shuldman, and alumnus Carole Glauber.  Also proud of Israel…..

www.ojlife.com/

New ORA SHALOM exhibit at Neveh!

Our latest ORA SHALOM exhibit kicks off tonight at Congregation Neveh Shalom!  Come for a PDX Live service led by Cantor Deborah Bletstein, and stay to view wonderful artworks by ORA members David Slader, Laurie Fendel, Ellen Shefi, Robert Brenner and Victoria Epstein. The exhibit is in the glass bookcases in the main entryway, and will remain on display through the summer.

Threads of Connection: A special presentation @ OJM

Call For Artists!

We are now accepting applications for Guest Artists to sell at this year's Celebration of Art!  We are also accepting new Membership applications. Come join this exciting, thriving group of Jewish artists…. check out our website for more information, and application forms.

http://www.northwestjewishartists.org

Final Week of JAM!!!

Neveh Shalom member/artists Laurie Fendel, Sharon Segal, Ros Kane and Eddy Shuldman  all have art at the MJCC this week. It's the final week of this year's Jewish Arts Month (JAM) rotating exhibit. Admission is free to see the art in the lobby, all day from now until the show ends this Friday.

All of the artwork is available for sale, and a portion of each sale benefits MJCC.  Come on over and check out the art! It's  pretty great!!!

Kids With Class

ORA member Michelle Katz discusses art and artists with a class of children from Portland Jewish Academy, during week #3 of Jewish Arts Month (JAM) 2014.

Exhibit at Neveh Shalom

Four ORA artists have beautiful artwork on display NOW at Congregation Neveh Shalom. The exhibit is in the glass cases of the main entrance lobby, and will be on view through the end of April.

Come by and see paintings by Boris Uan-Zo-Li and Johnathon Lietz, beadwork by Esther Liberman, and photos by Bob Sorkin.

Artwork is available for sale by contacting the individual artists. A portion of the proceeds will go to Neveh Shalom.

We are very grateful to Neveh Shalom for their ongoing support!

Week #3 JAM exhibit is up!

Week #3 exhibit of Jewish Arts Month is up in the lobby of MJCC! Come by this week, and see works by Linda Bourne, Michelle Katz, Victoria Epstein, Esther Liberman, Barbara Cohen, and Boris Uan-Zo-Li.  This exhibit is up until Friday afternoon.  Admission is free.

Through The Bamboo Curtain

Our own Bob Sorkin has an exhibit of his photography showing at St. Vincent's Hospital. "China Through the Bamboo Curtain" is a selection of Bob's amazing photos from his trip to China last year. It will be on display on the 2nd floor of the hospital's West Wing, through May 31st.

We are also honored to include several of Bob's wonderful photos in our current "ORA SHALOM" exhibit at Neveh Shalom.  No admission is required for either of these exhibits… just walk in and be inspired!  



St. Vincent's Hospital
9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225
(503) 216-1234

Congregation Neveh Shalom
2900 SW Peaceful Ln, Portland, OR 97239
(503) 246-8831

Jewish Arts Month: Week #2 is up!

Jewish Arts Month (JAM) 2014: a different exhibit each week! Last week we saw a lovely display of mounted photos and poetry by members of Eddy's writing class at Rose Schnitzer Manor.

Up this week in the MJCC lobby are works by Brauna Ritchie, Diane Fredgant, Glenn Decherd, and Jonathon Lietz.  Come see beauty!  It's there til this Friday.

Sara Harwin: Illuminated Letters

Thought-provoking work by Portland artist Sara Harwin will be featured in an exhibit at Oregon Jewish Museum, entitled "Illuminated Letters: Threads of Connection."  The exhibit will run from February 6 through April 20, 2014. 

The work draws upon the ancient tradition of illuminated manuscripts, and encompasses large panels and hanging mobiles that use strong jolts of color, sacred imagery, pattern and movement to achieve an innovative blend of visual and textual commentary on Jewish life and thought. Sara utilizes diverse techniques, including acrylic painting, paper cuts, mixed media, and fiber art. Illuminated Letters will be shown with an exhibit of illuminated manuscripts borrowed from local collectors.

Sara is a special friend of ORA, having helped launch us and offer direction in our early days. We are delighted to see this impressive project of hers come to fruition, and strongly encourage you to experience it!

OREGON JEWISH MUSEUM

1953 NW Kearney St

Portland OR 97209

503.226.3600

http://www.ojm.org/experience/exhibit-illuminated-letters-threads-of-connection

info@ojm.org

Great Art Show In Lincoln City!

In the Depths by Sharon Segal

ORA artist Sharon Segal is also member of an art group known as Earth, Fire, Water.  

The Chessman Gallery in Lincoln City  is featuring their work....now through February 10th! 

Here's a handy link:  http://www.lincolncity-culturalcenter.org/joomla-overview/details/5452-earth-water-a-fire-art-exhibit

Any time you can enjoy art while at the beach....well.....it's a treat.
The art work is fabulous.... check it out for yourself!