Just the Facts, Ma'am

Great news! The Calendar web page for this year's Jewish Arts Month (JAM) is done! Of course, the word 'done' is a fantasy, since this festival continues to grow and evolve, right up to the end. So i will continue to add events and update information, but the major part of the work is done. Phew!

And now is a good time to remind our readers about this amazing festival of arts - music, poetry, theater, visual arts, film, literature, photography and workshops. Special presentations by masters and amateurs, children and seniors, and everyone in between! Events are taking place all over Greater Portland, including some venues that might suprise you! This festival is so big, it can't begin to fit into one 'month.' So it spreads out over a period from February through early May. There's something for everyone, and for every schedule. And of course, plenty of exhibits and new work from ORA artists!

Wanna see what all the fuss is about? Check out the calendar, and start participating!
http://www.northwestjewishartists.org/JAMcalendar2011.html


Jewish Arts Month (JAM) is a joint production of Mittleman Jewish Community Center and ORA: Northwest Jewish Artists.

JAM is organized and directed by our very own Eddy Shuldman. Kol hakavod!

ORA and Jewish Arts Month

This is a picture of Shemaya Blauer at our Celebration of Art 2010 sale. She will demonstrate her technique of Touch Drawing on March 15th at the MJCC (6-8 pm). Come check it out!

Not only will ORA be at the March Art Spark (see the previous entry), but we will also have a show in the MJCC Lobby during the entire month of March!

If you've never been to the MJCC (Mittleman Jewish Community Center), this is a great opportunity to come check out this superb facility.

First of all, you'll discover some great art (the shows will rotate weekly). Every Sunday a new show will go up! Second, you can ask for a tour and check out the amazing athletic facilities.

Checkout the you tube video made by our friend Lauren Botney..... a little preview of Jewish Arts Month (JAM)! Just click on the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LMFuLRxUWo

MJCC 6651 SW CAPITOL HWY......503.244.0111
Come visit the living room of Portland's Jewish Community!
.

ORA at Art Spark!!! come see us!

Art Spark MARCH 17th 5-7pm

The Regional Arts and Culture Council will feature ORA at their March Art Spark Event.

If you've never attended one of these, this is a great time to come out and see what it's all about!

Art Spark is an opportunity to meet artists, network, and in this case....get to know ORA artists better! We'll have some work on display ...but we won't be selling any art! There will be a no host bar, and you'll also be able to check out a very cool restaurant.

We are honored to be selected by RACC and to also celebrate Jewish Arts Month in this fashion.

Here are the details:

March 17th 5pm-7pm

@ The Nines- 8th floor: The Urban Farmer Restaurant/Steak House

525 SW Morrison Street

No host bar, food available for purchase, good art, great people, schmoozing galore!

FUN, FUN, FUN !!!!!

Urban Farmer is open daily for breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner. Their popular weekend brunch and Bloody Mary bar is available on the weekends from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Urban Farmer is located on the 8th floor of the Nines Hotel at 525 SW Morrison Street in downtown Portland.

The photo displayed is from their beautiful website as is the fine print description above. We are grateful also to The Urban Farmer for offering their very special venue for this event.

All ORA, all the time

Have you seen our beautiful exhibit at Neveh Shalom yet? It's a good excuse to attend Friday night services. Come see a lovely compilation of works by Laura Fendel, Sabina Wohlfeiler, and Susan Kuznitzky.

And while you're there, go through the doors toward Stampfer Chapel to see the beautiful portrait of Rabbi and Goldie Stampfer that Susan Kuznitzky painted and donated to the synagogue.

Rabbis Isaak and Greenstein are warmly embracing this exibit program, and are working on a program of "Grand Openings" for our future installments. Yes, there will be a better name, and they will take place on the second Friday of the month. Stay tuned for more information. We are grateful to have such a warm welcome!

Art Spark Thursday January 20th 2011!

ORA will be a featured artist group in MARCH.....BUT in just a few days, a wonderful event will take place. THANK YOU REGIONAL ARTS & CULTURE COUNCIL (RACC) for sponsoring this wonderful event! ..... and thank you to Tonisha Toler for coordinating such amazing events!

It's free admission and has a no host bar.

Art Spark is changing their model to bi-monthly .

For January 2011’s Art Spark event they are hosting 12 arts and arts related organizations at Portland’s Center for Performing Arts (PCPA). They are quite excited to bring the same Art Spark—art happy hour—energy and enthusiasm to this daring new event.

Stop by the Art Spark event Thursday, January 20, 2011. Event details may be found at www.portlandartspark.com.

SEE YOU THERE!!!!!!

Ellen Shefi- PAINTOGRAPHY on display!

Vibrant, alive, dimensional, breath-taking! These are some of the adjectives I have heard viewers use to describe the work of Ellen Shefi. For a modest preview, go to http://www.northwestjewishartists.org/ then click on artists, then click on Ellen Shefi!

Ellen Shefi of ELF Studios has a 3 month exhibit, January 18th-April 19th, 2011, of her artwork at the Providence Milwaukie Hospital lobby gallery, located at
10150 SE 32nd Ave. Milwaukie, OR 97222 ( on Dwyer Drive).

She is participating in the Clackamas County Arts Alliance program.
Although her artwork consists of photography and photopainting, this gallery exhibit is solely photopainting, mostly from Italy. The art will transport you to another culture and evoke a lasting impression from the viewer.

Keeping the Flame Burning

What a great community!

I received a phone call from Chabad's Mimi Wilhelm. She wanted some guidance in planning a women's learning event focusing on Shabbat Candles. Maybe to make them, or decorate them, or something like that.

My own experience with wax and candles is NOT something you'd want to repeat, let alone share or pass on! So I put out a quick e-mail to our ORA membership asking for help.

Within a few hours I had replies from several people, with all kinds of helpful information, AND volunteering to help! I could hardly believe how easy it was. And, next thing I know, there's a photo in my email box of Sharon Segal following through with Mimi!

If you're available, you may want to join Mimi when she presents this study session on the mystical and magical powers of Shabbat Candles, Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 7:00 pm

For information, and to sign up, go to www.PortlandJewishWomen.com

And thanks go to Sharon and all the others who replied so quickly and graciously. Women sharing their knowledge with other women... keeping the flame of Judaism alive... it's beautiful!

This was posted by JWI:

Jewish Women International said...

Thank you so much for mentioning us! JWI is thrilled to feature Sabina's beautiful work.

I wanted to clarify that the painting will be featured on cards sent out through our annual Mother's Day Flower Project, which sends bouquets and gift baskets to battered women's shelters nationwide on Mother's Day, and also raises funds for JWI's work to empower women and girls and break the cycle of abuse.

Please do visit us at www.jwi.org/fp in the month or so before Mother's Day to participate: for each $25 donation we'll send a card (featuring Sabina's art) to any honoree the donor chooses.

And if your synagogue or organization would like to join us as a Flower Project partner - selling cards and earning money back for each donation - you can sign up online now.

Thanks again Sabina - from your fans at JWI!!

(See our original post below!)

Sabina Wohfeiler selected by JWI !

A watercolor painting by ORA artist,

Sabina Wohfeiler was selected by

Jewish Women's International for their newest thank you note.

JWI looked at hundreds of images on the web but then they discovered Sabina on the ORA website.

We are so proud of Sabina!

JWI is the leading Jewish organization empowering women and girls – through economic literacy; community training; healthy relationship education; and the proliferation of women’s leadership. Our innovative programs, advocacy and philanthropic initiatives protect the fundamental rights of all girls and women to live in safe homes, thrive in healthy relationships, and realize the full potential of their personal strength. http://www.jwi.org/Page.aspx?pid=271

The best way to see the card is to make a donation to this worthy organization. Sabina has just authorized JWI to use her painting so it might be a bit before the new cards are printed.

Mazel tov Sabina!!!!!

With All Her Heart

Sharon Segal has an exhibit of her latest paintings at her Doctor's office. It's a natural fit, because the paintings are mostly hearts, and this doctor is a cardiologist!

Sharon has spent a lot of time exploring the beauty of the shape we call a heart, and cleverly seques it into other related shapes as well. At first glance, it looks like a bunch of happy hearts, but when you take the time, you see deeper meanings imparted through color, position, and dark and light.

This special exhibit graces the walls of Portland Preventative Cardiology, at 2100 Southwest Camelot Court. If you're in the area, stop in and take a peek. It'll do your heart good!

ORA Exhibits All Year Long!!

Following the success of our recent exhibit at Congregation Neveh Shalom, ORA artists will be featured in a permanent, rotating series of exhibits there, starting in January.The first of these exhibits will feature three artists: Laura Joy Fendel, Susan Kuznitsky, and Sabina Wohlfeiler. You will see their beautiful work in the glass display cases in the foyer leading to the Sanctuary.

Every few months, we will mount a new exhibit. In April, our exhibit will feature a sampling of all of our members' art work.

Our hope is to kick off each new exhibit at Neveh Shalom's monthly First-Friday Shabbat Service. The first one will take place on Friday evening, January 7, 2011. Services begin at 6:15 pm.

Come join us in celebrating art, community, and Shabbat!


Congregation Neveh Shalom
2800 SW Peaceful Way
Portland, Oregon 97239
503.246.8831

FiberArt Exhibit

A friend and I went to see the Columbia FiberArt Guild's exhibit at Portland's Museum of Contemporary Craft today. It was very cool. A smaller exhibit than I expected, but still thoroughly enjoyable. Each of 21 artists has just one piece, and each is uniquely thought-provoking. Our own Laura Joy Fendel has a moving fabric construction with Hebrew text, and my guest was so impressed that I "know the artist."

If you haven't seen this exhibit yet, you've gotta move fast! It's only there till this Saturday. It's in the "Lab," upstairs, in conjunction with a larger exhibit focused on Books. Also, be sure to spend a few minutes in the gift Gallery downstairs to see some awesome fine craft works.

Museum of Contemporary Craft
724 NW Davis Street
Portland, Oregon 97209
tel. 503 223 2654

Hours
Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 6pm
First Thursdays 11 am - 8pm

Laura Joy!

A piece by our very own Laura Joy Fendel has been selected as one of 21 to be included in a special exhibit at Portland's Museum of Contemporary Craft. The Community Showcase exhibit includes works of art by members of the Columbia FiberArts Guild, exploring the theme of "text." Laura's piece is a fabric sculpture with Marcia Falk's version of the Hebrew "Modeh Ani" blessing. The exhibition lasts through December 4th.

Museum of Contemporary Craft
724 NW Davis Street
Portland, Oregon 97209
tel. 503 223 2654

Hours
Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 6pm
First Thursdays 11 am - 8pm

Celebration of Art 2010!- More PIX!

More Show pix!

OUR SHOW: part 5

OUR SHOW: part 4

Our Show: part 3

Did You Miss the SALE?

Or do you suddenly wish you had purchased some art?

It's not too late. You can contact individual artists and arrange to purchase something....or COMMISSION something.

Write to us at oraartists@gmail.com

We can connect you to the artist of your choice.

Give the gift of art for ANY ocassion!

Scenes from our show pt. 2

New Web Page

Check out our newest web page... with some nice pictures from our Celebration of Art show. Thank-you to everyone who shared photos!

www.northwestjewishartists.org/celebration2010.html

Scenes from our show....part 1

THANK YOU to our incredible musicians!

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 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!

Thanks to our volunteers!!!!!

Our life partners and friends helped us make Celebration of Art 2010 a success.

Words are not enough to express our gratitude.

Students from Neveh Shalom's Thirteen Mitzvot program volunteered as well. We couldn't have done it without you!

Pictured above: Juliana Levi, Jeff Edmundson, Ro Levi

Celebration!!!

Today was our 5th annual Celebration of Art! It was a wonderful success! And we raised some serious money for a good cause, Kehillah Housing.

There are many people to thank... our hard-working members, awesome guest artists, event coordinator, generous musicians, supportive customers, MJCC, and the army of dedicated husbands, parents, kids and friends who helped make this event beautiful and successful.

To be honest, I am too tired to start naming names right now, but wanted to say immediately that we are incredibly grateful to all the people who help make this show possible. We celebrate you!

SABINA WOHFEILER: Painter

This will be Sabina's 5th ORA art show. She also participates in an annual show at the Japanese gardens. Sabina recently commented: "I'm pushing myself out of my comfort zone....using acrylics but aiming to achieve some of the same qualities as I can with watercolor."

When you see her work you won't sense any discomfort. Sabina blossoms along with her flowers. She knows how to see them and translate the deeper and more mysterious beauty most of us fail to notice.

Sabina loves to travel. She takes many trips and explores nature at every opportunity but ultimately, she joyously returns to her garden....and there she paints. Yes, Sabina paints beautiful portraits and other subjects, but again and again she returns to her flowers. (pictured: pale tulip)

Four new acrylics will be featured among her beautiful water colors in this year's offerings. Stop by her booth and schmooze a little, then absorb what she has done, and then buy a painting....a little spring garden for your winter walls!

Celebration of Art 2010- SUNDAY Oct 24 10-4

@MJCC 6651 SW Capitol Hwy

FREE ADMISSION!

Diane Fredgant- Smooth as Silk

Last night Diane Fredgant and Eddy Shuldman made the trek to the Couve...aka Vancouver Washington. Vancouver Hadassah women and some husbands made up the audience as the two ORA artists talked about how their art work is inspired and created. It was a delightful evening... a great audience!

Pictured above, is Diane talking about her work in crafting custom designed tallitot. Her skill is balanced by her humility. The audience was wowed!

You'll find more than just tallitot at Diane's booth....challah covers, wall art, challah covers, prayer flags.........and more! Her colors are intensely rich and deep. The imagery is spiritual.

Talk with Diane and you will discover how deep her passion runs.

CELEBRATION OF ART 2010! October 24th 10am-4pm

MJCC 6651 SW Capitol Hwy

Portland, Oregon

503.244.0111

ROBIN ESTERKIN: Painter and Ceramicist

Robin has many talents and her booth will reflect just a few of those talents. Robin is a member of ORA: Northwest Jewish Artists and this will be her 5th show!

Robin has a number of new pieces in ceramicware, sculpture and paintings. You might find yourself buying one of her paintings to go with one of her sculptures....it could happen! Stop by her booth and find out how Robin approaches clay and canvas. It will be worth your time!

CELEBRATION OF ART- October 24, 2010

6651 SW Capitol Hwy

10am-4pm

ELLEN SHEFI- PAINTOGRAPHY

Some people know Ellen Shefi as a doctor of acupuncture. Others know her as an artist: a woman with a keen eye who shoots beautiful photographs and then paints on them. The result is eye popping colors and images.

An ORA: NW Jewish Artists member, Ellen has worked as a guest artist coordinator and we are so impressed by her organizational skills as well as her talents as artist. This is Ellen's third show with ORA.

You'll be delighted in the eye feast available to you at Ellen's booth. Stop by this Sunday! Take a look!

Celebration of Art Sunday October 24th

at the MJCC- 6651 SW Capitol Hwy

10am-4pm

Eddy Shuldman, the "Life" of ORA

Eddy Shuldman, co-founder of ORA, creates inspiring works of art in glass. From whimsy to abiding faith, many of life's themes find expression in her colorful fused glass creations.

She comments on the creative process: "Glass is magic! Hebrew letters often dance across a fanciful screen in my mind's eye. Translating this dance of letters and images into glass becomes a meditative experience. I journey deeper into the meanings and fight the limitations that a solid, yet fragile medium offers me."

Eddy is the driving force behind ORA, and the creator of Portland's highly acclaimed Jewish Arts Month. Her energy and optimism are visible in everything she does. Come meet this human dynamo, and be inspired by her artwork!

It's THIS SUNDAY, October 24th at MJCC.