ANNA KODESCH: PAINTINGS 
.... AND MORE! May 3, 2012

Anna has been a very busy artist. Her newest works will
be shown in a very unique setting.


URBACA SALON    120 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 101

• Urbaca's 14 Year Anniversary Open House May 3, 5 - 7 pm. In addition to the amazing art, there will be hair consults, face treatments, refreshments, goodies, and many more surprises!

Another opportunity to view and purchase Anna's work:  June 7th 6-9pm opening reception for solo show at BC Gallery 2328 NW Westover Rd       


you can see more of Anna's work at  :
annakodesch.com

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN ORA!


Geezer Gallery hosted ORA members at one of our many "professional development" gatherings!


This is what Laurie Fendel, our education director had to say:

Today's talk at Geezer Gallery was  exhilarating !  David Strough spoke. He is a sculpture and does all mediums. He also designs the gallery set up for all their new shows. He builds furniture and has many many talents.  We asked questions and he answered: giving lots of ideas, out of the box and reality suggestions. He was totally funny, and told some hilarious stories.  He often uses pseudo names for his work and then stands there while people view his work and he listens to their comments. One tid bit was to ask your patrons questions so you can find out what they like and what they're looking for.  He talked about creative marketing, selling yourself, how to frame, where to market and how to feature your art. We had lots of good laughs, we got lots of great positive advice and it was well worth the 2 hours of education. 

We will have more opportunities like this one to get together to learn from other experts in Art !

ORA member Leslie Elder said: 

The talk by David Strough at Geezer Gallery yesterday was incredible. It was so refreshing to be able to sit down with a knowledgeable artist and get his insights. And, let me tell you, this guy was very knowledgeable!  I wanted more! I probably could have listened to this guy all day! 

LOTS OF REASONS TO JOIN!

There are many reasons and in the next few postings, we'll offer you just a few answers.

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH and COMMUNITY!

coming in just a week - the director of a well known gallery will offer ORA members a session on:

"How to Market Your Art"

"How to Frame Your Art"

"How to Market YOURSELF"

THEN.... a local artist and professional Curator will lead a session on:

"What are the Trends"

"How to Form a Presentation"

"What's Selling"

....and if that isn't enough.......

Drinks & Shmooz @ Lucky Labrador afterwards !

Scenes from the Geezer Gallery!

Welcome to the Geezer Gallery!

Bobbie Kramer pours Ambacht Beer samples....yum!

A happy crowd!

A portrait of Marcia Wilson by Susan Kuznitsky

Fabric Sculpted Vase by Laurie Fendel

Esther Liberman's beaded works in the Gallery window

THE POWER OF THE TALLIT

Diane Fredgant's beautiful hand-painted silk Tallitot will be featured at Oregon Jewish Museum on Sunday, March 18th in conjunction with a talk by author Ruth Tenzer Feldman. The two women will conduct a parent & teen program about the transformative aspects of the tallit (prayer shawl). If you've ever seen Diane's silk work, or heard her speak about the process of creating it, you know this will be a meaningful and moving afternoon.

Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 2:00 pm
The event is free with membership or museum admission.

For more information, and to RSVP:
http://www.ojm.org/lectures.htm

Oregon Jewish Museum
1953 NW Kearney St
Portland OR 97209

OVER 60 isn't OVER THE HILL!

Geezer Gallery features artwork created by artists over the age of 60. The name is a little controversial...and that is a good thing! Our stereotypes of the elder community is all wrong and the contents of this gallery prove it!

March is Jewish Arts Month. ORA artists are guests of the gallery and we are so excited to present our new works there! YES, some of our members are Geezers...and some are Geezers in waiting!

The gallery is filled with gorgeous art! Join us for our special opening on Thursday March 8th.

Come to the Gallery in Multnomah Village between 6-9pm - 7710 SW 31st ( in the Loaves & Fishes Building)

See beautiful art and sample some delicious beer (Ambacht) brewed by our friend Tom Kramer.

ORA + Geezer= Great Art!

ORA artists of all ages will be featured artists at the Geezer Gallery in Multnomah Village.

There will be two openings...

Friday night March 2nd 6-9 and Thursday night, March 8 6-9pm.

In addition to our art work, there will also be examples of work done by ORA artists in collaboration with residents from Rose Schnitzer Manor.

Pictured above is Evelyn Hirsch , who collaborated with glass artist Eddy Shuldman.

Come see the final product at the Gallery!

New Exhibit at the J!

The final exhibit in this month's rotation was mounted today at MJCC. It features the works of Shemaya Blauer, Glenn Decherd, Leslie Elder, Esther Liberman, and Eddy Shuldman.

Come by and see the familiar lobby of Mittleman adorned with paintings, glasswork, pottery and beadwork. Of course, there's no admission fee... just come in and browse. (And maybe grab a nosh or a latte at Cafe at the J.)

But come quick... the show is only on display until Friday afternoon. Enjoy!

ORA Annual MJCC Lobby Show

Come to the MJCC lobby this week to see some of ORA's finest artists on display!

We are pleased to present Glenn Decherd, Diane Fredgant, and Judith Hankin.

The show is absolutely free. You don't need to be a member of the J...just come on in!

While you are there why not grab a cup of coffee at the J Cafe, tour the building and fall in love with a great community center!

I'll post pix shortly.

This current show is on display from Sunday Feb 5- Friday Feb 10. A new exhibit will go up on the 12th! All art work is available for purchase but you will need to contact the artist directly to make arrangements!

MJCC 6651 SW Capitol HWY 503.244.0111

Susan Kuznitsky : Demo and Classes!

LAST CHANCE to see the current ORA Shalom Exhibit

Beautiful Artwork graces the showcases of Neveh Shalom in Portland Oregon!

Lovely paintings capturing faces and places are beautifully represented by painter Jan Katz.

Esther Liberman's wonderful beadwork sparkles and shines!

Diana Unterspan's felt work offers soothing colors and texture....

Eddy Shuldman expresses a midrash (stories) in her fused glass work.

Our thanks to Jan , Esther, and Eddy for coming last Friday night to talk with congregants about their work. We had some lively discussions...and the service was absolutely "rocking!" Thank you Cantor Bletstein and Klezmocracy!

Our profound thanks again to this wonderful synagogue for hosting our art work on an on-going basis.

A new exhibit goes up in February and will feature the work of three or four other ORA members.

ORA Quarterly Meeting!

I forgot to take pictures and caught this shot just before we left the gathering. It's just a few of our members listening to a brief presentation by one of our other members!

First a little business, then a demo of how we do critique groups and finally we took a speedy gallery walk - a slightly more sophisticated version of grade school "show and tell"!

Lots of ooh's and ahhh's at the sample pieces everyone brought in.

All of this choreographed by Laurie Fendel! Thanks Laurie!!!!!

Thanks also to Congregation Neveh Shalom for providing us with a meeting space.

ORA: Northwest Jewish Artists ---- a collective promoting collaboration, support, artistry, and professional development.

Unterspan Juries Into New Gallery Show

Diana Unterspan, one of our Exhibiting Artists, has been chosen by a jury to exhibit three of her pieces in a 7-week gallery show at Art on Broadway in Beaverton. The exhibit, titled "Romance," begins with an opening reception on Thursday, January 12th from 6-9 pm.

Diana had two of her pieces on exhibit at this same gallery last month, as part of our ORA exhibit. This new show was open to all artists. We are very proud of Diana, and hope you can come by and see all the works of art.

Art on Broadway
12570 SW Broadway
Beaverton, OR 97005
503.601.3300

Gallery Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am to 5 pm
info@artonbroadway.net

One-Woman Show: Sharon Segal

Sharon Segal, a charter member of ORA, is having a one-woman show! Entitled "Here Comes Valentine's Day," you'll love it!

Where:
Pheasant Run Winery
Tasting Room
21690 Main St
Aurora, Oregon 97002

When:
The show runs from January 6th through February 26th

Winter Hours:
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 12-5 pm

Opening Reception!
Friday, January 6th, 6-9 pm
With Jazz piano player and wine!

Come enjoy Sharon's delightful paintings in a wonderful atmosphere!

Pheasant Run contact info:
503.678.3131
info@pheasantrunwine.com

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