Creating Community through Art
Start Close to Home to Change the World
Top Row, Left to Right artwork by: Carol Armstrong-Ianovici, Liz Borowski, Jennifer Mercede
Bottom Row, Left to Right artwork by: Peggy Pfenninger, Amy Daileda, Lisa Laser
“Let’s create some love and light for the neighborhood!” was Lisa Laser’s enthusiastic response when approached about being part of a neighborhood art show. Yes! When in doubt about how to make a positive difference in the world, I like to start close to home. With that in mind the Concordia Artist Collective Art Show was born! This free art show for the community will feature fine art from 6 Concordia neighborhood artists at our neighborhood plaza, the Concordia Commons.
One unexpected benefit from the pandemic was the creation of the Concordia Commons. It began when restaurants in the immediate area needed outdoor seating, and the street at 30th & Killingsworth was closed off. Since then the city has officially designated it a small public plaza. A bright mural painted by neighbors now decorates the space, along with permanent furniture, planters, and picnic tables. Volunteers host free community events such as live music and game nights. It’s wonderful to have a gathering space for our community. The space is free to use, and the volunteer committee is welcoming and helpful for anyone planning an event. Perhaps you too can host an event in the Commons (or your own neighborhood space!) to focus on community in these tumultuous times.
Join us in the plaza September 13, 4-7pm to experience an outdoor art exhibit and sale. The show will feature paintings from Concordia neighbors! Lisa Laser paints what she sees and what is bouncing around in her head with oil paint, acrylic and colored pencil. Liz Borowski uses mixed media for her art and teaches watercolor classes out of her home studio too. Carol Armstrong-Iovanovici creates art made from discarded wood, and she loves to paint crows. Jennifer Mercede paints and draws bright color abstract animals and florals. Peggy Pfenninger is a multi-faceted artist who uses many mediums. She also happens to facilitate our neighborhood Buy Nothing group. I explore our connection to the universe through vibrant detailed paintings of native plants and space.
Stop by to see the art and meet some of the people who make up the “arts” part of Portland’s Alberta Arts District. In addition to originals there will be small art pieces and prints for sale. You can even enter a raffle to win some art! The raffle will be free, and we will also be collecting donations for P:EAR who help homeless youth. We hope you’ll be inspired and uplifted from the event. Our neighborhood offers so much goodness, such as the Concordia newspaper, our neighborhood association, our Buy Nothing group, and now the Concordia Commons. We’d love to share it with you. See you there!
