Last Thursday on Alberta

This evening marks the final “Last Thursday” art walk of the year on NE Alberta Street, here in Portland. Having a monthly art sale in this artsy district has always been a great idea. Sadly, though, the growth of the event and the manner in which it is being managed has done more harm than good to the participating artists.

Rewind back to an excerpt from this blog in July, 2008:

“This unusual event, at which local artists display and sell their work anywhere that they can find an open piece of sidewalk, has become increasingly popular, but has also experienced some growing pains. Last year, in response to a rowdy party that had absolutely nothing to do with the artists, the police took out their frustrations by disallowing anyone to display their work under canopies. Meaning, now our work has no protection from rain or, at this time of year, the scorching sun.”

“WE’RE BLOCKING OFF THE STREET”, a flyer read, giving artists a shot of optimism. For that decision came with a little present for the artists: We could once again set up our artwork beneath the shelter of canopies. Surely, this was a step in the right direction. Little did we know that the new and improved, un-motorized version of Last Thursday would come with an unexpected downside.

Throughout this season, Last Thursday has been transformed into something that cannot seriously be referred to as an art event anymore; it has instead become a raging street party, fueled by alcohol, where any artists trying to show and sell there work are an afterthought, at best. Even during the peak hours in the early evening, the thousands of attendees stroll down the middle of the street with tunnel vision, barely any of them even noticing all of the art that’s set up on the sidewalks. The sad truth is. . . the local artists who were once the very reason that people came out to this event are now insignificant, if not invisible. Ask any artist how their sales have been affected by the street closure and they’ll certainly tell you that sales have plummeted this year.

To all Portlanders who love the arts, we hope that we’ll see you tonight and that you’ll start your Holiday shopping early, despite the gloomy weather. Thanks!

Etsy Artist of the Day

We'd like to draw your attention to South Texas fine artist Roz of RozArt. We love the theme and colors of her "Beach 8" painting and we think her cow paintings images are absolutely hilarious. Roz's Etsy shop, filled with "whimsical" paintings, is a must-see! http://www.rozart.etsy.com

Thanks for supporting independent artists and buying hand-made!

Paul Turns 50

Paul Bunyan Statue, Portland OR © Mesman Images

No, this handsome devil isn't in Minnesota. Not in North Dakota, either. Montana? Nope. This grinning Paul Bunyan resides in the Kenton neighborhood, here in Portland, Oregon. And he's just hit the big 5-0. That's because Oregon just celebrated its 150th birthday last weekend and Mr. Bunyan was erected for Oregon's Centennial in 1959. Happy Birthday, Big Fella!

Speaking of Kenton. . . Fellow Portland Etsy artist Kenton Beadworks has some beautiful hand-crafted jewelry that you should check out.

Copyright Kenton Beadworks

You can see more of this talented artists's work on Etsy at KentonBeadworks or at Pulse Salon in Downtown Portland.

As always, thanks for supporting Etsy artists and buying hand-made!

We're Still Here!

Najac, Aveyron, France © Mesman Images Portland

Wow! We've really been AWOL in the blogosphere! Like everyone else, we've really been scrambling to make ends meet in this horrific economy. As full time artists, that's a challenging enough task, even when times are good!

We've also been making a conscious effort to print a number of images that, for whatever reason, we've never taken the time show publically. One such print is the one shown above, which is the village of Najac, in southern France. We just adore quaint, rustic villages. . . something there is no shortage of in France!

2009 Japanese Garden Calendar

©Portland Japanese Garden / David M. Cobb

If anyone on your gift list enjoys scenic calendars and you'd like to support a good cause, the Portland Japanese Garden is currently selling their 2009 calender as part of their fund-raising efforts. Featuring images of the garden taken throughout the year, the full-color pages measure 12" x 12".

The calendars can be purchased at the garden's gift shop or online along with other unique gifts here: 2009 Japanese Garden Calendar

What is the Portland Japanese Garden?

In 1958, when Portland became a sister city of Sapporo, Japan,
a broad interest in Japanese culture was created.

On June 4, 1962, the City Council created a commission to
establish a Japanese garden on the site of the former
Washington Park Zoo.

In 1963, professor Takuma Tono was commissioned to design
and supervise the developement of the garden. In the summer
of 1967, the Portland Japanese Garden formally opened to the
public.

The 5.5-acre Japanese Garden is composed of five separate
garden styles:
a Strolling Pond Garden
a Tea Garden
a Natural Garden
a Flat Garden
a Sand and Stone Garden

In 1988, His Excellency Nobuo Matsunaga, Ambassador from
Japan to the United States, proclaimed it to be “the most
beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outsite
of Japan.”

Source: Japanese Garden Society of Oregon

Some of our own images of the garden appear on our website:

Japanese Garden Triptychs
Another Japanese Garden Triptych
Alternate Frame
One More Japanese Garden Triptych
Alternate Frame

Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97205
(503) 223-1321

Black Friday Sale!

For four days only, we're marking down our custom triptych framed prints and offering free shipping in the U.S.A. as well! Normally $40 each, these are on sale now at "2 for $60". Please visit our Etsy listing for this unique gift idea: Custom Triptych Sale

What an Autumn in Oregon!

Okay, so the weather here in Portland has become cold and soupy. But, WOW, did we have some picture-perfect stretches in recent weeks! The fall colors combined with crystal-slear skies and highs in the 60's created scenes like the one above. Now, if only we could figure out a way to make it last. . . Have a feeling we'll be gazing at this photo longfully in the coming few months. . .

Etsy artist of the day:


Today we visit UK jewelry artist Laura, who resides in Loughborough, in the Midlands. Not surprisingly, her Etsy shop is aptly named Lauras Jewellery. Laura describes her shop as "The home of Kitsch and Unique". As you can see from the brooches shown above, it would be worth your time to drop by Laura's shop and look around!

Thanks for supporting Etsy artists and buying hand-made!

Sunrise at Portland Japanese Garden © Mesman Images Portland

Deux Chevaux in Provence

We're swamped and can't properly blog today! We'd nonetheless like to brighten your day with this bright red Citroen parked in front of a sunflower field in the Provence region of France. Wish we were there now. . .