FolkGrass is a Portland band that first broke onto the scene a couple of years ago,
drawing on the talents of the Multnomah Arts Center’s music department. At first, they played a variety and combination of styles, staying in the general realm of bluegrass and folk music. But they have evolved and now expand the edges of those genres touching jazz and country as well. Whatever the style, expect energetic music, both covers and originals with mandolin, guitar, piano, bass, fiddle, woodwinds, dulcimer and anything else they decide to throw in. They choose some well-known nuggets to cover and the originals are exciting new songs you’ll want to hear again.

Portland Parks & Recreation’s Multnomah Arts Center (MAC) is benefitting from a generous donation to its jewelry and metalworking classes.  Tom Temple, an artist from Bend, gave specialized equipment and tools worth $20,000 to the MAC’s metal arts program.

The retired teacher dropped by the Multnomah Arts Center last summer.

“I was looking for a school where my tools and equipment would enhance their metalworking program,” says Temple.  “MAC had an environment that was welcoming, encouraging, and where students feel safe to take risks and explore their unique designs.  Excellent instruction was demonstrated by the quality and fine craftsmanship in the many types of student work on display.”

Thanks to Temple and his wife, Phillis, MAC’s metal arts program now has five dedicated soldering stations and four dedicated kilns.  The Multnomah Arts Center also now has a greatly enhanced collection of tools, books, and supplies as part of the Temples’ generosity.  Students learn various techniques, such as casting metal objects from wax forms, enameling metals, creating metal jewelry, and fusing glass in a variety of artistic ways.  All instruction is provided by professional teaching artists.

“This donation has made a significant impact on our ability to teach the art of metalsmithing,” says Michael Walsh, Executive Director of the Multnomah Arts Center.  “We can now serve more students at the same time, which helps keep class fees more affordable.  We can also teach to a higher level of expertise because of a more complete studio.”

The good news for MAC didn’t stop with the Temples’ generosity.  Tom and Phillis’ gift spurred additional giving to MAC’s metal arts program.  The center’s all-volunteer non-profit partner, the Multnomah Arts Center Association, donated $10,000 to improve classroom space.  The investments were quickly followed by another $3,000 in-kind donation from Fred Meyer Jewelers.

MAC finished a major remodeling effort this winter to allow students access to all of the new equipment.

“Our instructors have reported that student feedback about these changes has been overwhelmingly positive, and there is new enthusiasm about MAC’s metal studio in the greater Portland community,” adds Walsh.

The Multnomah Arts Center offers more than a dozen different classes in metal arts every term for both youth and adults.

Announcing a Call to Artists for a juried exhibit in the Multnomah Arts Center Gallery for the month of August 2012.

MAC invites experienced and emerging artists to submit  artwork for a show inspired by the theme:

“BROADSIDES”

Submission deadline: May 1, 2012

For more information please contact: Jaye.Campbell@PortlandOregon.gov

Here is what you missed if you missed MAC’s Open House 2011!

Please subscribe to our Youtube channel, thanks!

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Marimba Solo -
Music: Steven Skolnick

*******World Premiere*******

Tied and Twisted, Twisted and Tied -
Choreography: Leru Adams
Music: Art Resnick “Bassoonette”
Musician: Mitch Iimori
Dancers : Leru Adams, Vanessa Blake, Aliana Buller, Connie Moore, Nacole Narong, Catherine Peron-Bevens, & Lyndsey Sammons

Tonight -
Choreography: Jin Camou
Music: Beth Karp “Fault Lines”
Musicians: Luke FitzPatrick, Violin Beth Karp, Piano
Dancer: Jin Camou

Rhapsody in Sole -
Choreography: Judy Tibbles
Music: Jack Buddeke
Dancers/Musicians: Judy Tibbles, Victor Torres, Aaron Farquhar

Tundra -
Choreography: Rachel Slater
Music: Eric Dash
Musicians: Steven Skolnik, Eric Dash, Drew Nelson, Eric Miller, Mitch Iimori, Michael Walsh, Jessica Barlett
Dancers: Rachel Slater, Amy Ashley, Jennifer Flynn, Allie Boyden.

Reception Friday, February 3, 7pm to 9pm

Brigitte Dortmund | Illness Series #1

Show will run 2/3/2012 to 2/29/2012

Please share with art lovers and friends! “Thumbs up” and “favorites” help us too. Thanks.

MAC Mural Project

Download Winter 2012 Catalog (PDF)