AboutFace Magazine - Spring 2016 by Portland Interview Magazine

Reggie Lee Actor, Grimm Feature Interviews Alexander Rokoff Master Painter

Jeff Lamb Designer

Paul Culp Game Designer

Moe Achour Al-Amir Restaurateur

Sean Gores CEO, Gores Construction

Linda Glover Divine Consign & Boutique

Joe Finkbonner Hero, Indian Health Board

Artist Spotlights James Allen Josh Dixon

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Suzanne Vaughan Christopher Mooney Alison Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donoghue

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CONTENTS SPRING 2016 // ISSUE 20

COVER INTERVIEW 36 REGGIE LEE ACTOR, GRIMM Cover photo by Dax McMillan

FEATURE INTERVIEWS 16 MOE ACHOUR AL-AMIR RESTAURATEUR

48 SEAN GORES CEO, GORES CONSTRUCTION 52 LINDA GLOVER DIVINE CONSIGN & BOUTIQUE 60 PAUL CULP GAME DESIGNER 64 JOE FINKBONNER HERO, INDIAN HEALTH BOARD

ARTICLE 44 JASEN AND ALLISON BOWES ELSEWHERE, PROPRIETORS

PROFILES 66 KAY NEWELL OWNER, SUNLAN LIGHTING 68 DEANNA LAUTENBACH ARTIST

ARTIST SPOTLIGHTS 70 JAMES ALLEN BOOK EXCAVATOR 71 ALISON O’DONOGHUE CONTEMPORARY FOLK ARTIST 72 CHRISTOPHER MOONEY FINE ARTIST OF CONTEMPORARY REALISM 73 SUZANNE VAUGHN ABSTRACT ARTIST/OIL PAINTER

ABOUTFACE

28 ALEXANDER ROKOFF MASTER PAINTER

P o r t l a n d ’s I n t e r v i e w M a g a z i n e

22 JEFF LAMB DESIGNER

10 CUISINE 34 ON TREND

ATM Ant hony Thomas Melil lo

Y OU SH O UL D .

74 JOSH DIXON SALVAGED CREATIONIST

COLUMNS

DO YOU KNOW?

56 IT SUITS YOU 58 WELLNESS 78 NEWS

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Amy Bishop, Kathleen O’Donnell, Ashley Trinh

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AFM Team PUBLISHED BY CHOOSE LOCAL MEDIA, INC EXECUTIVE TEAM

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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Kailla Coomes, Whitney Davis, Stephanie Kerstens, Carrie Schulstad

CEO Nez Hallett PRESIDENT David Bentley VP INTEGRATED MARKETING

Al Dennison

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Tim Sugden

OFFICE MANAGER

Robin Farm

CREATIVE TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Justin Fields CREATIVE DIRECTOR/PUBLISHER

David Bentley

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Tim Sugden

ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER

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LEAD DESIGNER Gary Menghini COPY EDITOR Doug Puckett FASHION EDITOR

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FEATURE WRITERS

Sheila Hamilton, Merlin Varaday,

Courtney Tait, Veronica Dempsey COLUMNISTS Briana Borten

ABOUTFACE

P o r t l a n d ’s I n t e r v i e w M a g a z i n e

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dax McMillan

ONLINE COPY EDITOR

Justin Fields

Letter from the Editor

1801 NW Upshur St, #100 Portland, OR 97209 503.546.2977 editor@aboutfacemag.com

New Face at the Helm Welcome to the Spring 2016 issue of AboutFace, my first as Editor-in-Chief. My experience writing news and interviews for this magazine began in its inaugural year of 2011. Over the past five years I’ve been fortunate enough to watch my predecessor, Editor Emeritus D.C. Rahe, manage magazine operations with efficiency, creativity, and integrity. It’s a great honor to pick up where he left off, and we all wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES sales@aboutfacemag.com 503.546.2977

This issue represents an important turning point in the magazine’s history. Our new size, restructured staff, and refreshed design are indicative of our own AboutFace moment, much like the formative moments we seek to explore with our interview subjects each issue. Our first black and white cover reflects a renewed artistic focus, and the decision to accent that simplicity with purple is our subtle homage to Prince, an artist that exemplified the courage to stand apart from the crowd. His motivation to innovate, inspire, and entertain is the standard of media originality that we strive to achieve. Look for more changes to come in future issues.

ABOUTFACE Magazine and the entire contents of this issue are copyright 2016 Choose Local Media Inc., all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or part without written permission from Choose Local Media, Inc.

I invite you to not only read the articles on these pages, but really absorb the valuable knowledge conveyed by our interview subjects. From designers and artists, to restaurateurs and builders, this issue is full of fascinating and talented people who aren’t afraid to blaze their own trail. It’s their words and experiences that represent the fabric and texture of Portland itself. Let’s engage AboutFace together, and discover the people in each issue that make this town unique. Thanks for reading.

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Cheers, Justin Fields Editor-in-Chief AboutFace Magazine

Read online @ AboutFaceMag.com

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AFM column

CUISINE

Chef Stories

giant jellyfish and tropical fish tank evoke the warm coastline feel of South America where Chef Jaco Smith gains his inspiration for the South American cuisine at LeChon. South Africa born, the love for cooking was introduced to him at a very young age, as he helped his mom cook in the kitchen. Previously, Jaco worked as a Chef in Scotland, England, South Africa and The Greenbrier Hotel, where he learned everything he could about sauces from stellar Chef Peter Timmins. He continued onto a long tenure with the Ritz Carlton at their most highly rated establishments, including Reynolds Plantation and the Ritz-Carlton Oman. From there, he accepted a position as the Executive Chef at The Joule, a luxury hotel in Texas where he met his future wife. Newly married, his bride brought him to Portland without a friend in sight, but he now calls Portland home. He enjoys life along with the local movement of the “driven” Portland chef scene. “It pushes you to excel and create,” he says.

Jaco Smith At leChon written by Tina Curry photographed by Tim Sugden

10 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

Putting labels like “South American inspired” might be dangerous for some restaurants, but at LeChon let’s not quibble over geographic pettiness. Its dishes like the grilled octopus with chorizo and salsa verde presented with preserved lemon sauce highlights both grill and region. These dishes playfully showoff intuitive flavor skills while others have a lovely, interesting display. Can you fall in love with ceviche that has sweet potato or shrimp as the base and a fluffy hairdo of foam with a pipette barrette? You’ll call the wedding planner, ok? But, don’t miss out; the range of choices is more than adequate. You will love the huge ribs and charred mixed meat grill with sauces you could include in your favorite drink list. Desserts like the passionfruit tart and adorable beignets with sweet caramel dipping sauce are worth noting. Is it possible to have an affair with a restaurant? Indeed it is. Another tug on the heartstrings resides in the bar. Smart flavors and rooted combinations will make you push aside what you thought you liked in a Manhattan or Mojito. Spicy, grilled pineapple in the Mal Humorado tequila-based cocktail shocks the tongue with a slap, but only for a moment before you find yourself picking it up, wanting more. With six-dollar pomegranate cosmopolitans, you’re reminded again that the sun can shine even in Portland rain. For those wanting to try it all, they certainly get a beautiful preview by ordering “What the Chef is Eating,” a multi-course experience served family-style for the table to share, with a steady rotation of dishes that change daily. It is also a new star on the destination map for vegetarians with more than just a few options—they offer an entire vegetarian menu, creating a seamless experience for vegetable-driven diners. Aside from the tantalizing food, the décor and service at LeChon are plenty pleasing and LeChon hasn’t fallen into the Portland trap of only being able to serve 30 to 50 seats max. There’s a great private event space and an array of other seating options from booths to bar stools, along with chefs kitchen seats and outside seating. For the summer months, the new outdoor kitchen restaurant, Cocina, will cast the net further to Ecuador and Brazil to name a couple, calling out to those who love trying international flavors.

ÜÜLechonPDX.com

DINNERS in the

FIELD photography | erika plummer

Field & Vine Events | 971.258.8389 | info@fieldandvineevents.com Advance Ticket Purchase at FieldAndVineEvents.com April 12 May 14 May 21 June 4 June 11 June 18 June 26 July 9 July 16 July 23 July 30 August 6 August 13 August 20 August 28 September 3 September 10 September 18 September 24 October 1 October 15 October 22 November 5 December 3 December 10

Southeast Wine Collective w/ Pitch Dark Chocolate Portland Kestrel Barn w/ Owen Roe West Linn Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm & Vineyard w/ Portland Cider Company Woodburn AlexEli Vineyards w/ Portland Creamery Molalla St. Josef’s Estate Vineyards & Winery Canby King’s Raven Winery Oregon City Pete’s Mountain Vineyard & Winery West Linn Stoller Family Estate w/ Chef Jaco Smith of Lechon Restaurant Dayton WillaKenzie Estate w/ Goldin Artisan Goat Cheese Yamhill Lange Estate Winery & Vineyards w/ Portland Creamery Dundee Lee Farms w/ Methven Family Vineyards Tualatin Christopher Bridge Wines Oregon City Fiala Farms w/ Erath Winery West Linn Beckham Estate Vineyard Sherwood Rare Plant Research & Villa Catalana Cellars Oregon City Fir Point Farms w/ Ecliptic Brewery & Ribera Wines Aurora Terra Vina Wines Wilsonville Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch w/ AlexEli Vineyards Molalla Ardiri Winery & Vineyards Cornelius Douglas Farm w/ Owen Roe Sauvie Island The Urban Farm Dinner at Sprout Factory 3 farms, 4 wineries, Indio Spirits, Live Music Portland Stoller Family Estate w/ Fresh and Wild Dayton Rosse Posse Elk Farm w/ Forest Edge Vineyard Molalla Dobbes Familly Estate Dundee WillaKenzie Estate Yamhill

Dinners benefitting Oregon Farm Loop

AFM column

CUISINE

Reviews

Chefs You Should Know Chris Carriker Blue Hour

bluehouronline.com

BlueHourOnline.com

Boyd Holliday McCormick & Schmicks Harborside McCormickAndSchmicks.com

Kasey Mills Mediterranean Exploration Company MediterraneanExplorationCompany.com

Leslie Palmer Thirst Bistro ThirstBistro.com

12 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

written by Tina Curry

AFM column

CUISINE

Chit Chat Chew

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CUISINE

Cocktails

AFM column

Spiritopia Craft Spirits - The Big Apple ◊ 2 oz. Spiritopia Apple Liqueur ◊ 1 oz. Bourbon or Rye Whiskey ◊ Dash Angostura Bitters ◊ Combine & shake with ice. ◊ Strain into glass. Garnish with fruit if desired.

Bull Run Distilling - Ural ◊ 1.5 oz. Starka ◊ 3/4 oz. Lemon ◊ 1/2 oz. Orange Liquer ◊ 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup ◊ Shake all in ice pour into sugar rim martini glass.

Superfly - Cuban Missle Crisis ◊ 1.5 oz. Superfly Vodka ◊ Citrus soda ◊ Fresh mint ◊ Shake over ice, pour into sugar rimmed glass.

Crater Lake Spirits - Oregon Bulldog ◊ 1 oz. Hazelnut Espresso Vodka ◊ 1 oz. Crater Lake Vodka ◊ Splash of Coke ◊ Fill remaining with Half & Half.

Dry Fly Distilling - New Fashioned ◊ 1.5 oz. Dry Fly Triticale Whiskey ◊ 1.5 oz. Cointreau ◊ 1.5 oz. Sweet Vermouth ◊ 1/2 oz. fresh orange juice ◊ Stir together with cracked ice into chilled cocktail glass. ◊ Garnish with orange peel.

LOCAL SPIRITS written by Tina Curry

Backdrop - Lemon Haze ◊ 2.5 oz. Backdrop Vodka ◊ 2 drops lemon essential oil ◊ 2 drops Triple Sec ◊ Squeeze lemon wedge in shaker. Shake & strain. Garnish with lemon twist.

Indio Spirits - NY Sour Layer the following: ◊ 1 1/2 Oz. James Oliver American Whiskey ◊ Splash of Cranberry ◊ Splash of Pineapple ◊ Dash of Orange Bitters ◊ Squeeze of Lime ◊ Float 1/2 Oz. Indio Spirits Barrel Room ◊ Curacao ◊ Orange Wedge

Distilling Head - Warship Lemonade ◊ 1 part Warship Spiced Rum ◊ 1 part Newmans lemonade ◊ Add to Highball glass filled with ice - garnish with lemon wedge. Enjoy!

Aviation Gin - Bees Knees oz. Aviation American Gin oz. Freshly pressed lemon juice ◊ 1 oz. Clover honey syrup* ◊ Add spirits & mixers with ice and shake. Fine strain into a chillled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon, *add equal amount of honey to hot water, stir, cool. ◊ 2 ◊ 1

AFM interview

FEATURE

Al-Amir Restaurateur

Moe Achour

16 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

Authentic Taste Is T imeless written by Justin Fields photographed by Tim Sugden

I write this article, I’m enjoying an exceptional Lebanese red wine personally selected by Moe Achour, owner of Al-Amir (223 SW Stark St.), Portland’s original Lebanese restaurant and remembering two remarkable dinners I had there this April.

Since 1993, Al-Amir has earned a reputation as one of the Northwest’s best restaurants, offering traditional, authentic Middle-Eastern cuisine, garnering honors and glowing reviews from Zagat and Bon Appétit Magazine, and earning a strong following of loyal customers that spans generations. There’s something special about this family owned place, and I was determined to find out what it was. On my first visit, we intended to have our interview, but Al-Amir at 8:00 p.m. on a Wednesday was so bustling with groups of regulars that Moe could barely get away. Instead of our interview, Moe brought course after course of tantalizing traditional dishes for me to try. Moe and his staff were so attentive that I already felt like I was a regular. On my second visit, I got my interview. We discussed food, family, and the business philosophy that has helped Al-Amir endure and prosper, despite pressure from an increasingly-crowded food scene in Portland. I enjoyed another decadent dinner,… and dessert,… and wine,…and went home with so much food I shared it with two families, and reconnected with old friends in the process. This place is special, and Moe was kind enough to open up with me about why. Let’s talk about food first. What would you tell people who haven’t tried traditional Middle Eastern cuisine? Why should they branch out? It’s just a simple and fresh type of cuisine. It’s Mediterranean food with things most people already love, like lemon, garlic, olive oil, fresh tomatoes, chicken, and lamb. Often the method of cooking is very simple too, like barbecuing. Fresh vegetables, all on the grill. No cream. A lot of people ask me, do you use eggs? No we don’t. Do you use butter? No we don’t. It’s all from some of the freshest ingredients you will ever taste. Our food is a lot like a home-cooked meal. It’s very healthy, and very delicious of course! We still use recipes that have been in my family for generations. That’s very important to me. Can you tell me more about your family recipes, Moe? Were they from your parents? No. They’re from my grandparents. Generations of our recipes have stayed in the house. Our mothers were really good cooks, and they learned by their mothers, and their mothers learned by their mothers before them. So now we just continue to use those family recipes and serve them to you at Al-Amir. I know family is important to you. Can you talk a little bit about your family and where you come from?

We’re from Beirut, Lebanon. I was born and raised there. We moved to the states about 35 years ago, after following my uncles here. We had a couple stores and grocery/delis in Corvallis and the Beaverton area. Then we came to Portland and opened Al-Amir. It has become a very well-known and respected restaurant here in Portland. We’ve been here for 23 years now in the same location. What’s your secret to that kind of business longevity? There are a lot of dining options in Portland... I buy everything local, and no trucks or big food supply companies drop off any food here. I go in my car or the catering van and buy all local stuff myself. There is no canned food at Al-Amir. All my vegetables come here from local farms. It’s all very fresh. When you’re buying fresh vegetables, fresh chicken, fresh lamb, fresh beef, fresh ingredients, fresh everything, that shows in the food. It’s a lot better, and people notice. I can tell you’re very choosy about what goes into your food. Is it ever difficult to get any authentic ingredients you can’t get locally? Sometimes it can be hard, but we always have it available. Sometimes we have our special spices brought from back home, and sometimes we find it from some specialty whole17

AFM interview

salers in California or Detroit, and they ship it directly to us. It can be very expensive to get it fresh, but it’s worth it. We use allspice, cardamom, a little bit of nutmeg, and cinnamon. These are basic spices, but we only use a very high grade of each. I don’t look at the price, I always look at the quality. What foods are you craving the most right now? Is there a seasonal component to your menu? The baked eggplant is my favorite because it’s good for this kind of weather in the spring. By the way, I pay $64 for eggplant and we always use it fresh. We don’t ever pass that expense on to our customers. In the spring we also do a lot of vegetables like the tabouleh. Our taboli is the best because it has that fresh flavor you can always expect here. Let’s shift gears to discuss other parts of your business. Your location here in the Bishop Building is beautiful and historic. I love seeing the beautiful original buildings of Portland put to good use! Yes, it’s very historic and beautiful. The brick is very eye-catching. We brought in many extra touches as you can see, including

18 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

the decorative arch, the mural paintings, and the pictures of Lebanon from back in the 1950s. Moe, I know you well enough now to see that you’re a very hands-on owner. And you don’t like titles. Do you think that’s part of why you’re known for excellent service? Yes, absolutely. My job is seven days a week because I’m very involved in the day-to-day operations. We all work very hard here. I work in the front and the back of the house. I go buy our ingredients, help with catering, seat customers, wait tables at night, and bartend. I help with everything, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We all work to provide that added personal touch here, and enjoy the one-on-one part of helping our customers. I could never just walk around acting important, saying, “I’m the owner, blah blah blah.” I don’t even have business cards. What other things help contribute to your reputation of service? Why do people come back, time and time again? When you come into Al-Amir and are between these walls, we want you to have an experience of feeling like you are among family and being served by family. That’s why if you’re ever

AFM interview

here on a Friday or a Saturday everybody that comes in hugs us because we’ve known them for 20 years. We’re invited to weddings, and we’re invited to funerals. We have baby showers, graduation parties. We’ve done so many caterings for people who have grown up at this restaurant, and now they’re moving onto the second phase of their life. So we are always a part of people’s lives. We feel that we are a generational restaurant. Some people who come here are in their 80s, and they’re with their grandkids who are now teenagers. There’s something for everybody at Al-Amir. That’s what we take pride in! You mentioned groups. I’ve personally seen several large groups in here. Is that something you really focus on and value? Yes, because we usually know all of them. Many have been doing business dinners with us for 15 years or more. One of the groups you saw when you were in here last week was a medical company. Their word of mouth has led to other large groups as well. I just scheduled a group from Hong Kong today. What advice do you have for young people wanting to either enter the food industry or start a restaurant in Portland? Don’t do it. If I was going to start a new restaurant somewhere, I would go to Eastern Oregon or the coast where new restaurants are doing very well, and there is still a need. The wineries are all doing well with their small restaurants too. Portland is a town where everybody wants to be seen at the current hot-spot. The restaurant scene is so saturated that sometimes people forget about the high-quality traditional restaurants that have been here all along. Al-Amir was the first Lebanese restaurant in Portland, and now it seems like suddenly everybody is opening a Lebanese restaurant. How does that affect a restaurant like Al-Amir that has been around a long time? I feel like sometimes Lebanese food gets a bad rap, because they try it at another place that isn’t authentic and don’t like it. But I say, “Try ours. I bet you will like it much more.” So if I was going to tell somebody to venture out, give the oldest, and most authentic Lebanese restaurant a chance first. What would you say is the main difference between a traditional Lebanese restaurant, and one that is less traditional? There are so many strange variations of hummus out there now—green bean hummus, white bean hummus, every kind of hummus you could imagine. But hummus should just be traditional hummus, you know what I’m saying? And tabouleh is tabouleh—parsley, tomato, bulgur wheat. Some places make it with quinoa and cucumber and that’s just not tabooli. At Al-Amir, we serve the original, traditional ethnic Lebanese cuisine that we eat at home ourselves. That’s the only thing we serve.

20 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

I’ve heard you have a cool weekend scene. Other than authentic food, fresh ingredients, and personal service, what else makes Al-Amir the place to be? We want everybody to know that we are a shining restaurant and that we entertain people from all different walks of life. That’s what’s important. It doesn’t matter what your social status is, because we’re happy to have everybody here. We’re very authentic, but we’re also very hip. We have a great bar scene. We play international music on the weekends, and have belly dancers every Friday and Saturday at 8 o’clock. We have people of all age groups that come and dance and hang out. We have a variety of things for everybody whether it’s food or entertainment or socializing, it fits in with everybody. After all these years, what other things make Al-Amir uniquely Portland? I’m here to stay, and I want to serve. You know what I’m saying? We have the same people working here since we started the business. We don’t change our people. Our kitchen staff has been here since the start. Our dining room staff has been here since the start. That should tell you a lot about who we are. AFM

ÜÜAlAmirPortland.com

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interview

FEATURE

Designer

B M A L JEFF

AFM

22 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

50 Shades of Glass written by Justin Fields / Veronica Dempsey photographed by Tim Sugden

magine any given rainy day in Portland, looking out over the rising skyline against a backdrop of grey while enjoying your favorite coffee. In this scene, you may find renowned Portland building designer Jeff Lamb, effortlessly blending with the multitudes of business people looking for a caffeine fix, while navigating among sleek glass fixtures and sophisticated furniture in some of Portland’s most stylish buildings.

Lamb himself is responsible for shaping the look of several of these buildings, as well as their decor elements, by imprinting his design ethos on them, adding to Portland’s reputation for hip and modern designs. In fact, Lamb just recently finished the design and construction of three Pearl District commercial spaces including the Access office, which all display Lamb’s innovative glass product line from Asia. For the past three years Lamb has been collaborating with MYODO, a custom designed glass manufacturer out of Taiwan, now located in Portland. Lamb’s other international design connections include his large scale office and residential design work in China through BDCL of Bellevue, WA. They also have offices in Beijing in which Lamb’s design work includes two large competition wins in Jinan and Xain. In Xain, Lamb designed a condominium tower where each floor is one complete unit with a price tag of $15 million each. Lamb designed every aspect of the inside, including glass clouds, and a 100-ft. long glass mural complete with glass bridges and glass floor systems, all found right in the lobby. Currently, Lamb is also collaborating with Vero Stone, a high-end fixture company manufactured out of Milan, soon to have a showroom in Portland. In 2012 Lamb’s design in the Escala penthouse condominium in Seattle became the visual inspiration for the Fifty Shades of Grey penthouse concept. Lamb’s designs have not only gone Hollywood, and regional, but also international. Despite his wide ranging adventures, he still considers himself an Oregonian with his roots firmly planted in Portland. Was there an About Face moment in your life that led you to pursue architecture and design? Where did it all begin for you? I grew up in Ashland, Oregon, a small college town with a great arts reputation. The Shakespearean theatre which I attended every summer exposed me to the visual and dramatic arts. Most importantly, it created my curiosity for color, texture, and lighting and instilled an appreciation for a sense of drama in a particular architectural scene. After a short stint playing college football I enrolled at the University of Oregon thinking I was going to be a walk-on for the Ducks. Fortunately, I discovered architecture through a friend across the hall in my freshman dorm… and I was hooked. At U of O I studied Architecture, Interior Design and Architec-

tural History covering a lot of ground in a short time. Shortly after graduation I received the Ian Lewis Fellowship, a traveling scholarship which allowed me to study the work of Carlo Scarpa for four months at a time in Italy when I was trying to find myself as an independent designer. Do you think that your time studying in Italy has had a big influence on your design career? Yeah. The European tour opportunity changed everything for me, and still has an influence on me today. It resulted in my emphasis on detail, and interests in color, fabric, and lighting, construction. At a young age, sitting in the front row of a design performance it’s a pretty powerful thing. So that has a lot to do with 23

AFM interview

Seattle Escala Penthouse :: photographed by Choi Yee Wong

the direction I took with my education and my work. I’m kind of going back to that now. I want to get involved with a lot more artists. Although I am not an artist, I create things that are artful. I’m a builder. You don’t consider your type of design an art form? I think it’s too easy to say, “Yeah, I’m an artist,” but I’m not. There are many great artists out there, especially in Portland, but “Artful” is kind of a bad word in some design and architecture circles. Sometimes when business people say, “Oh, he’s an artist,” they’re implying that you’re moody, irresponsible, or can’t stay on budget. It’s almost too much to hire someone like that to do a building. So I’m very careful not to call myself an artist. I’m more of a craftsman and I have a vision for what I do. What are some of the most important projects you’ve worked on as a designer? I have primarily worked for two firms in Portland, BOORA and SIENNA, each for about eleven years. At Boora I was doing schools, movie theatres and performing arts spaces. From 2004 to 2007 I designed the Metropolitan Condominium in the Pearl District. I have been doing high-rise condominium work since 1996, and at Sienna I did high-rise work in Portland, Seattle, China, Saigon and Dubai. A lot of that work got shelved as the bubble hit, killing a lot of really great design work. Out of that came a lot more work in China, which I have been doing since 2011 on my own as a design consultant. Now I am 24 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

doing work in Portland again at a faster pace and I will be collaborating again to accomplish that scale of work.

You’re referring to your collaborators at MYODO, Elements Glass, Vero Stone and Forms and Structures.

You designed a building called the Allegro, but there were problems with that getting completed. What happened?

My collaborators and fabricators are what I rely on to get the vision and quality that I need. MYODO provides a printed glass panel from Asia that I use in every project. Ian Gilula at Elements Glass provides custom glass blown light fixtures, while Daniele Esposte at Vero Stone provides custom stone fixtures from Italy in my high end projects. Mark Horvath at Forms and Structures provides all of my custom woodworking and furniture pieces on every project. I also have two design collaborators who have been instrumental members of my visual design communication: Jonathan Spencer Levy, an Emmy winning designer of the 3d Arts specializing in brand story expression, and Choi Yee Wong, a graphic artist and digital photographer. All of these collaborators have been essential to my work as a designer and we have grown together over the years. Together, we can accomplish anything. I truly believe that you cannot underestimate consistency and experience.

Allegro began as a local design competition with developers and architects. I submitted a scheme with Boora. It was in Goose Hollow, which is in a tough area for design, because it’s in the base of the West Hills. So it comes with the pressures of a project there, but that one was going ahead really well. That would have been a groundbreaking design in my mind. Unfortunately, the economy folded and the developers pulled out right before construction. I had a project in Seattle where the same thing happened. And that happened kind of all over the world in 2008 — Dubai, China and Vietnam— and it all kind of stopped at the same time. That bubble hit everybody. All the money just dried up at the same time? Yeah. Fortunately I had other talents and skills to rely on. And now everything is getting better again. I’m fifty-five now and my best work is still ahead of me, and I’m excited about that. It’s because I keep working really hard, and I bring on great collaborators that know more than I do about certain building materials. I have a lot of great people behind me. So I’m not just one guy - I’m part of a larger team that I call on for every project.

Has there ever been a time when you were under great pressure to get a design right, but you still nailed it? I was invited to interview for interior design work at the Escala in Seattle. They were selecting five local designers from Seattle to each do a unit in the building that was still under construction as a promotional marketing tool. I was called at the last minute, but because I had a connection to LUX Magazine and they knew my work and liked it, so they gave me a chance. I

A PA R T M E N TS IS THE RIVER CALLING YOUR NAME?

icture life downtown, in a suburban office complex or all day on the road. What on earth would keep you motivated? What is there to look forward to at the end of the day? Will you be coming home to another cookie-cutter community or apartment complex? Courtney DeFrees, Director of Events at Yacht Harbor Club, shares about the life of the residents through her role as Events Director, which is much like that of a concierge at a high-end waterfront resort. The residents are often found out on the Columbia River on a leisurely paddleboard session or jumping over wakes on a jet ski after a day’s work. Some like a bike ride along the Hayden Island trails— often to go shopping at the new line up of Jantzen Beach Center shops. A real favorite is a sociable plunge in the riverside pool, which, by the way, is the only riverfront pool in the Portland area that is heated and open year ‘round.

“We try to make Yacht Harbor Club more than just another apartment. It’s way of life, unlike anything else in Portland. We are creating a community here based on our distinctly different location and quality,” notes DeFrees. Yacht Harbor Club is built adjacent to the very popular Salpare Bay Marina. Life here is really connected to both the water and nature; residents and their guests have a lot to choose from. Frequently, we all gather for cocktails and events in the luxury lounge overlooking the pool and river. Sometimes guests will gather some friends and build a campfire on our private sandy beach. We have a constant schedule of events and activities,” says DeFrees. “We also maintain an array of water activities, with stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and even a jet-ski residents can reserve. It makes playing on the water an easy part of daily life.”

kitchens with gas ranges, a counter-depth refrigerator and eating bar. The living area is follows suit with a modern LED, electric fireplace and day and night views of the marina. The walk-in showers are spacious and make every day feel like a spa day. A favorite feature of the residents is the space-saving and stylish European-style frosted glass sliding doors. The building features convenient underground parking, storage lockers, a kayak rack, pet washing station and around the clock security. A well-equipped gym and a community, equipped with a gourmet chef’s kitchen both overlook the marina.

The one and two-bedroom apartments at Yacht Harbor Club are designed and built to condominium level finishes and features. The large, well laid out apartment homes feature gourmet

11505 NE Yacht Harbor Drive Portland, Oregon 97217 503.206.5205 | YachtHarborClub.com

“It’s all about the service and the quality of life here,” says DeFrees. “We strive daily to help our residents get the most out of life here. It’s very rewarding for everyone.”

A PA R T M E N TS

AFM interview

1. 2. Body Element & Resident glass by MYODO photographed by Choi Yee Wong

3. 4. Vessel Portland glass by MYODO photographed by Choi Yee Wong blown glass by Ian Gilula 5. Underground Bar rendering by Jonathan Spencer Levy

26 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

interviewed and wanted to design the penthouse, but they had already hired a star designer from Seattle to do it. I told them I was there to design the penthouse or nothing. They liked my attitude and confidence, so I walked the barren penthouse with the owner and he told me, “You have this weekend to redesign the unit and present it. If I like your ideas I will fire the other designer and go with you.” I scanned and sent the drawing and made a phone call to describe the design. He called back and told me he just fired the other guy. Game on! I had $600k budget and had to get sponsorship for items such as furniture, lighting, rugs and art. I made some great connections by doing this. It was a real burn out and I wound up getting nearly everyone I knew involved in completing the design, but it was worth it. You have a famous connection to the movie, Fifty Shades of Grey, which has some connection to the Escala. Can you tell me about how that came to pass? So, it turns out the writer who was working on Fifty Shades of Grey saw the photos of the finished penthouse that the Escala was marketing, and it was that space with it’s plush and seductive design, that was an inspiration for the book. I discovered it by accident when showing one of my clients the images on line. No one contacted me about anything, it just had a life of its own. I was watching Diane Sawyer on ABC nightly news and a piece popped up on the screen with my design work on the penthouse being shown. It turned out to really help the sales of Escala as soon as the book came and the movie fervor started. So it’s now just a factoid and nothing more. It also turned out to be different than my design except for a few spaces and details. It’s kind of been my secret until now. It felt like magic at the time, but now it’s just a good light laugh. AFM

ÜÜJLambResidential.com

1. Xian China Lobby rendering by Jonathan Spencer Levy 2. Xian China Master rendering by Jonathan Spencer Levy 3. Xian China Bathroom stone fixture with Vero Stone

AFM interview

FEATURE

Master Painter

28 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

Alexander Rokoff Painter of Souls written by Courtney Tait photographed by Tim Sugden

his early 20s, Alexander Rokoff found a book of paintings at a Barnes & Noble bookstore by the Norwegian painter Odd Nerdrum. “It was the closest thing I had to a religious experience,” he says. “It gave me hope for my own direction.”

As evident in the artist’s body of widely-exhibited large-scale oil works created in the two decades since, this direction led to a moody, evocative style centered largely on the human figure, with emotion and expression at the forefront. It also led to an old-school apprenticeship with Nerdum himself. Rokoff sent the painter a portfolio, and three months later accepted an invitation to live with Nerdrum and his wife on the coast of Norway. For several months, Rokoff spent his days building studio tools and creating enlargements of Nerdrum’s work; in return, Nerdrum shared his wisdom of the craft. “I hear his words in my head all the time while I’m painting,” says Rokoff. These days Rokoff divides his time between Portland and Hawaii, where he’s building a studio on a raw acre of land. Passionate, energetic, and disciplined, he approaches the easel, he says, like he’s “getting into the ring with a gorilla.” Here, he opens up about his early years in Santa Fe, why Portland is like Shangri-La, and teaching the painting class he could never find. You grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. How did that environment shape you as an artist? In my family, everybody is a creative person of one kind or another. Growing up in Santa Fe I was surrounded by art and artists all the time. My family collected art, and they had lots of artist friends, so for me this was life. Santa Fe’s a strange place; even back then, everybody was an artist. And of course the landscape is stunningly beautiful and there’s an incredible amount of cultural diversity. That adds to a lot of different vision coming out of that place. It’s gone through some touristy southwestern art periods, but it’s emerged as a vibrant creative hub as people from all over the world have been moving there to take advantage of the beautiful light, the amazing landscape and the incredible diversity. So your family supported your interest in art, being artists themselves. They didn’t support it monetarily, but my parents would have supported me in doing whatever I truly wanted to do. I happened to choose becoming an artist, and they were in full support of that, which felt like a big advantage. When it came time to drop out of art school I really saw their support because I was on a full scholarship and I left it after three semesters to travel, and they were in support of that. What art school did you go to? I was a metalsmithing major at Arizona State. I always drew and painted growing up because my father was a cartoonist, so for the longest time I wanted to be a cartoonist. In my teenage years I saw some amazing drawings by a Russian painter named Nicolai Fechin. I was blown away by them and decided, “Wow, that’s what I want to do.” I got into metalsmithing because I like tools and fire and making things. I was looking at it as making sculpture on a small scale with precious metals. It was my way of going through craftsmanship boot camp, and got me into art school so I could study drawing, painting, and sculpture. 29

AFM interview

Why did you drop out? I didn’t feel at home there at all. There was very little support for the history of drawing, painting, and sculpture. Everything was focused on modernism and postmodernism, and there was a general disdain for wanting to really cultivate your skills. That seems very counterintuitive. It does. This trend is changing, but it’s been a trend since the advent of modernism. To be a modern artist meant that you needed to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The history didn’t matter anymore. It was a full on revolution. It’s come full circle now, and it seems there are far more representational affiliates than there have ever been. Since the crash of the economy I’ve noticed a resurgence in representational work. There’s more of a balance. The war for aesthetic freedom is totally over. Everybody’s an artist, everything is art. What brought you to Portland? Fecundity, water, sustenance. I left New Mexico when it was on fire—literally. Right around 2000 when the droughts had gotten so severe, we no longer had summer, we had the fire season. Coming up here was like Shangri-La to me. Everything was green and growing and it rained. When I heard people cursing about blackberries, I knew I was in the right place. The human figure is prevalent in your work. Where does your interest in this subject come from? I’m very much an introverted extrovert or extroverted introvert. I love people. I get a lot from people’s stories and body language. As a family, we would take people-watching trips because my dad was a cartoonist working with the human condition. I became an obsessive people watcher. The body, facial expression, gesticulation of hands—in concert these come together and speak volumes. I’m intrigued by that hidden language that’s universal. How do you choose who you want to paint? Do you paint from live models, photographs, or imagination? My eyes are always open, and certain people strike me in a certain way. Everyone I paint is at arm’s length—people in my neighborhood, in my life, friends of friends, or complete strangers in my community. Then I have to approach them with confi30 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

dence and a clear vision. Depending on the particular project, I want to do it all from life. The unspoken dialogue between you and the subject is palpable; that energy in the room is exciting. But often times the person is not available at four in the morning when I need to paint. So I bring them in, work it from life, back it up with photo reference, and bring them in again at the end to work it from life. In there is a heavy degree of imagination. Some of them are like pulling teeth and some paint themselves. What are your creative habits? I’ll get up extremely early to paint. I approach the easel like I’m getting into the ring with a gorilla. I need to be fed and caffeinated and rested. Then I go for an intense three to four-hour bout. I’ll work in shifts like this. Under deadline, I may work a twelvehour day, but I’ll break it up with with naps and bike rides and fresh air. When I’m not at the easel I’m doing everything to prepare to get back to the easel. Has it taken you a while to find that rhythm? In the earlier part of my career I would become a studio monk, never leave, and work endless stretches of time. I felt like the work was getting compromised. It wasn’t yielding better results. The fresh eyes I can get by changing my context really helps me at the easel. How do you spend your time when you’re not painting? I do a lot of building and inventing. I have a shop in the back of my house with welding and woodworking equipment and everything I need to create things. It’s a great way to decompress from painting. Painting is so cerebral. There are endless questions. It’s wonderful, but I need some significant physical activity as well. I definitely cook a lot. It’s edible painting. How does your mood impact your work? I usually want to paint regardless of the mood. Emotional stress can be difficult. I keep people around me that love and support me. Curveballs gotta go because that’s the kind of stuff that really affects me. I’m taking in a lot all the time, and I need to keep myself exposed to remain sensitive to the world around me. If I’m in some kind of emotional turmoil I can’t do anything. That’s an arena I’ve had a pretty steep learning curve with over the years.

AFM interview

Nehalem

6’ x 5’ Oil on linen

Harvest

6.5’ x 5.5’ Oil on linen

Art is so subjective. What do you hope people come away with after viewing something you’ve painted, and do you care what they think? In terms of whether people like it or not, I’ve lost the energy to care that much. If they love it or hate it, I don’t let it go to my head. I have my intentions of what I want the painting to do, but these days I don’t distill it down to any specific narrative, I just hope they’re evocative and pose more questions than they supply answers for. The viewer is going to see a reflection of their own personal experience in there no matter what. What have people told you about what your art has meant to them? The idea of being able to capture a soul or a spirit has come up many times. One friend described me as a painter of souls. That’s a description that I would certainly want to live up to. You teach painting as well. How do the courses work? I teach six-week workshops at Falcon Arts at 321 NW Glisan. I provide all the materials, brushes, canvasses, paint, everything. It’s never more than a dozen at a time, so I’m able to really be effective as a teacher. I deal with absolute beginners, and will throw them in the same class with people who have been painting for years. It’s a craftsmanship bootcamp so that people can truly realize their vision. Do you think everyone can learn to paint well? Some people seem to have more a facility for it than other people, but I absolutely believe I can teach anybody to paint. That quote— ”talent limps behind dedication and determination.” I believe wholeheartedly in the process. I’m trying to teach the class I could never find. What’s the most freeing piece of advice you’ve had on your creative path? I had a painter friend in Santa Fe that was forty years my senior. If he saw me on the street. He’d say, “Are you painting?” He wouldn’t engage with me unless I was painting. One day I was sketching in a cafe, and he came up and pointed to the sketch book, and said, “You see this motherfucker? This will either keep you alive or you can die a spiritual death on your feet. That is your choice.” Those were motivating words. What advice would you give to others? I would go back to Michelangelo’s dying words to his apprentice, “Draw, Antonio, draw, Draw and do not waste time.” That’s the cornerstone of all of it. I believe it takes a lifetime to get your wings. AFM

ÜÜRokoffStudio.com

photo by Öde Spildo Nerdrum 33

AFM column

ONTREND

Women's Fashion by Sofiya Popova

Dare To Denim

Frances May, Nahanni Arntzen Bleach Treated Denim Jumpsuit

The best part about dresses is that you can just slip one on and you are out the door. Minimal styling required! Communion (3556 SE Hawthorne Blvd) is carrying a denim dress that is perfect for the sometimes chilly spring weather that we get here in Portland. This kind of dress style is great for layering as well, a leather jacket would spice this up for a night out!

Don’t Sweat, Suede Is Back

Communion, Just F e m

No matter the season, denim seems to always make an appearance. This spring is no exception. The key to remaining cool and breezy is to choose a lightweight garment. My personal favorite is this jumpsuit from Frances May (1003 SW Washington St.). The bleach details and front zipper add a trendy and flirty vibe to the structured fit of the jumpsuit.

Adorn, Sanctuary Suede Village Shift

If you are a little weary of the suede then I recommend you get yourself some platform suede sandals. Mixing textures and fabrics adds dimension to your overall look. Pop these sandals from Frances May on with your go-to little black dress and you have yourself an ultra-fashionable yet comfortable outfit.

Frances May, Robert Clergerie Fr a z

The ‘70s throwback is not over ladies! This season the focus is on suede, a soft and totally fabulous fabric. Feeling this trend? You can commit to this full force with a suede shift dress like this one from Adorn (4120 NE Fremont St.) The neutral color will go with everything in your closet and will look stunning on every skin tone.

Ruffle Your Feathers

a le Aria Denim Dress

z ia Platform Sandal

Mabel & Zora, Cynthia Rowley Ruffle Hem Over Sized Dress

Mario’s, Alexander McQueen Ivory A

As a little girl, the majority of the clothes that my mother dressed me in were a ruffle nightmare so I approached this trend with caution. To my surprise, wearing ruffles did not mean that I would end up looking like a circus clown! Who would have thought? Tasteful ruffles help create a romantic and exotic feel. Mabel & Zora (748 NW 11th Ave.) are featuring a rich indigo dress that accomplishes exactly that. For something a little more sophisticated and elegant, check out this ivory sweater from Mario’s (833 SW Broadway).

s y mmetric Ruffle Sweater

34 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

AFM interview

FEATURE

R R R

Actor, Grimm written by Sheila Hamilton photographed by Dax McMillan

eggie Lee arrives at our studios, “The LA way.” He drives himself when he’s too rushed to go by bike or Uber. He just finished shooting six hours ago at 1:30 a.m. in a “huge-ass compound” in Scappoose, where he imagines something sketchy had probably taken place. Lee laughs a lot when he talks, and energy buzzes off his slight, 5’8” frame. “Ha! A 2.5 million dollar Scappoose drug house. Imagine!” Imagination is the backbone of NBC’s highly-rated drama series, Grimm, inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales. Portland homicide detective, Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), has discovered he’s descended from an elite line of criminal profilers known as “Grimms.” Now, his role as a detective is at odds with his new responsibilities as a Grimm. Lee plays the loveable, quirky, and increasingly-complex Sgt. Wu on the popular hit series, which is based and shot here in Portland. It’s the first major network series set in Portland and Grimm has weathered five seasons at a time when many series fail to win renewal after seasons one or two. Grimm is averaging more than four million viewers each episode. When my co-workers recognize Lee in the hallways, one shouts, “Hey, it’s the guy from Prison Break! I LOVED YOU in Prison Break!” Lee smiles, patiently. Another friend remarks, “Weren’t you in Pirates of the Caribbean?” “Yep,” Reggie says. This kind of quizzing could go on for hours since Reggie has appeared in as many as fifty television shows or feature films, including Crazy Stupid Love, the Dark Knight Rises; and for the past five years, the lovable, relatable Sgt. Wu in Grimm. To bring you up to speed: Nick has lost his Grimm abilities. Meanwhile, Sergeant WU’s biggest fears are becoming reality thanks to recent events, not the least of which is being invited into the Grimm solving circle after a stint in a mental hospital. True fans have known for a long time that Wu is a much better detective than Nick and Hank, but what the writers did to allow Wu to ascend to a bigger role

36 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

was out of this world! First, Wu’s pregnant ex-girlfriend Dana was attacked by a Filipino boogeyman from Wu’s childhood, the “Aswang.” (Don’t say it, “Ass-Wang,” like hang. It’s Aswang, like wrong. ) Then, Nick and Hank refuse to listen to Wu when he insists he’s familiar with a certain Filipino mythic legend. Wu unfortunately stumbles on a crazy making sight, the Aswang in “Wesen” form, destroying Dana’s unborn baby! Wu checks himself into an insane asylum, and Hank and Nick still don’t let him in on their Grimm secrets. Crappy friends, right? Lee laughs, “Low and behold, there was an immediate and wide reaction on Twitter: Memes saying, ‘Nick and Hank are ASSHOLES!’ That was my first inkling that reporters and critics and fans were touched and it was my clue that writers were going to make a bigger deal of Sgt. Wu. “ I ask Reggie about the bigger role, the increased attention, and the lack of privacy that comes from “star status.” He grins, “I have a feeling of responsibility. I literally work the same amount for one line as I do for the entire script. I developed this work ethic from the beginning. Wu is driven by an Asian tiger mom to be the best. I relate. The BEST, y’ know? So I’ve sought to be the best cop I could be—even when I was comedic.” Reggie Valdez, professionally known as “Reggie Lee,” was born in Quezon City in the Philippines to Zenalda Telmo and Jesus Espiritu. He speaks so fluently in English that it’s a spectacular and somewhat surprising gift when Reggie launches into full-on, rapid fire Tagalog. He says he changed his name because he kept getting called into audition for Hispanic roles, which suggests some casting directors may be lazy and were not raised by a “Tiger Mom,” like Reggie’s. In a long-ranging interview, where Reggie’s free association and rapid fire style was on full display, we talked Tiger Cubs, travel and food carts, what’s next for one of Hollywood’s best character actors; oh, and Dirty Wu donuts and BJORK.

Reggie TRIPLE THREAT

Lee

AFM interview

" Yes, I can sing.

I can dance. I am a triple threat. A lot of the cast is really good. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pining for Grimmsical, the musical."

38 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

Okay, Tell me about Tiger Cub life. An A is never okay. It must be an A plus, plus, plus. What else? I’m the eldest, so I was their guinea pig. Grandpa’s name is Perfecto. What does that tell you? My dad was Valedictorian and a doctor in Quezon, my hometown, where I lived until I was five. My parents are compassionate, but very much about success. I came to them when I was nine after watching a movie called Shining Season with Timothy Bottoms, and I said, “I know what I want. I want to be an actor.” And they said, “Oh no, sweetheart, that’s a Hobby. We’ll find something else for you. Acting is a hobby.”

p until Grimm, I’d played every type of Asian person except U Filipino, which is what I am. Finally, there are starting to be Asian actors cast in complex and difficult roles. I always tell other Asian actors—see yourself as the human being first, and not an Asian. Work for it. Are you a hero to young Filipinos back home? Absolutely. I’m Pinoy, and there are a group of young Pinoy’s back home who watch Grimm and then text and tweet me pictures of their Grimm watching parties, with the delicious Filipino food laid out on the table. It makes me so jealous. (Laughter)

So, what next?

What kind of food do you like here?

I started auditioning for community theater roles—dance, vocal, film, tv—often taking public transportation for hours to get to auditions. The family was living in downtown Cleveland at the time. I got this thing in my head, “I’m going to be a triple threat.” One summer, I visited my grandparents in Los Angeles, and that was it.

I’m such a foodie. So spoiled. People were calling me a food snob. We have amazing craft service on set; it’s like Whole Foods on wheels—hummus, carrots, shredded chicken and orzo. But when I’m not working I love Bunk Sandwiches, a Chinese place called Seras on 11th and Lovejoy, Ava Jeans (yes, you need reservations) and Salt and Straw, my homage to the gods.

So you can sing?! And Dance? Isn’t there also a donut named after you? Yes, I can sing. I can dance. I am a triple threat. A lot of the cast is really good. We’re pining for Grimmsical, the musical. (Laughs.) Hollywood used to look at Asian actors as the bad guys, the criminals—how did that impact the roles you were offered?

After my character, yes. At Pip’s donuts. It’s the Dirty Wu: cinnamon sugar drizzled with raw honey, Nutella, and pink sea salt. Oh, God. So gooooood. And what do you do when you do have down time? CONTINUED ON PAGE 76

Photo courtesy of NBC Universal

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FashioNXT is Turning FashioNXT will celebrate its fifth anniversary this October 5–8. Extraordinary designers from around the world will join the most prominent Portland designers on its runway fashion show and its fashion-tech exhibits. TIME magazine hailed FashioNXT as the number one production in the United States outside New York Fashion Week. In 2012, AboutFace magazine was the first media outlet to introduce the newly-branded entity led by executive producer Tito Chowdhury. After producing Portland Fashion Week for six years, Chowdhury took the production to the next level with FashioNXT. Portland’s mayor has proclaimed FashioNXT as Portland’s Official Fashion Week. It’s time to look at top five highlights FashioNXT and what’s coming in 2016: Experience What’s Next: An Intel engineer turned fashion visionary, Chowdhury envisioned that fashion shows of the future should not only premier fashion collections on the runway, but showcase wearable technology and fashion-apps. FashioNXT has shown some of the most exciting designers in the country, including Michael Costello, Mondo Guerra, Seth Aaron, Walter Mendez, Michelle Lesniak, and Irina Shabayeva. It's international designers have included Philippine fashion icon Francis Libiran and Chinese fashion phenoms CC and With Song.

leadership in fashion and technology with the collaboration of preeminent global industry leaders from Intel, Google, Samsung, Nike and more. Last year this competition received submissions from 11 countries on four continents. Apply now for the 2016 competition. Who’s showing in 2016: The list is growing, but expect local favorites Stephanie D Couture, Myriam Marcela, Wendy Ohledorf, Moontess, Cyndi Koon, German Madrigal, Layneau, and Devonation (WA), Melynda Valera (CA), Katherine Tessier (Montreal), as well as Project Runway winners and international designers. Book your seats now. Tickets will sell out long before the shows. Year round Services: The biggest change for FashioNXT is that it’s offering the services that made its October show extraordinary throughout the year. Now you can hire the FashioNXT team if you want product placement showcased at a fashion or lifestyle event, brand licensing, or an editorial photo shoot for a fashion or tech product. To join the ranks of our sponsors or partners, like Lexus of Portland, CBRE, AboutFace, and Girls Inc., to participate in the show as a fashion apparel, accessories or technology brand, or to work with FashioNXT in some other capacity, go to www.fashionxt.net @fashionxtonline

Simultaneously, FashioNXT became the first major fashion showcase for Intel, social media fashion-app for Portland startup Favery, and the first-ever runway demonstration of a smart-eyewear by Brilliant Services, Japan. FashioNXT is the pioneer in fashion-forward design and technology. Develop The Industry: Nurturing the next generation of fashion designers is a must for FashioNXT. FashioNXT’s UpNXT is the only development accelerator for emerging designers in the region. UpNXT has been bolstered by the engagement of Mercy Corp and Wells Fargo. UpNXT has led to career opportunities, as happened for UpNXT designer Cyndi Koon, who was hired as a designer for a Chinese fashion house showcased at FashioNXT. Emerging fashion designers are invited to apply now for UpNXT, because the audition is in June. Leading in Wearable Technology as Fashion: FashioNXT’s Wearable Tech Fashion competition affirms its 41

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AFM article

BUSINESS

Jasen and Allison Bowes - Elsewhere, Proprietors

44 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

photography/collage courtesy of Elsewhere

Travel the Globe

Elsewhere

written by Merlin Varaday

asen and Allison Bowes wanted to create an experience, not just a business. Propelled by their passion for international travel and their love of design, they created Elsewhere (1801 NW Upshur St. #190), a studio and retail gallery space open only by appointment. Jasen and Allison have travelled the world and serendipitously connected with individual artisans, partnering with them to create a bridge between the consumer and craftsman who would otherwise never connect. The Elsewhere owners will offer up a single limited-edition product on their web site, presented with the story of how it was created. Additionally, they have collected tools, art, photography and even erotica from around the globe. Elsewhere is the quiet, personal and thought-provoking antidote to mass production. The process of visiting Elsewhere is unique to the point of beingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;up to this pointâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; an unheard of business model. Book an appointment at Elsewhere, and you will be sent a questionnaire about your interests and wishes. The Bowes will then curate an unforgettable experience customized for you, even asking what beverage you would like to drink! Be prepared for an adventure that is part meditation, part education, part journey. 45

AFM article

Elsewhere has a very unique approach to product creation. How did you come up with this process? Elsewhere is about two and a half years in the making, and we opened the doors here last June (almost a year anniversary at this location!). This is meant to be an intimate, organic and sustainable passion project. We love to travel. It is in our blood. We love to experience new things, so opening this space was a very natural next step. We didn’t feel there was anything like this already. We wanted to build a community of people who love travel, photography and design, and to grow that community. We want this to be something that doesn’t need to be contrived or forced; it can just evolve and be organic. We also feel we are champions of the underdog. Everything in Elsewhere is a byproduct of our travels and explorations—connecting with collectors, bookstores and artisans along the way. We release a new product when it is ready and then tell that specific story, rather than following a typical business model that is more concerned with deadlines and budgets. We each have “day jobs”, so this is a creative play space for ourselves and the people we meet. We want this to be a special experience, so we reset the floor for each visitor. We’ll put together a list based on a questionnaire we send our guests in advance, and then we will curate what we put out based on that person’s personal interests. That way, it makes their time here more enjoyable and more valuable. We like the intimacy of being able to connect with someone on a one-on-one basis. You rarely see that anymore. We want to inspire people to work with their hands, to sit and chat with one another and to live a slow life. What is the story of how Elsewhere began? We were both travelling a great deal for our “day jobs”. When we found something amazing on our travels, our friends would all say: “Oh, I wish you had gotten me one!” We realized that each item we acquired was chosen based on the story behind it—the person who sold it to us, the little shop where we found it, the artist that made it, etc. We wanted to tell the stories behind the objects.

What are some Elsewhere products/projects that you are feeling particularly excited about right now? We recently released a travel candle that was a collaboration between Japanese ceramicist Hajime Imura, Norden (an American candle maker) and Elsewhere (we created a Boro cloth carrying pouch). We met Hajime, who is a retired sake salesman, in Japan. He hand made 80 sake cups that we used to create the candle—each has the character of his name and the character for “friends”. This is an amazing product with a fascinating story. You can read all about it in the journal on our web site. As far as items we have collected on our journeys, we are nuts for organizational supplies: pens, notebooks and these giant clips from Japan! The pencil game in here is really next level. Nothing in here is in large quantity. When we went to New York recently we came home with 62 of these obscure paintings from the 1980’s – they are really awesome. We end up with a lot of random acquisitions in here, and a lot of our inspiration comes from those. The photobooks help us with our own photography. None of this is meant for a massive amount of volume, so whenever it’s gone, it’s gone. That’s the fun of what is here. Do you have any travel stories you love to tell? Our nine-year-old daughter Austen (her name is a combination of the unique spelling of Jasen’s name and one of Allison’s favorite authors, Jane Austen) has more stamps in her passport than most of our relatives. When we head into the airport, she is in charge. We try to teach her not only to travel but also to stay and face her life and work through things. We explored Nicaragua with her last November. We will probably explore Europe with her this Summer, or maybe Japan again. What is next for Elsewhere? We have several new products in the hopper! We will continue to develop new products and to share them in the journal on our web site and on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Tumbler. We hope that after someone visits Elsewhere they will spread awareness through word of mouth. We are happy if someone comes to Elsewhere and they leave inspired to create and explore, even if they don’t buy a single thing. That’s amazing to us. If someone leaves here feeling that they have learned something and that their time here was well spent, that is our idea of success. AFM

Elsewhere • @thinkelsewhere ÜÜThinkElsewhere.com 46 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

2016 Mercedes-Benz of Portland Portland Fashion and Style Awards Presented by Proffer Realty

PFSA strives to recognize exceptional local talent and showcase Portland’s unique style with a commitment to bringing together the city's creative culture to build an event of sustainability, passion, and collaboration. Under the leadership of it's founder, Ann Akre, the Portland Fashion and Style Awards are in their fifth year of production. With the dream of bringing Portland's creative culture together for a night of celebration, recognition and style, PFSA has gained attention from creatives around the country. For more information about the organization and how you can be a part of the nomination process check out our website at www.portlandfashionandstyleawards.com

Nominee Announcement Celebration September 10th | 7 p.m. 1605 SW Naito Parkway - Portland, OR

Award Ceremony and Celebration

Online VOTING for our people's choice nominees is NOW open, closing date is Sept. 1st so don't miss your chance to be a part of the 2016 Portland Fashion and Style Awards!

Sunday, November 6th | 5 p.m. Portland Art Museum

:: Tickets On Sale Now :: PortlandFashionAndStyleAwards.com

Street of Dreams Style at the Street night! July 30th through August 28th 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tumwater at Pete’s Mountain, West Linn This year the Portland Fashion and Style Awards team is proud to announce our 2016 partnership with the Street of Dreams Style at the Street night! Purchase tickets online at StreetofDreamsPDX.com. Photo: Rose City Photography, Models: Kamyar Jahan and Brittany Dixon, Clothing: West Daily and House of Dubard, Accessories: Design by Anne Bocci at Anne Boutique and Gallery, Hair and Makeup: Pincurls by Tracy.

AFM interview

FEATURE

CEO, Gores Construction

Sean Gores THE BUIL DING DOCTOR

48 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

written by Justin Fields photographed by Tim Sugden

orthwest weather conditions can wreak havoc on otherwise well-built structures. The persistent rain we experience finds ways to penetrate the exteriors of our homes and businesses, causing thousands in damages before we even know it. One Portland-based construction company, Gores Construction, specializes in repairing those damages and preventing them from reoccurring. Owner Sean Gores says his company is like, “the building doctor. You call us when your building is sick and needs medical attention.” Since it’s inception in 1998, Portland-based Gores Construction has grown to include offices in two western states and employ well over 300 presently. Continuous demand for services has Gores planning major expansion this year and next. I sat down with Gores at AboutFace offices and discussed good building practices, the art of building maintenance, and how an idea for developing a niche market led to a very successful family-owned business.

How is your company different from other construction companies? Our company specializes in being the doctors of the construction industry by fixing problems that occur during construction. Usually developers, contractors, and subcontractors build things with a primarily schedule-driven, and budget-driven mindset. That’s why problems happen. Often construction happens too quickly to provide proper oversight and quality control. As a result, we stay very busy fixing problems.

get wet. If you lap that rain jacket the right way over your pants, then you’re going to stay dry. It’s the same with the building envelope. If you don’t sequence the materials and procedures correctly and you miss a bunch of flashing details that are supposed to be there, the water is going to get inside and rot out the walls. That’s when you will need to call us. You mentioned that was about 75% of your business. What about the other 25%?

Water intrusion is a major concern in the northwest. How much of your business is water damage related?

Remodels, new construction, and tenant improvements are part of what we do as well. We also have a very large service department and a maintenance division, which we use to maintain the exterior of buildings and catch problems early.

About 75% of my business is water-intrusion repairs. We work on anything from a one-story, single-family residential home, to a 19-story high rise. That includes multifamily condos, townhomes, apartments, and commercial projects as well.

You offer loss recovery services and regularly provide testimony in litigation cases. Are customers sometimes unaware of how to proceed with holding builders accountable for faulty construction?

Why aren’t NW builders more prepared to prevent water intrusion?

Absolutely. Usually the phone calls come to us when their just at wit’s end. They’ve asked the contractors to come back and fix it, and the contractors just don’t know how to fix it. A lot of contractors in the state of Oregon and Utah think that they’re only required to provide a one-year warranty on their projects. In Oregon, the reality is that there’s a six-year and ten-year statute of limitations, so they have to stand behind their work for up to 10 years. Because they don’t know that, after a year they just give up and tell the homeowner they’re on their own. Then the homeowner is stuck pulling their hair out trying to fix it.

Sometimes it’s lack of proper training for general contractors. If they’re not correctly overseeing the subs and making sure they’re doing things correctly as far as waterproofing components of the building exterior, then you’re going to have problems. Proper training and oversight would prevent these problems. For people who are not in the construction industry what does a building envelope mean?

So what happens when you get involved?

It’s pretty much the exterior of the building. It’s the roof, it’s the walls, it’s the exterior siding; the decks; windows, doors, foundations. Let me explain it another way: If it’s raining outside and you tuck your rain jacket inside your pants and walk around Portland all day in the rain, your underwear is going to

When they call us, we try to avoid taking sides. Instead, we speak for the building. We identify the building’s problem; then put reports together about what it’s going to take to fix it. A lot of times the homeowner, HOA, or commercial property owner will ask us for advice. Since 1998, I’ve been involved

AFM interview

in about 1,400 litigation projects. Out of the 1,400 litigation projects, I’ve been involved in 24 trials, and about 800 mediations. So we’re very well-versed in what the law says. However, we still recommend speaking to an attorney to help make a proper business decision moving forward. How important is preventative maintenance? Does getting out in front of issues and discovering potential problems lead to savings for your clients? If a homeowner or building owner or an HOA doesn’t have a proper maintenance plan in place to maintain the exterior of the buildings—again from the roof to the siding to the windows to the doors and decks—they end up thinking they just have to go out and paint it every 8–10 years. But what happens to all the sealant and caulking joints? What happens to all the deck coatings? It’s going to deteriorate over time. So we provide a customized maintenance plan for each project specifically. A lot of times we sign them up to come out and do that work once every three years or so. The cost of maintenance with us once every three years is very, very small compared to what it would cost them if they neglected it for 10–15 years. If ignored, it could end up being hundreds-of-thousands of dollars worth of work, compared to thousands.

What does it mean to be “your trusted partner from the ground up”? Our customers like having a trusted partner to help ensure things go smoothly throughout, because some of these projects could last a few months. I’ve got one right now that’s going on three years. It’s over 600 units, so that takes a long time to rebuild. But not every single building that we look at requires a full strip and reclad, or tear everything apart because the sky is falling. We look at each project individually and come up with a solution as a team. You mentioned your team. Tell me more about how your team came together over time. When I started my business in 1998, I had a few carpenters and masons working for me. Now, between both Salt Lake City and our Portland office, we’re over 300 strong, all full-time employees. My upper management staff has been with me for 19–20 years, and I personally trained every single one of them. They all know how we treat our customers, train our employees, work with subs, and work with third party inspection companies, such as architects and engineers, in getting the best results. I also trained our managers to treat every single customer and their property as if it were one of my own. I know that your family is also involved with your company quite a bit. Is that something that you set out to do from the very beginning?

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Well, in my industry you have to have people you can trust, that will not only look out for the best interests of my business, but also our customers. I find the best way to do that is starting with my family first, because we all grew up with each other, and we have that trust. My wife Debbi has worked side by side with me from the inception of the company and oversees the administration side of the company. Also, both of my kids are helping me run the business. My daughter graduated from Portland State University, and at age 25 she’s now in charge of our marketing and business development. I have a son that’s 24 that graduated from Portland State University as well. He’s taking on the role of an operations manager in the field, dealing with our crews overseeing quality control, making sure that things are being done right. Is there anything else that makes your company uniquely Oregonian or Portland? You know, to be honest with you I’ve been in the United States since I was eight years old. When I came here, I knew it was the land of opportunity. Growing up in the northwest has made me appreciate the natural way of life. I love the outdoors; I love living here, even though in my opinion it rains a little too much. Rain is what creates my business. I’m all about supporting the local economy and the CONTINUED ON PAGE 77

AFM interview

FEATURE

Owner - Divine Consign & Boutique

Linda Glover

written by Veronica Dempsey photographed by Tim Sugden

CONSIGN INTERVENTION

a windy afternoon in Vancouver, Washington, AboutFace had the pleasure of sitting down on some of Divine Consign’s very comfortable and alluring furniture to chat with Linda Glover. If you keep up with Vancouver news you’ll recognize her name. She recently ran for city council but lost in a close race. Or you might know her because you’ve strolled into Divine Consign, a consignment store not far from the I5 Bridge. She’s usually behind the front desk helping customers. The showroom floor is expansive with the kind of furniture your parents bought after you left for college. Linda Glover wants to help her community and she does it one nonprofit at a time in the heart of Vancouver. From donations to political leanings she’s trying to make a difference in the lives of others using the non-profit organization Divine Consign.

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What is Divine Consign? Divine Consign is an upscale consignment store that’s owned and operated by a nonprofit. And people can consign, or they can donate furniture to us. If they consign they get a fifty-fifty, but if they donate, then a share of the return proceeds goes to their favorite charity, and into grant funds. We put out grants once or twice a year. Right now we’re in the process of giving out fifty thousand dollars. Non-profits from all across the area can apply for those grants, and then we choose the ones that we think sound the best, and we give them that grant. So we’re in the process of doing that right now. We also have a clothing store. With donated clothing where people can shop and buy items. Again, the proceeds for that all go into the fund. What kind of charities are usually donated to? Our mission statement says that we are here to provide support to non-profits to deal with human services, education, and the arts. We’ve given funds to over 220 non-profits. We’ve been here for almost eleven years. There’s a list, and there’s a wide range of recipients. We try to help everybody that we can. How does the process of choosing those nonprofits work? There’s a committee that goes through it and comes up with what we think might make the most impact for the number of dollars that we have. We try to spread it out by age from hospice all the way down to new babies. As I said before, the arts, dance, education, preschools, & camps are all frequent recipients So it’s not just Divine Consign? B.Divine Boutique as well.

brought them in and it was great. They’re fabulous cupcakes! Now the person who baked our cupcakes still has a cupcake shop in St. John’s. So people can still get the same cupcakes, they just can’t get them here. Can you talk a little bit about how Divine Consign got started? In 1997 we opened our first Christmas store as a little holiday shop. It was put together by many executive directors of not-for-profits who were trying to find other ways to raise funds for their organizations. And so they brought together about twenty-five different non-profits. People chipped in money. We bought product, got a storage location donated, set up the store, sold the goods, paid for all the merchandise, then split up their proceeds among those non-profits. We did that until we opened this store in 2005. Somebody finally said to me, “Well, when I donate furniture I have to go all the way to Portland to donate to non-profits.” It’s all run by volunteers, I’m the only paid person. We had such great patrons— they were very supportive of that. To fund it we had a party one night, and called it Power of The Purse. And by the end of that evening we had enough money. At first we were worried about ten thousand square-feet while signing the lease. How would we ever fill it? We filled it in six weeks, and it’s been filled ever since. I can certainly see that at this moment the floor is quite full. This is our leanest time of year, January – February with the lowest inventory (laughs). This is the slowest time for business. You can still see how packed it is right now. It’s usually much more filled than this. What do you do if you get overstocked?

You used to have a cupcake shop too? We just keep making money. We had a cupcake shop for almost five years. When we first did it there were no gourmet cupcakes in Vancouver, so we

Just keep at it?

These things have to roll through here, they can’t come in and sit. So people have to send us pictures or bring pictures, and we decide if we think they can sell or not. Because if it can’t sell that’s not helping us, and it’s not helping them. So we make sure it’s something we think that we can sell. If it’s accepted they bring it in, we appraise it, they agree to the price, and it stays on the floor for thirty days. After thirty days that price is reduced by fifteen percent. If it’s still here after sixty days it’s reduced by fifty percent. At ninety days, if it’s still here, we contact them if they would like to pick it up or donate it. If they donate it to us then we slash the price way down. At that point somebody will usually buy it. If not… just like today we had some clients from Vancouver Housing Authority who just found housing but don’t have any furniture. We gave them couches, tables, and beds. Whatever it is that we have that we can donate and fill up their truck and off they go. We do that as often as we can. If someone in the community wants to help out with such a great cause what’s the best way? Come in the store and talk to one of us, be a volunteer, or just bring us the furniture to consign, or donate. You can go online and learn about us, then you can call, and we have a volunteer coordinator talk with you. Most of our volunteers come in once a week for four hours. Over the years they become very very good friends. We have some volunteers who have been with us since 1999, and they just enjoy the friendship. For me as a manager, that’s wonderful, because there is a different crew of people every morning and every afternoon Monday through Saturday. They come in excited to be here to help out, upbeat and positive. And then they go home and another group of excited volunteers come in. How else do you get involved with the community? One of our most popular events is playing bunco. People from the community 53

AFM interview

come in for a great night. They bring in the food and we set up for the parties. We have small groups of maybe twenty-five people, but we’ve had as many as about eighty-six people play at one time. I think the most money anyone has raised has been eight thousand dollars.

too. Find out… what people need. Does it affect our culture right now? Our business has evolved so much. You’ve just got to take a chance. Not all businesses are successful but each one of us learn something for the next experience. So it really takes a lot of courage.

Wow, that’s great for a non-profit fundraiser!

You recently got involved in politics, do you ever see yourself doing that again?

Yeah, so it’s a good way to help. They have fashion shows and cocktail parties and we’ve had dinners. When we give our grants away twice a year we present them at a luncheon right here. You know, we try to do sponsorship. I’m very involved with the Downtown Association, I just wanted to help build up downtown and make it a stronger downtown. We’ve been here ten years, and… we’ve been supporting the best we can. You mentioned Downtown Association? Well I’ve been serving for ten years. I’ve been president, I’ve been secretary, and I’ve been on two or three different committees. What do you do currently with Downtown Association? Currently I’m secretary and I sit on the Economic Development Committee, and on the Promotions Committee. I think that’s the only two right now. We are working to bring the promotions of the events downtown and get the word about downtown out to the public. It’s pretty well known on the west end of town but people on the east end of town aren’t as aware. We’re excited to get residents who live nearby to come and support. There’s much, much more to come. It’s going to be an awfully exciting place. You’re an entrepreneur, do you have any advice for those that want to get involved with non-profit? I think it just takes due diligence when you get an idea. You can’t just go out there. Passion is important and so is an idea. It is not always going to be what will lead to success. You really have to find out and do some research

54 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

Friends came to me a couple of times and asked if I would consider being involved. As you said I’ve been very involved in this town. I’ve worked with city committees and connected with people. I had a couple of changes in my life, and I thought I probably have the time to do something new. I like a challenge; and so I thought I had a fairly good chance. So, I made the decision to run for city council, and it was a fabulous experience. It really challenged me on a lot of different levels and the learning curve is just amazing. I thought I knew all about the city but then you have to learn how all the different departments function and the challenges. I’m glad I did it. I’d consider it, but I have to see what comes along. Is this something you always wanted to do? I was an elementary principal and teacher. My daughter married and moved to Vancouver. The year after that my husband decided that we had an opportunity to move here. We were going to go into small business here, so I came in thinking I probably would stay with education because I loved it. By doing the non-profit, I got alot of experience. I went on to represent them and work in a little Christmas shop we started. I kind of fell in love, I found out I love to shop. AFM

ÜÜDivineConsignFurniture.org ÜÜBdivineClothing.org

1902 NW 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97210 503.232.3848 | lecookiemonkey.com

AFM column

IT SUITS YOU

Men’s Fashion by Sofiya Popova

Weekday Get-Away

Frances May, Gitman Night Bloom Shirt

Be Cool

Frances May, Gitman S/ S

Not all of us are able to escape to a tropical island to enjoy the sunshine this season, so botanical inspired prints are here to give you a little piece of paradise during your nine-to-five. Both of these button-up shirts form Frances May (1003 SW Washington St.) have just enough structure to pass as business causal attire while still inspiring a day dream about sipping out of a coconut.

R e d Crane Shirt

Machus, Represent Essential Denim Destroyed

Nothing exudes confidence more than a crisp, white pair of pants. There is something about a man who does not care about the dangers (AKA stains from everything you touch) that come with this decision. He knows that it’s risky, and he doesn’t care. He is a trendsetter.

Stripe It Out

Frances May, Barena Venezia Pu l l O

In all seriousness, wearing white should not be terrifying. It is the perfect neutral for spring and can really take an outfit from “bleh” to “POW!” Machus (542 E Burnside St.) has a beautiful white denim pant that features distressed detailing to create a nonchalant “cool guy” vibe. When the weather gets warmer, head over to Frances May to pick up a pair of their white pull-on shorts. This particular style has an elastic waistband which helps to maximize your comfort.

n White Shorts

Frances May, A.P.C. Axel Shirt

Pinstripes are the most underestimated members of the stripe family. Trade in your horizontal stripes for a bold, blown-out pinstripe. We are used to seeing them on suits and other formal wear, but a colorful and playful twist on the classic pinstripe is both visually appealing and fashion forward.

56 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

Communion, Brixton Cadet Shirt

The blue stripes on this button-up shirt from Frances May create a much more relaxed and casual fit. A shirt like this is easily transitioned from the office to the bar. Communion (3556 SE Hawthorne Blvd) has a short sleeved and colorful version! Perfect for weekend barbeques.

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WELLNESS

AFM column

by Briana Borten of the Dragontree Spa

Exercise to Become a Better Hurdler

ots of people ask me what I do to keep moving forward toward my goals and not let challenges knock me off track. We all come to hurdles in life. Don’t hate the hurdler—become a better hurdler! Often the obstacle is exaggerated by our minds, which makes it more difficult to navigate. I regularly do exercises that remove my barriers to my vision for my life. So one of my Vision Board Action Cards is, “Do an exercise to remove the blocks around achieving my goals.” You can read about the other action cards by visiting my blog. There are lots of ways to perceive and break down blocks. Here are a few suggestions to get you started. First, are you blocked? Do you have a desire to move forward, but you’re not doing it? Are you getting engaged in arguments— either with others or just in your mind—that don’t get you any closer to your goals?

Is there a conversation that should happen or an action that you’ve avoided because it seems like it’s going to be uncomfortable? Are things just not flowing in your life the way you want them to? If you answered yes to any of these, chances are some blockage is happening. Try following these steps to breaking through the block: 1. Choose going for your goal instead of staying engaged with the block. It may sound crazy to suggest that we could actually choose discomfort or lack of fulfillment over achieving our goals and being happy. But this is often the case. Entire lives have been devoted to complaining about the way things are, or waiting for the right, comfortable moment to act. Maybe we feel it’s not fair that a certain obstacle came up. Perhaps we’re avoiding something that makes us uncomfortable, and so we stay in the slightly less-uncomfortable state of not facing it or being able to move past it. Whatever the case, it’s vital that we refocus our aim on the prize instead of wasting time and energy on the obstacles. 2. Figure out what getting over the block would look like. Put it into words, like, “I’m inspired and light,” or “Money is pouring into my life,” or “I feel ecstatic when I speak my truth,” or “I’m super productive.” If you dislike where you’ve been hanging out—literally or figuratively—it doesn’t do you a lot of good to focus on this. It’s like saying, “I hate it in Detroit. I hate it in Detroit,” when you could be saying, “I’m excited to go to Hawaii!” You need to know where you want to be instead of where you’ve been. What’s your intention? 3. Become conscious of the block. When you think about what you want to do that isn’t happening, or when you hold your goal in mind and don’t feel altogether positive and enthusiastic, what is it that’s getting in the way? Maybe you can put it into words, or maybe it’s just a feeling. Let

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yourself experience the physical expression of the block. Hold the issue or the goal in your mind, and simultaneously feel what comes up in your body. Usually it’s a sense of tightness, restriction, fatigue or other discomfort. 4. Feel the block. Welcome the block. Let go of the block. Your resisting the block isn’t helping—it’s keeping you in a tight relationship with it. Instead, accept whatever you feel. Let it spread over your whole being. Breathe. Let it go. 5. Now, bring up those positive words again. When you reiterate your intention (from #2), does it feel any different? See what comes up in your body, or see if there are any mental protests. Feel it, welcome it, let it go. Then re-state your intention. Does it feel any different? Again, see if there’s any argument still happening. Let that be felt and/or voiced. Let it go. Repeat. 6. Act. The process may not yet be over, especially if this block has been with you for a long time, or if it’s an expression of an even deeper block. But now is the time to do something to reaffirm your commitment to your goal. Take a step that you’ve been putting off or that you feel might be uncomfortable. 7. Reiterate your intention and be present to whatever the response is. Rather than using your positive words of intention as an affirmation that you repeat unconsciously and perpetually, revisit them for just a few minutes at a time, a few times a day. When you voice these words, what happens inside you? Listen. Feel. Express. Allow. Don’t resist. Let go. Give it a try. You can bound hurdles… or maybe more accurately, you can dissolve them in seconds!

ÜÜTheDragonTree.com

Cloud Nine Hair Studio 510 NW 10th Ave. Suite 14, Portland, OR (503) 660-3288

Primp Hair Salon 4335 SE Division St, Portland, OR (503) 236-3911

Envee Salon 9228 NE Hwy 99 #B, Vancouver, WA (360) 258-0765

Salon Moxie 1019 Main St, Vancouver, WA (360) 567-1728

Expressions Hair Design 7430 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR (503) 281-3726

Studio 221 221 NE Cowls, McMinnville, OR (503) 472-1194

G Best 3561 NE Broadway St, Portland, OR (503) 287-1979

Tres Beau 972 W Hwy 99, Dundee, OR (503) 554-0808

Hair Trendz Salon 301 Warner Milne Rd, Oregon City (503) 656-2126

Twist 321 NE 3rd St, McMinnville, OR (503) 472-3524

Nurture Salon 7311 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland, OR (503) 224-4150

Urban Bliss 1900 NE Hwy 99, Suite B, McMinnville, OR (503) 472-3097

AFM interview

FEATURE

Game Designer

60 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

PAUL CULP Fields written by Justin

photographed by Tim Sugden

studios

regon is fast becoming a top hub for video game developers, and SuperGenius, led by CEO and founder Paul Culp, is at the leading edge of that trend. Culp exemplifies the creative and disciplined new breed of Oregon indie tech pioneers, contributing to an industry already valued at $111 million and ranked 9th in the nation. Situated in once sleepy downtown Oregon City, SuperGenius is perfectly positioned to play a pivotal role in the burgeoning Oregon video game industry.

I have been doing commercial art since I was 13 or 14. I grew up in a small town where I did everyone’s business cards. On holidays, I would decorate shop windows—like Santa Claus, or Halloween stuff. So I learned from an early age how to make money doing art. I always knew I was going to be an artist or an animator. I originally wanted to be a Disney animator, but I ended up going into web development in the ‘90s.

not make money. But there are also bigger developers that are doing really cool things, like Double Fine. They’re CEO is Tim Schaffer and he runs a very innovative and playful company. They generate tons of games and they Kickstart a lot of them, and the public just eats it up. Plus they know how to get things done and ship on time. I respect that. So I guess it’s that balance between being super creative and disciplined, being able to make your milestones and ship a game on time, instead of just working on it for years and years and years.

What was it like being a web developer in the ‘90s? And how did that lead to video games?

Are there local education programs or universities that offer video game training? Where do you draw talent from?

So how did you get into developing video games?

Paul Culp

I was working for a web development company in San Jose in ’94, and nobody even knew what the Internet was. At the same time, I had some friends in San Francisco that were working on a video game. They were the cool kids. So I ended up jumping ship and going over there to work as a concept artist. There’s a game called Monkey Hero and it was kind of a clone of Legend of Zelda for the PlayStation 1. That was the first game I worked on, and my job was to design characters and do 2D art. Walking into that place was crazy because it was this old San Francisco Victorian, with shag carpet and incense burning. In the artist room, which is where all the concept artists were, people were laying on the ground and listening to Wu-Tang Clan’s 36 Chambers. I was like ‘my God, people do this for a living?’ So that’s where I started in games.

We’re working with CCC, Clackamas Community College, to help them create a game development curriculum. We helped purchase a big motion-capture, place-based system, and helped them set it up. We’ve had people from SuperGenius teach classes there. We really like the idea of home-growing talent because we have to relocate people all the time, and it’s expensive. Walk into any high school and ask the kids what they want to do and a lot of them say they want to make video games. So those kids, if they have that kind of drive, should be able to go to a school locally and figure out how to do this and not spend $120,000. Our goal is to work with CCC and see if we can come up with [a] more social-based program that would cost a lot less, so they don’t have to be in debt the rest of their lives.

What are the most important attributes of a video game developer?

Explain to me the difference between the developer support studio and an outsourcing studio.

Well I can’t speak for a lot of developers because there’s such a wide variety of styles and audiences they’re trying to please. We help other game developers make games, so it depends on who the client is. We’ve got indie developers that are kind of like the punk kids making games here. It’s definitely like the indie punk music movement, but for games. So there’s a rebellious attitude and a creative passion and drive to do art and

That’s exactly where I draw the line in the sand and make the distinction. There are a lot of overseas outsourcing companies that specialize in producing mass amounts of assets for low cost. So they’re factories. We didn’t want to be a factory. We wanted to be a game developer for all intents and purposes, with all the capabilities of a game developer, helping other game developers. We’re not 1,000 people in a room busting 61

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out trashcans and cars. We’re intelligent, skilled people who know how to work an engine and know how to build things for other people’s games and be dedicated to that. Everyone here is doing exactly what they want to do. They want to make games, but being able to work with the legends that they work with is pretty incredible. We’re not small enough to be a boutique, and we’re not a factory. And we’re on the west coast, which is rare for a game company like us. What are some of the biggest games that SuperGenius has worked on? Walking Dead. It wasn’t fully developed here, but we helped with it. Game of Thrones, The Wolf Among Us, and two of the Skylanders series were done here. There’s also Broken Age, which was Kickstarted by Double Fine. A game called Marvel Super Hero Squad: Online was a big Marvel MMO (massively multiplayer online) we worked on. We’ve done four or five Marvel franchises. We also did Back To The Future, Jurassic Park, and Poker Night. We are also currently working with Blizzard on a game called Overwatch. Those are all some of the bigger ones. Why did you choose to open shop in Oregon City? It wasn’t intentional. We used to be a part of Funnelbox just down the street. We started off as a small division of Funnelbox helping them with game cinematics. When I got there to help Rob with operations of his company, they had these video game animators in the back who were about to finish a game and get laid off. So I decided to stick around and figure out how to start a team. We didn’t intend to start in Oregon City, but we basically incubated in Funnelbox as a division, eventually outgrew Funnelbox, bought the division from them, and moved down the street. And you still have a good relationship with Funnelbox? Absolutely. Robb (Crocker) was the first one to have a dream for downtown Oregon City to be a

kind of tech/ media oasis in Clackamas County. These cool buildings and cheaper rent allow more creative and tech artists to take hold down here. So splitting off resulted in there being two big media companies in Oregon City, and we’re hoping to get more down here as well. Can you elaborate on why Oregon City and Clackamas County have really worked out for you, even though you didn’t intend to land here initially? It’s like nowhere else I’ve ever lived. It’s crazy, historic, and cute. Five years ago I did not want to be down here. I would’ve been embarrassed to bring clients down here five years ago. But now we try to get them to come down, go out to lunch and go to bars and stuff because it’s a cool little neighborhood. I mean we could be in The Pearl paying $15 grand a month for a studio, or we could be down here with a higher quality of life. Does the State of Oregon help foster gaming at all? Yeah they do. The Indigenous Oregon Production Investment Fund (iOPIF) was carved out as an incentive package for film companies initiated by Oregon Film and the Governor’s office. A couple years ago they brought games into the mix, so now there is a percentage of iOPIF that’s dedicated to video games. Our bill just passed so video games are now illegible for more iOPIF funding, which is a much larger pool of money ($14 million). This was previously only available to film studios. It’s a huge deal and gives game developers a boost only available in a few states. It’s taken some burden off us on a few projects. It’s been nice. How do you make the work environment conducive to creativity? Have a lot of creative people. They kind of do it themselves. It’s their culture. They built that place. They feed off each other, they train each other, they push each other. That’s a hot house of cooperation. Everyone in there wants to bring everyone else up with them. We have some rock

CONTINUED ON PAGE 77

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FEATURE

Hero, Indian Health Board

JOE FINKBONNER

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Fighting For A Long and Happy Life

written by Merlin Varaday photographed by Tim Sugden

oe Finkbonner (RPh, MHA), a member of northern Washington’s Lummi Nation, is the Executive Director of the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB). Tasked with reducing the disparities in health care for American Indian populations in Oregon, Washington and Idaho, NPAIHB’s dedicated staff work under Finkbonner’s leadership to advocate for the interests of 43 Tribal Delegates from the Pacific Northwest, and the communities they represent. This work includes research, legislation and “training the trainers”—providing education for health care providers regarding the specific health issues that are a priority in their communities. NPAIHB also serves as a resource to those providers. The organization’s EpiCenter, where Finkbonner previously served as Director, is one of twelve epidemiology centers around the nation that provide health-related research to improve the health status and life expectancy of native peoples. NPAIHB’s work is a model to tribal communities across the United States.

What are some of the challenges that come with your role? The challenges involve overcoming the enormous health status battles that face the American Indian populations. There is no shortage of work to be done in regards to the disparity facing American Indians, both reservation-based and urban – everything from oral health challenges to diabetes to cancer rates to cardiovascular disease rates, as well as alcohol/substance abuse rates and suicide rates. But it is an under-resourced system – the Indian Health Service (the Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives) only funds about 60% of the need, and yet the Federal Government has promised the tribes when they claimed millions of acres of land that they would provide health care to the tribal people. From the tribal leaders’ viewpoint, that obligation hasn’t been met. We are constantly struggling to remind our Congress Members that they have an obligation to make sure the Indian Health Service is still in place and is properly supported, so that it we can continue to make improvements in the health status of our tribal members. What is most important to you in life? Making a difference. I don’t choose a path in life simply for my own gratification; I like to feel the work I do is meaningful. Making headway is what motivates me to keep going. It’s not about the acknowledgement or the accolades that go along with accomplishing something—I just want to see results. Those results include having our tribal members able to access health care at a greater rate and with greater ease. Hopefully, I have contributed to that in the work that I have done, along with the tribal leaders in the Northwest. While I am not an elected leader who steps out in front, I provide information and tools to those elected leaders so they can go out and advocate for more resources for the Indian Health Service. CONTINUED ON PAGE 75 65

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PROFILE

Owner - Sunlan Lighting

Kay Newell Spreading Light In The Community written by Merlin Varaday photographed by Tim Sugden

ay Newell is brightening up the area in more ways than one. The owner of Sunlan Lighting (3901 N. Mississippi Ave.) who is known as “The Lightbulb Lady”, played a significant role in improving the Mississippi neighborhood a long time before it was the charming district it is today. She believes strongly in the importance of small business, but has a synergistic relationship with big box stores, supplying specialty items it wouldn’t make sense for them to stock in quantity.

If you visit Sunland Lighting to acquire lighting supplies for your home or business, you will also gain a wealth of knowledge from Kay about the role that effective lighting plays in our health, our happiness and the beauty of our surroundings. And Sunlan Lighting is so much fun to explore! Sunlan Lighting has been in Portland’s Mississippi neighborhood for 25 years, yes? That’s right. When I came to the Mississippi neighborhood there were 43 businesses. Many were industrial businesses located in old storefronts that were owned by the original families who had built here a hundred years before. There weren’t shops—they had closed many years before due to a lack of regular customers. If a community doesn’t support their small local businesses they die, creating an area of blight. It invites negative activities. There was a lot of drug dealing and gangs when I bought my warehouse. I didn’t pay it much mind. I was looking just for a warehouse. The gang members told me they were going to run me out of the neighborhood. I heard one youth tell another boy that they were to smash my windows and graffiti the place on the orders of one of the gang leaders. I marched out and told the boy that if I got a broken window I was going to hold him personally responsible. He took off like a shot! I boarded up my windows and painted murals. Every night I would go up and down Mississippi St. removing graffiti. I used to call 911 so often that they recognized my voice. The neighbors were also fed up with the criminal activity and reported drug dealing. As a result of all these calls, the neighborhood started to improve. The City and Housing our Families contacted me and asked me to become a signing member representing businesses to create a Target Area, the Historical Mississippi Business Association [HMBA]. I donated office space and asked that the rent money help fund a full-time program coordinator. The HMBA created community 66 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

programs to teach maintenance skills to young men by doing repairs for senior citizens who lived in homes with deferred maintenance! We also had a Ready to Rent program to help people learn to be good renters. I am rather proud of what we did with the Mississippi target area. It wasn’t just about fixing up the Mississippi neighborhood, it was also about creating a better, stronger community.

it has a lot more blue and red. But it’s all still natural light. Artificial light can only capture a moment of that time. There are several lights that are very close to the color of natural sunshine. I call that Full Spectrum. Poor quality light, like compact fluorescent, is like a cloudy day. They are only 82% of natural light. The colors are more muted, not crisp and clean.

How did you learn so much about lighting? Most people know how to switch on a lightbulb and how to change a lightbulb and that is pretty much it! That was the extent of my knowledge when I began working in this business. I got my hands on a bunch of catalogs and I read and read. I also ran across two gentlemen who had been in the business for many years and they became my mentors. I would call them up and they would be willing to answer any questions I had because they knew that I only had to ask them once. I am not afraid of research. My paper on Full Spectrum Lighting (available at the shop) was the result of a great deal of research.

You say on your web site that light is a nutrient. What does that mean for our well-being? We need light to thrive. Our entire skin absorbs light, not just our eyes. Different types of light affect us differently. Bright morning sunshine helps you get up and go to start your day. At night, different chemical processes occur in your body as a result of the dimmer light, causing you to prepare for sleep. The atmosphere, the cloud cover and the pollution in the air all affect the color of the light, telling our bodies what to do in response. For people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, I would recommend any lightbulb that mimics the color of natural sunshine.

How would you define well-designed lighting? Full Spectrum has no defined meaning that has been agreed upon. For instance, Dr. Ott defines Full Spectrum at 5,000 Kelvin. Verilux uses 6,500 Kelvin as their Full Spectrum color. Kelvin is a color rating – it comes from temperatures. As you heat iron, the color changes. As the colors occur, they are matched to natural light at various times of day. 5,000 Kelvin is the color of a day in July at high noon. It is a crisp, clean, neutral white light. It is the standard used by people in the print world.

What advice do you give new customers? Choose the appropriate lighting before you purchase the fixture. How you feel when you walk into a space has a great deal to do with the lighting. Each area should reflect the different activities at each time of day. I like having two or preferably three lighting sources to provide for that. A soft, relaxing light is better for evening, whereas a brighter, crisper light is better for getting ready in the morning. So, you should design the lighting based on the task at hand. There is no right or wrong, just the light that is right for you and your application.

I define Full Spectrum in all of the information I share as, “a bulb of any color that is very close to natural sunshine.” Halogen is extremely close to natural sunshine with a color rendering similar to early morning light, which has a yellow glow. By noon the color has changed, and in the evening

Sunlan Lighting 3901 N. Mississippi Avenue Portland, OR 97217 503-281-0453

ÜÜSunlanLighting.com

“How you feel when you walk into a space has a great deal to do with the lighting.”

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PROFILE

Artist

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Deanna Lautenbach Too HIP To Be Square

written by Kailla Coomes photographed by Tim Sugden

eanna Lautenbach is an abstract artist who uses unconventional tools to make beautiful pieces of art. She creates art that is then displayed at Hip Furniture in Portland. She is passionate about what she does; and her art is unique and one of a kind. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? I am a stay-at-home mom, but art is kind of what I do for fun on the side. I have always been creative. I am in a superunique situation with Hip because as an artist to have an outlet to sell stuff, to be creative and continually be doing it is amazing. Can you talk a little bit about what Hip is? It is a local, high end, contemporary furniture store. It really supports local people and artists. It is amazing there. Everyone that has worked there over the years have been amazing. How did you become involved with Hip? I have always been creative and have always liked designing things. I created a body of work, created a website, and then was, like, okay. Now I need an outlet to sell this stuff. My sister-in-law said, “Why don’t you check with Hip?” So, I went in there in November of 2007 and walked around their showroom and their stuff was just perfect with the things I was into, but they had nothing on the walls... So I went up and asked them if they ever featured artists; and they said that just yesterday they had lost their abstract artist and were looking for somebody... So I gave them my website; and they loved it and took all of my stuff. I use their showroom as an inspiration to what will really impact their showroom and we worked together.

Do you prefer painting to drawing? Painting. I love to get very messy and I love power tools. I get to use blowtorches, electric sanders, and those kind of things. What inspires your art? Anything and everything. My art is abstract, so really the possibilities are endless. Do you have your own studio? I built a studio after there was enough demand so that I was able to build a studio in my backyard, which is a place where I can just make a huge mess. Does Hip ask you to make more? As I sell, I just keep replacing what’s popular or sometimes they will ask me specifically if I can do something. Are you working on anything right now? I am... I am working on something that I got inspired by... So more abstract pieces, using eyedroppers and wet paint and blending it. What are your future goals? I think maybe one thing that I always thought about doing was collaboration with my husband... He has another CD that is going to be released, and I’d like to be able to take his songs and with each song make a picture inspired by the music. I would love to do a co-show of some kind with him.

ÜÜArtIsMyCanvas.com

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Artist work. Allen takes a surgical scalpel and cuts into the book covers. Then, page by page, he extracts pieces to create a beautiful vignette that gives each book a new meaning with its own content. He likes the idea of the book’s authors being “unwitting collaborators” of his, their work and energy given new life by his scalpel. Allen’s carvings uncover something that had always been there, waiting to be revealed. “That’s sort of a recurring theme: I’m excavating things that are lost in time because they’re from the past, but then I’m pulling them back into the present by carving into them,” he says. Creating something from forgotten or discarded items does not stop with the book art. Allen also has a woodshop where he builds the frames and displays for his book excavations, rummaging through the bins at the Rebuilding Center for wood scraps.

James Allen Book Excavator written by Kori Hirano photographed by Allan White

n a city known for its literary community, it’s not surprising that artist James Allen and his book excavations have been so warmly welcomed.

“Ever since I moved here, there’s been a lot of interest in my work”, Allen says. “When I lived in Seattle, people were interested, but now that I’m here it’s just really something that fits with the Portland aesthetic and what people are into, which feels good. So I’ve been focusing on the book art. It’s fun to push it into different directions.” Allen himself has been pulled in different directions since he graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee in 2000. He spent five years in New York’s art world, first as an artist’s assistant. Then he worked in art galleries and saw how the gallery world worked. “Working in galleries, I get to see what they expect from artists,… which artists are being pushed, and how the relationship works between the artist and the gallery”, Allen says. He still works within the art world in Portland, finding it valuable to witness what goes on behind the scenes. Regarding his own work, Allen is currently putting together a collection for a show at the University of Puget Sound in March 2016, which will showcase a “man and nature” theme. One of the pieces that will be in the show is an elaborate installation involving sixteen science and art encyclopedias he discovered on the side of a street in a “free” box. Depending on the project, Allen’s goal is to complete two or three book excavations a month, but it is intense and intricate 70 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

“I like altering found things”, Allen says. “Most of the books I cut up, I’m rescuing... and giving… a new life. I am trying to make beautiful objects, but I want them to have a lot of layers where people can go to whatever place they want it to take them. Some people relate to the subject matter of the book, but maybe the more you look at it, it brings you to one place. Then depending on the context of another day, you look at it that day and say ‘Oh, I never noticed that!’”

ÜÜJamesAllenStudio.com

Artist

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“But I never stopped,” O’Donoghue says. “That’s the main thing. I never stopped. I was always drawing, drawing, drawing.” In 1997, she found the clarity she needed and her art shifted toward the work she is now well known for. Her contemporary folk art paintings are vibrant slices of everyday life mixed with the intricacies of our deep inner worlds. O’Donoghue’s childhood may have been filled with solitude, but her current work is filled with characters, action, and interconnectedness. While her artwork has hit a nice groove, there is still a lot more O’Donoghue wants to explore. New ideas for paintings are on the list to delve into. Lately, she has been working on several commissioned pieces and is preparing for her March 2016 art show at a gallery in Bellingham, WA. She also has an interest in experimenting with etching. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to fit in everything she has ruminating in her mind and in her sketchbook.

Alison O’Donoghue Contemporary Folk Artist written by Kori Hirano photographed by Hok

great day for Portland artist Alison O’Donoghue begins in her studio at 9:00 a.m. where she spends a lot time drawing in her sketchbooks. “Whatever I’m doing here (in my sketchbook) I’m putting into a painting in my mind,” she explains. “I often have an image in my head and create a lot of guidelines for the painting. The shapes, sizes, and colors might be in my head already.”

“Nothing inspires me more than just drawing,” she says. “I just love to draw. I’m in love with the pen. It becomes the most important thing to me.” The tools for drawing are important, but what proves more powerful than the pen is the practice and routine of her drawing time. “Drawing is a direct benefit to my painting,” O’Donoghue says. “It’s like practicing an instrument. The hand is trained. You know where your pen is going; you know where your brush is going.”

ÜÜAliOrange.com

When O’Donoghue was a child, she discovered her talent for drawing. After moving around Portland and changing schools multiple times, the one stable part of her life became her artwork. There wasn’t much time to establish friendships or connections in school because before long she’d be at a new school. “It forced me into my internal self by not having a support system,” O’Donoghue says. Out of all that solitude and drawing, O’Donoghue became a prolific artist. She went on to art school at Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland and focused on sculpture. It was the first time she was in a place for an extended period of time and was able to cultivate friendships. The culture and creativity of art school had a valuable impact on her, and she concedes that she wouldn’t be the same if it hadn’t been for the experience. After graduation, she joined a gallery, continuing her sculptural work there. But she soon discovered she wasn’t ready for it. There was a lot of struggling and fumbling while she figured out which direction her art would take. It took about ten years before she came to understand her focus.

Trampoline 18”x18” acrylic on wood

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SPOTLIGHT

Artist the abstract. Much of his work is perspective architecture or landscape. Recently figures have been his focus. Using large scale canvasses Mooney paints men, women, and couples of various combinations. Several of his pieces explore connection through erotically-posed models. He comments that it is really fascinating to work in that genre because one develops a relationship with the person sitting for the piece. Mooney dives into the nuances in expression, pose, mood, personality and inner joy of the model, and brings them out with his brushstrokes. One of his most accomplished works is a piece titled “Stevie and Sarah” of two women cuddling. It demonstrates quite well his emphasis on bonding and connection, “From the moment we are born we need shelter, we need love, we need support …“ He goes on from there, “… and then we can touch to connect with one another; to love”.

Christopher Mooney Fine Artist of Contemporary Realism written by Mary Walsh

“W

ell, it was a good place to run out of gas,” notes artist Christopher Mooney on his journey from his home on the East Coast, to Portland. With an emphasis on community and connection, Mooney expresses his passions through his landscape and portraiture paintings. With 35 years of working as an artist under his belt, Mooney has experienced nearly all aspects of the art world, from picture framing and working as a security guard for the Portland Art Museum, to curating shows and acting as a panelist for the Regional Arts Council. Even with such an impressive resume, the artist still seeks to further his career. Having taken a Gallery Management course at Merylhurst College (and running a gallery in the Pearl District long before it was The Pearl District), he hopes to manage a gallery again one day.

Bringing together architecture and nature, Mooney captures something so natural, so imbedded in us as humans; he captures the essence of human connectedness. With a focus on teamwork, he notes that he loves how a group of individuals can come together to create something that in turn brings more individuals together. For example, he tells me of the time he was allowed to join a Hawthorne bridge maintenance group and photograph them working. Being lifted up to the top of the bridge to take photos must have been an experience (not to mention a spectacular view) that many artists and Portlanders dream of. Always having been a painter, he knows that his strengths lie in realism, but that does not stop Mooney from creating in 72 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

Mooney’s work has been a making its way through Portland and Seattle. In addition to his studio in Lake Oswego and a few smaller displays around Portland, he will be exhibiting many of his figure pieces at the Seattle Erotica Festival this month! Even with several shows and exhibits in motion right now, there will definitely be more to come. Check out his work and read his blog on his website christopherbmooneystudios. com. If you happen to be perusing the city visit one of his exhibits at the Pearl Gallery or the Rental Sales Gallery in the Portland Art Museum.

ÜÜChristopherBmooney.com

Artist

SPOTLIGHT

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head for quite a while,” she says. The fluidity that emerges from Vaughan’s paintings as a result gives them a sophisticated quality that distinguishes her from other artists. “I like experimenting with new ideas and returning to old ones,” says Vaughan, “and different tools allow for different forms of expression.” Formerly a New Zealand native, Vaughan draws inspiration from the natural landscape and through her personal connections with others. “Coming from New Zealand,” says the artist, “the quality of the light there is more intense than it is in the Pacific Northwest.” As a result, her current series emphasizes the influence of the environment on the artist’s work, as well as the process behind it. “They have a lot of layers,” Vaughan says about her paintings. “It’s very physical.”

Suzanne Vaughn Abstract Artist/Oil Painter written by Whitney Davis photographed by D.C. Rahe

pring is in the air at the AIR Gallery where Portland artist Suzanne Vaughan is exhibiting her newest series entitled “Colorscape.” This series showcases the artist’s bold style and vibrant energy as well as her dedication to her work. “I’m putting myself into the experience,” she says about her bright and colorful oil paintings. The series highlights the artist’s technique and her ability to communicate with her audience on an emotional level. “Painting is a release of energy,” she says, and a tool that provides her a valuable outlet for self-expression.

Previously, Vaughan has exhibited her artwork at a number of local galleries including the Benwill Gallery and Basic Space Gallery. As the AIR Gallery transitions into a new period, she says she is eager to reconnect with other artists who have contributed to making the space a haven for local talent. “And besides,” says Vaughan, “we are the gallery.” The artist’s upcoming exhibition will be held during First Thursdays in October in the Pearl District, and Vaughan says she is currently working on expanding her series. “You have to stay true to your own space.”

ÜÜSuzanneVaughanArt.com

“I was going through a lot of difficult changes in my life,” says the artist about her previous series entitled “Portals,” “My new work represents this transition.” Characterized by bright colors and loose movement, Vaughan’s newest project sheds insight into the human psyche and invites her audience to engage in self-reflection. For Vaughan, engaging with her audience on both a visual and emotional level is an important element to work. “I’m a very emotional person and painting is a release,” she says, and cites her decision to move from realism to abstract painting as a significant turning point. “I wanted to paint what makes me feel good,” says the artist. Utilizing a large-format approach to the paintings in “Colorscape,” this series denotes a tonal shift from that of her previous work. “These have a different kind of intensity,” she says about the evolution of her creative process. The result is a full-bodied collection of artwork that is a compelling representation of an artist’s personal growth and maturity. “When I think about my new bodies of work, they sit in my Immersion - from the Colorscape Series Dimensions: 47.5” H x 36” W Oil painting on canvas

Photo by Dan Kvitka

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SPOTLIGHT

Artist Nothing else matters when I am focused on my artwork,” says Dirty J. When asked, he will tell you that paintings should never be limited to just canvas. Instead, Dirty J prefers to use reclaimed, cast-off materials chosen for their overlooked qualities. He creates striking artwork on old pieces of scrap plywood, metal sheeting, old windows, and anything else he can find. He finds inspiration in knowing that he can take worn out, discarded materials that would’ve ended up in the local dump and turn them into something beautiful for others to treasure.

Josh Dixon Salvaged Creationist written by Stephanie Kerstens photographed by Stephanie Kerstens

orn and raised in the Rose City, Dirty J views the streets of Portland as his personal artistic haven. Walking the streets of his hometown is often all it takes to get his creative juices flowing. He first began showing his work in the local Portland art festival scene. As the crowds flowed by, he listened to every bit of criticism received from passing artists and potential customers. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and customers began to seek him out by name. His confidence surged as his style began to evolve and ultimately cemented into the artwork that he is producing today. He says, “When people hear my name, I want them to know that I came from this beautiful city. I want my artwork on the walls of my hometown.” Dirty J has been drawing longer than he can remember. As a quiet kid, he found that drawing was his ultimate outlet and form of self-expression. He recalls with a smirk how his teachers often reprimanded him as a young child for constantly drawing morbid artwork on everything he could get his hands on. As he grew older, his love of drawing never ceased. As an adult, he explored other forms of artwork. He realized he’d found his true calling the moment he picked up a paintbrush. What started as a hobby several years ago has evolved into an undying passion. There isn’t a day that goes by where he doesn’t dream about his artwork, map out his plans for future pieces, or spend hours immersed in his paintings. “When I paint, I feel weightless and free. 74 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

As for now, Dirty J pushes himself to create deeper, more meaningful work with every piece of art that he completes. His signature designs are created by painting something raw and recognizable, and then leaving it dripping and oozing with color and chaos. His art is an extension of himself, his deepest thoughts, and he wants nothing more but to share it with the world. His artistic passion can be summed up in one statement: “Art is my mistress. She consumes me. She is my light and I pursue her every day. Art is who I am.”

ÜÜInstagram: DIIRTYJ

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JOE FINKBONNER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 65 What do you wish more people knew about American Indian health care? Many things! One example—I think there is a general misunderstanding that the Indian Health Service is free. What people often don’t fully comprehend is that there are hundreds of treaties that have been signed with tribal leaders in exchange for land that was owned by tribal people. As part of those treaties, the Federal Government promised to provide health care and education. Those promises have not been kept. I am sure there is not a single person living in America today who would feel like it would be okay if that happened to them. You hear people say over and over that this is ancient history and that we should just “get over it”. I seriously doubt if someone was buying a house and they just stopped making payments the bank would just “let it go”. We have mortgaged the United States, and the health care systems and education systems are those payments that the Federal Government is supposed to provide to our tribes and their citizens. There isn’t anyone I know who would let someone else off the hook for promises that were made to that extent.

interview

money to come up with first, last and deposit. We always had a place to stay, whether it was with grandparents, or aunts and uncles, or “family” that is not blood family - the people you grew up with. Anyway, in the tribe, you are all related in one form or another, if you look back far enough in the family tree. This experience has made me who I am today. What are some examples of common health issues that NPAIHB’s programs address? There is a lot of emphasis on preventing diabetes, stroke, heart disease and cancer, as well as health maintenance strategies such as managing a healthy weight, staying up to date on immunizations and practicing good oral hygiene. Indian health care is integrated, and the providers talk together about what is best for the patient, rather than just silo-ing an individual’s health care— going here for medical care, going elsewhere for dental care, and going a different place altogether for mental health care or substance abuse management. It’s a system that the United States as a whole could learn from.

You are a member of the Lhaq’temish, a part of The Lummi People. What can you tell us about your heritage?

How do NPAIHB’s programs interface with Federal health programs, such as the Affordable Care Act?

That is a coastal Salish term for our people, our tribal name and a description of the people of that region. There were many villages that were tossed in under the title of the Lummi tribe. As treaties were signed and we were pressed to form a reservation and to establish our roles, many small villages were combined into a larger population and they called us Lummi. That’s typically how it is—if a group is called “The Confederated Tribes of Umatilla,” for example, that means numerous bands were consolidated into one commonly-known tribe.

We worked very hard to ensure that elements and principles that were a part of treaties were included in the Affordable Care Act, and did so successfully. The difficult part has been the implementation of it, because you have 50 states, and ideally all 50 would operate their own exchange, but many do not, for their own philosophical reasons. Oregon and Washington both have their own exchanges.

As far as my own experience of the Lhaq’temish tribe goes, I grew up near Bellingham, WA, on the reservation for a fair part of my life, and I also lived in Bellingham. I was raised by a single mom who did not have a college education. She took clerical jobs and we did not, by any means, live a lavish lifestyle. In fact, we were at poverty level most of the time. What I love about our people and our culture—it’s a sort of tongue-in-cheek joke—it’s said that if you’re part of a Native American tribe you’re never homeless. I have always felt that to be true. That’s really the way our people are. Growing up, we always had extended family who made sure that we had a dry roof over our heads when we were between apartments, when my mom needed to save

The Indian Health Service is completely different from the general health care system in the US. It was first established in 1954, and in it the Federal Government took responsibility for making sure tribal peoples are provided with health care. They did it primarily by building health care facilities on the reservations and offering primary care. When tribal members needed specialty care or hospital care, the Federal Government would purchase that from a separate pot of funds that was at that time called “contract health services” and is now called “purchased and referred care”. We are focused preserving that system. It really is an amazing system, because the bulk of the resources are put into public health and prevention. When you look at the average life expecCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

I don’t choose a path in life simply for my own gratification; I like to feel the work I do is meaningful. 75

AFM interview

JOE FINKBONNER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 75 tancy for an American Indian back in 1974, it was 47 years of age. If that were still true today, I wouldn’t be sitting here now! Since that time, through the Indian Health Service system, tribal leaders and health care providers have focused on public health infrastructure, sanitation, housing and immunizations, as well as on providing education about disease prevention and public safety. Now the American Indian life expectancy average is between six and seven years less than the general population. You can see it’s been quite successful! I think it would be even more successful if it weren’t under-resourced. We are at 60% of the spending of the general population. I think if our system was fully funded, we might not only meet the life expectancy of the general public, we might exceed it. Regarding the Affordable Care Act, we want to protect that system, because we think it’s valuable. Even when tribes began to take over operating that system, they largely continued the same principles. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act is a bill that was first approved in 1976, and it addressed specific aspects of Indian Health Services and what specific services were authorized to spend money on. We have worked a great deal to get that reauthorized and renewed. We were not very successful during the Bush administration, and when Obama was elected and began talking about devel-

oping the Affordable Care Act, we saw that as an opportunity to work on the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. What we thought was important in the Affordable Care Act was to honor some of the elements of the treaties and that Federal obligation. What are your hopes for the future? I hope for good health for everyone, but particularly the populations that I work with, our tribes in the Northwest. I’d love to see the health status of the American Indian population improve to be on par or above that of the general population. We have many people working together to produce results, and it is my hope that we will be successful. I’d like to see our tribal populations enjoying longer life and better health—they deserve it! AFM

ÜÜNPAIHB.org

Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) 2121 SW Broadway, Suite 300 Portland, Oregon 97201 (503) 228-4185 npaihb@npaihb.org

REGGIE LEE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39 When I’m off, I’m traveling the world. I’ve found my new place—Iceland. I’m going back this year and make a segway over to Greece. There’s so much in traveling that takes you out of your realm and grounds you. It makes you be present in the moment. There’s nothing else that focuses you like that.

a bowl of soup. (Laughs) Since then, forget about it, I love the seasons. I love this climate; it’s like Hawaii. It may pour and then it gets sunny. It makes our continuity shots crazy. One minute Hank is looking at me and then it’s pouring behind him and the next it’s sunny as hell. (Laughs) Grimm gets wilder every season.

Except acting? Except acting. By the way, a little Icelandic trivia: Bjork is not as popular in Iceland as she is here. (Laughter) Lots of other cast members are buying homes here. Have you? Photo courtesy of NBC Universal

I’ve considered it. Five years ago when you announced us on stage for the first season, I was, like, what is with this place? What is Portland? But my realtor told me there is such an influx south to Portland that the housing market is totally ridiculous, people wanting homes like crazy. If you’re going to buy a house, this is the place to have a house. Totally Americana. I just bought a house in LA, but who

knows, this place is so phenomenal, I may just end up buying here as well. Have you become fond of the drizzle? Well, when I go to New York I no longer use an umbrella. (laughs) There was one week in the first season, I was living on the 12th floor of my apartment complex in Portland, and it felt like I was living in

76 SPRING 2016 // ABOUTFACEMAG.COM

Yes, it does. We have nine very different, very diverse, three-dimensional characters. And our fans watch week after week because they are interested in every one of the characters lives. Every character is experiencing different things in their lives that our fans relate to. We’ve had such an incredible response from fans—they are still very active and engaged. And they’ve kept us on the air. Some Twitter followers including @TeamSgtWu worry you might be leaving the series. No one is ever safe on a show like this. That said, Wu is going to be a badass Wesen-hunter. Just you watch. AFM

ÜÜNBC.com/Grimm Clothing provided by Collier

AFM interview

SEAN GORES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50 people that live here. I do the same thing in my Salt Lake office as well. But in Portland, people definitely get to know you quickly. We don’t advertise, we don’t knock on people’s doors, and you don’t see us all over the radio or billboards. Everything we do word of mouth, and that creates enough work that we’re about a year or two out on all of our work. What other numbers can you tell me about your business? Is Gores Construction growing? We are in a big growth spurt, and have been for the last 10 years. We’ve already beat last year’s sales by the third month of this year. Our sales are very strong, and we don’t have problems getting work. Our projection for the end of 2016 is that we hope to be about 400 employees strong in both states, and by 2017 we’re going to be over 500. Did you just recently relocate offices? We did. We were in a lease in Milwaukie, but the place was too small for us at about 10,000 square feet. We just purchased a 19,000 square-foot building and rehabbed all the interiors, so we will

be able to add a lot more space for ourselves. That’s about 6,000 square feet of office space, and the rest is warehouse. It’s in Milwaukie, so it’s easy for us to get downtown when I have to go in for depositions or litigation support. I can also get all over the northwest from that side of town, so it makes it easy for us. We have projects right now in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Utah. Our Utah office is just going crazy, and in 2017 we’re looking to expand into Denver. What else would you like to tell the readers about your company? The biggest thing is that we’re not a new construction contractor, and we’re not a remodeling company. We’re in a very unique niche market that I regonized and created in 1998. When I first went into business I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would have this many employees, offices, and equipment. I love helping people in distress in doing so, raising the standards in the construction industry. If it means I’ve got to spend several days fighting for your right to recover your loss through litigation, that’s what I will do. AFM

ÜÜGoresInc.com

PAUL CULP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 62 stars in there but they don’t act like rock stars. They’re kind of introverted, cool, easygoing people who just really care about what they do. You get enough of those people in a room and it’s pretty fantastic. What’s the future of gaming in Oregon? That’s a good question. We recently started a trade organization called the OGO (Oregon Games Organization), and united all the game companies. So instead of being part of the OMPA (Oregon Media Production Association), which lobbied for film incentives, we broke off. We’re still members of OMPA, and we love those guys but we started one specifically for games through the Technology Association of Oregon so we could have a lobbyist of our own. The goal of OGO is to help pass legislation in Salem that will give us more incentives and make Oregon a little friendlier for game development. So that’s the industry side. On the more creative side, it’s clear that the type of work that comes out of Oregon is different than anywhere else. So in film you’ve got your auteur filmmakers from Portland, Oregon, and there’s a funny style or sentiment that comes out of here. Same thing with the writers and musicians. There’s an amazing music scene here. Oregon game developers kind of have their own thing here as well, and what we do is different than anything you would see in San Francisco or Seattle. It’s very Portland, Oregon-centric.

What’s on the horizon for SuperGenius? We’ve become kind of the go-to studio for virtual reality and augmented reality games and experiences. We work with lot’s of VR and AR companies including Microsoft’s Hololens division and Oculus. Our goal is to pioneer this space as much as we can and stay on the cutting edge of the technology. We’re going to see the entertainment world change drastically over the next decade because of it and the thought of SuperGenius and Oregon in general being in the vanguard is super exciting to me. We’re in a very unique time and place right now. What advice do you have for a 17-year old kid interested in video games, as they think about their senior year in high school and what their next move might be? Don’t drop out of high school. Practice with all the software out there. It’s available to everyone. The Internet is full of tutorials. There’s so much more help now than we had in 1995, because the game engines are free to tool around with. There are games to mod. Get in there and just start figuring out how that universe works because some of the best people were self-taught in high school. It doesn’t take a college degree to do what we do. We’re trying to grow and hire, so if you’re talented we want to talk to you. AFM

ÜÜSuperGeniusStudio.com 77

WASHINGTON METRO NEWS

CAMAS, WA

VANCOUVER, WA

by Carrie Schulstad

by Veronica Dempsey

Welcome to Downtown Camas

Third Fridays @ Burnt Bridge Cellars

Want to know more about this little town across the river? We have new Downtown Camas videos that convey the charm, amenities, and people of Downtown Camas. Really fun and artful to watch! People say they are surprised when they visit for the first time and find out all that downtown offers so these videos give you a preview of what awaits. From a quick “Welcome to Downtown Camas” video to ones that show all that you can do on a Friday, a Saturday, or a Sunday, you get a real glimpse of our fair town. To experience the videos and to learn more about this quaint historic experience, visit www.downtowncamas.com. Hope you enjoy!

Fresh & Fun Come Together

A small town farmer’s market that celebrates healthy food, knowing your farmer, and the value of community engagement happens every Wednesday from 3-7pm in Downtown Camas starting June 1st. In its 8th year and now firmly part of our town’s fabric, the Camas Farmer’s Market brings freshly harvested seasonal produce, flowers, natural products, and a hearty variety of prepared and hot foods to downtown each week. Kids age 3-11 can do a healthy eating activity and receive a $2 Produce Pals token to buy their very own fruit or veggies from a farmer! Monthly specialty events such as Berry Days, Veggie Derby, and the Harvest Festival add to the joy of it all. www.camasfarmersmarket.org

(1500 Broadway) Enjoy award-winning wines and delicious food pairings every Third Friday from 4 to 8 pm at downtown Vancouver’s premier urban winery. May’s lineup features local artist Jean Schwalbe, classical guitarist David Tutmark and local eatery Ember & Vine serving up smoky, wood-fired eats. For more information, contact Burnt Bridge Cellars at info@burntbridgecellars.com or call (360) 695-3363.

Wine Tasting @ Niche Wine Bar

(1013 Main Street) Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver this cozy space features 30 wines by the glass and 160 bottles for purchase. Niche’s monthly events include the Ghost Town Poetry and Music Jam every fourth Saturday from 3 to 5 pm, the Vancouver Cheese Board hosted by Chef David Hickenbottom, and the Niche Bubbles Club. For more information, contact Niche at nichewine@gmail.com or call (360) 980-8352.

First Friday

First Friday in Downtown Vancouver is that authentically and cool place you always wanted to discover. Tons of great food, live music in some of downtown’s coziest spots, fabulous art to experience throughout….and it’s all laid out with a guide map found at: www.vdausa.org/firstfriday-downtown/. Blue pinwheels (a national symbol of child abuse prevention) will be ‘grow-

ing’ in downtown gardens in celebration of the Children’s Justice Center and their outstanding work with kids. 10th anniversary of downtown fine art gallery ‘Art on the Boulevard’. Check out the HOT SHEET!

Beer in the Couve

Vancouver has beer in its DNA. Home of the old Lucky Lager Brewery, the younger set has come back to its city center to bring the beer on in a fresh new way. It’s easy to take an informal tour…tasting as you go? Downtown favorites? Don’t miss Loowit Brewing (www.loowitbrewing.com) with live music every evening, brand new Tap Union Free House in the historic Luepke Station at 1300 Washington (www.facebook.com/Tap-UnionFreehouse-1147381238611089), and Old Ivy Brewery and Tap Room (108 West Evergreen Blvd) www.oldivybrewery.com. Lots more to enjoy. Check out Brewcouver Passport at www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=brewcouver

Vancouver Community Library

This isn’t your grandmother’s library. Vibrant, dynamic and welcoming to lifelong learners of all ages, this new building is full of stuff you want to do, know, and experience. 906 C Street, 98660. Events? All the time. All sorts of topics. Fall in love with reading, art, open access, great coffee (thanks to Thatcher’s Coffee…local with a side of delicious baked goods), and enrichment. www.facebook.com/Vancouver.Library

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VANCOUVER, WA

Continued

Haunted Walking Tours

Bring your goosebumps and a trusty flashlight for the Clark County Historical Museum’s haunted walking tours of downtown Vancouver! Tours start at the museum. The $10 tours are at 7 – 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in October (except Halloween). Reservations required. www.cchmuseum.org

First Friday Downtown

Every first Friday of the month throughout the year, participating art galleries, merchants and restaurants in downtown Vancouver open their doors to celebrate opening night of various art exhibits. Live music and citywide receptions welcome all!

Second Saturdays

Each second Saturday of the month at the Water Resources Education Center, from 1 to 3 p.m., kids and their families are invited to explore for free a different topic through hands-on activities, games and stories. Create bird feeders and other crafts. Make a piece of art from reused materials! www.cityofvancouver.us

Lantern Tours

Visitors will experience historical vignettes with costumed living-history interpreters, including graduates of the park’s Youth Volunteer Programs. Each tour ends with a cup of hot cider. Tours start at the entrance gate to the reconstructed Fort Vancouver, 1001 E. Fifth St. All tours start at 7 p.m., Oct. 24, Nov. 14, Nov. 28, Dec 5, Dec 19, Jan 9, Jan 23, Feb 6, Feb 20. www.nps.gov/fova

Living History On the first Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War by joining costumed reenactors on the grounds of historic Vancouver Barracks portraying members of the Civil War-era 1st Oregon Volunteer Cavalry. Living History activities may include black powder demonstrations, mounted and dismounted cavalry drills, encampments, and and scouting formations from the Civil War era in the Pacific Northwest. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (1501 E Evergreen Blvd.)

Air Museum Every Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. come down to historic Pearson Field to experience the Fort Vancouver National Trust’s Pearson Field Education Center (201 Reserve Street). This free educational experience is open to the public and features our Flight Simulator Lab, vertical wind tunnel, glider-building station, historic airplanes on-site for viewing, collections on display, and various ongoing educational programs that will propel students of all ages into the wonderful world of flight. Come and experience the Golden Age of Aviation at the first airport in the Pacific Northwest and one of the oldest continuously operating airfields in the country.

Farmer’s Market The market is Southwest Washington’s #1 visitor attraction and home to over 250 vendors. You’ll discover fresh and local produce, flowers, plants, baked goods, delicious food, pet treats, and accessories for yourself, home, or garde n. The Vancouver Farmers Market (8th & Esther St.) is a pet-friendly place where you can chat with people who have grown or created your purchase, grab a bite to eat, listen to music, stroll through the park, watch the kids play, and enjoy a wonderful, relaxing day. Saturdays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. until the first of November.

Upscale Boutique That Gives

Purchase beautiful clothes that profit the community! bDivine Clothing Boutique (904 Main St.) is an upscale resale clothing boutique where all proceeds support Gifts For Our Community, a nonprofit organization. They provide resources for our community in the area of human services, education and the arts. They also consigns high quality and fine jewelry, and a certified gemologist is available to assist in valuing consigned pieces. Go to their website for a list of new arrivals. www.bdivineclothing.org

Know Your Coffee

The team at Compass Coffee knows where their coffee comes from. They strive to know each and every farmer whenever possible. Their focus is coffee as culinary from greens to cup. Through careful direct sourcing, Compass Coffee acquires unroasted coffee from the top 0.1% of the coffee market. It is carefully, intently roasted, 6 pounds or less at a time. They roast five days a week in small batches, making it easier to control quality and freshness. When the coffee reaches their shop, it is in the hands of some of the most capable baristas. Try it at either of their downtown locations, 1304 Main St., or 817 SW Washington St.

PORTLAND METRO NEWS SW

DOWNTOWN PDX

MISSISSIPPI

by Justin Fields

by Whitney Davis

Major Downtown Developments

‘Slate’ Replaces Equinox Restaurant & Bar

From the waterfront to Voodoo Donuts and beyond, proposals for numerous new buildings within Portland’s Central Business District are in the works. Downtown Development Group LLC and its affiliates have an ownership interest in more than 1,500,000 square feet of retail, office and warehouse space, in addition to 28 parcels of shovel ready, developable land. As owners of the company, the Goodman Family has been investing in Portland commercial real estate since 1955. The Goodmans now stand poised to invest $1.5 billion in Portland retail, office space and housing. Five of the buildings in what is being called the “Ankeny Blocks” could rise higher than most of the tallest buildings in Portland. For that to happen, zoning plans downtown would have to be changed to allow higher skyscrapers.

The Grove Hotel Renovation Major changes are becoming more and more evident at the Grove Hotel on W Burnside, as renovation and seismic upgrade of the existing building gets well under way. Located in the heart of the Old Town/ Chinatown Neighborhood, the 2,800 square foot building and it’s iconic marquis have been anchors of the area since 1904. The renovation is a partnership between Naito Development, Eagle Point Hotel Partners, and Filament Hospitality, and includes construction of a new 99′ tall tower to replace the existing theater addition. The architectural design by Portland based Surround Architecture with New York based Studio Tack serving as design consultants, will include the main entrance and retail space at ground level, a 9th floor rooftop restaurant, and a basement level “speakeasy”.

An original and celebrated landmark in the North Mississippi Avenue food district, Equinox Restaurant & Bar closed its doors this past March. Taking a fresh approach to the Portland restaurant scene, co-owners Tara George and Michele Stultz present Slate. Occupying the same location as Equinox at 820 N Shaver, Slate is led by former Farm Café executive Chef Kelly Weiss and features a beautiful outdoor patio, a farm-fresh and locally sourced menu, and sophisticated, pre-prohibition inspired cocktail program. For a romantic dinner or casual cocktail, visit Slate for a new culinary experience!

Mississippi Ave Street Fair The Historic Mississippi Ave Business Association presents the 2016 Mississippi Ave Street Fair on Saturday, July 9th from 10 am to 9 pm. This annual event is free to the community and showcases local products, artisans, crafts, and delicious food. Enjoy thirty-two bands performing across five stages, enter the rib eating competition, and stay refreshed and hydrated at the beer garden. Don’t miss this great opportunity to support Portland’s unique neighborhoods and diverse local businesses! For more information and to view a complete music lineup and fair schedule, visit mississippi.com/streetfair.

‘Coppia Bistro’ Grand Opening

The Mississippi Ave Business Association welcomes a new addition to the Portland food scene. Located at 3928 N Mississippi directly across from Mississippi Studios and Bar Bar, Coppia Bistro offers a delicious spin on classic Italian favorites. With a sister location in Portland’s Pearl District, Coppia celebrated its Mississippi Ave Grand Opening this past March. Chef Adam Ruplinger’s menu showcases farm-fresh and local ingredients, bringing a sophisticated approach to traditional cooking. Invite your friends and family, savor a decadent flatbread or savory entree, enjoy an exceptional selection of wines, and experience the elegant atmosphere of Coppia Bistro!

2nd Thursdays

Hosted on the second Thursday of every month, this exciting event showcases local artists, businesses, and restaurants in the Historic Mississippi district. Explore the area’s eclectic boutiques, savor delicious hors d’oeuvres at one of the many local eateries, and enjoy the unique and creative atmosphere of one of Portland’s most celebrated neighborhoods. Meet new people, support local artists, add a new piece to your personal collection, or surprise that someone special with a one-of-a-kind gift!

Live Music at Mississippi Studios

Experience Portland’s diverse music scene in a beautiful, state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Historic Mississippi. Featuring a unique section of local, national, and international artists, Mississippi Studios offers show-goers a front-row experience, delicious menu, two full bars, and spacious outdoor heated patio. To view a full listing of upcoming events, visit mississippistudios.com

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PEARL DISTRICT

PDNA NEWS Staff Reports

Pints in the Pearl (NW 13th & Everett) The Pearl District Business Association is proud to present the inaugural Pints in the Pearl craft beer festival on Saturday, June 4th. This one-day event is open to all ages and features live entertainment by The Weather Machine and local American Idol contestant Hayley Johnson, food tasting, cornhole, and delicious craft beers from 10 Barrel Brewing, BridgePort Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, and Fat Head’s Brewery. Tickets for this event are $20 and include a limited edition stainless steel pint and three $5 tokens. For more information, visit pintsinthepear.com.

Annual block party September 9th - The Pearl District Neighborhood Association hosts the Pearl Party, its annual street party and fundraiser, every year on the second Friday of September, closing off one block of historic NW 13th and enlisting a live band and local restaurants to create a special Pearl District experience. To fund its activities each year, PDNA relies almost entirely on contributions from individuals, condos/ apartments, businesses and community organizations in the Pearl. This year’s fundraising goal for PDNA is $15,000 — all to support projects that enhance the livability of the Pearl District. Everyone is welcome and admission is free, so join us this year for a fantastic evening of friends, food, wine and music! September 8, 5-9 pm, NW 13th Ave and Hoyt. For more information contact Bruce Morrison at fundraising@pearldistrict.org

MULTNOMAH VILLAGE SW

Neighborhood Associations Are you looking for ways to be more involved in your community? Do you want to meet more of your neighbors and work with a team to effect positive change in the place you live or work? Portland’s neighborhood associations are unique and effective because they are sanctioned by the city of Portland and supported by the Office of Neighborhood Involvement. Portland has 95 neighborhoods organized into 12 coalitions and each association responds to the particular character and context of its location, history and demographics. Anyone who lives, works or owns property in the Pearl may join the neighborhood association. Visit us at www.pearldistrict.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, then join us at one of our many monthly meetings!

Polish the Pearl Round Up PDNA’s spring Polish the Pearl raked in some impressive numbers! • 81 participants • 64 bags of trash and recycle weighing an estimated 1280 pounds each • Peet’s coffee provided free coffee for 51 people. At $1.90 per person, that’s a $96.90 total donation! • Rogue brewery provided dining room space, pizza, salad, & beverages for 60 people, a generous donation of $495.50 total donation! • 57 raffle tickets were turned in for our prize drawing. Thanks to everyone for participating! If you have any questions about our bi-annual neighborhood cleanup, please contact Bill Dolan at livability@pearldistrict.org.

by Michael Walsh / Judith Pulman

Gallery Openings at the Multnomah Arts Center

Did you know that in addition to the hundreds of classes and community events each season, MAC has a gallery opening every first Friday? The biennial Youth Arts show, “Landscapes of the Mind” has a reception Friday, May 6 from 5 to 7 pm. In June, come see the art of Sine Morse, Jo Siddens, and Theresa Weil in “Intersection: Paper + Art” with a reception on Friday, June 3 from 7 to 9 pm. And in July, Cathleen Casey and James Halvorson have an opening reception for “soliphilia” and “Dictionary Habitat” on Friday, July 1 from 7 to 9 pm. The MAC gallery is dedicated to artists unrepresented artists of Oregon and SW Washington. Visit it Monday through Friday, 9 am – 9:30 pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm. Learn more: www.MultnomahArtsCenter.org

First Fridays in Multnomah Village

On the First Friday of each month from 5 – 9 pm, our friendly Multnomah Village neighborhood invites you to enjoy all that our local businesses and restaurants have to offer. Explore gallery openings at Village Frame & Gallery and the Multnomah Arts Center. Childcare is available at Riversgate Church from 6 – 8 pm. www.multnomahvillage.org And don’t forget about Multnomah Days on August 20, 2016! Experience the biggest little parade in the city, live music, hundreds of local vendors, and The Kids Zone at Multnomah Arts Center. www.multnomahvillage.org

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PORTLAND METRO NEWS SW

LAKE OSWEGO

WEST LINN

Staff Reports

by Whitney Davis

Trios Studios: Northern Lights in Stone

New City Manager

Mary Wong and Kathe Mai, co-owners of Trios Studio present Madeline’s legacy collection of Yowah Matrix and Boulder opals July through August. The mattric opals are from Yowah, Australia. Opal is a gemstone that has no equal. Its’ great beauty makes it one of the best known and popular of all gems. The most prized examples flash neon lightning in a full spectrum of colors. “I was fascinated with opal growing up in Alaska. To see the Northern Lights captured in a gemstone was absolutely magical,” says Deborah Spencer, co-owner of Trios Studio. “Later I became a designer/goldsmith and met Madeline Owens who was an opal dealer from Yowah, a tiny opal mining community in Queensland, Australia. I eventually got the opportunity to travel to Australia and saw opal mining first hand. Trios will present. “I love working with matrix opals. The vibrant colors are unmatched and they are actually more durable than traditional opal for rings. The freeform shapes are really fun to design around, so each finished piece is totally unique,” adds Mary, “Everyone is invited to come and discover why we are so pleased to be able to share this collection.” What: “The Dreamtime Opal Collection” When: July through August Where: Trios Jewelry Studio 3 Monroe Pkwy. Ste. I Lake Oswego, OR 97035 503-496-1285 www.TriosStudio.com Hours: Tuesday thru Friday 10:30 – 6pm Saturday: 10:30 -5pm

tainment by The Touchables, great food, face painting, a jumpy house, and dancing in the streets. Bring your chair, your favorite dancing shoes, your friends and family and come celebrate what makes the unique community of West Linn fabulous!

The City of West Linn is excited to introduce its new City Manager, Eileen Stein! Ms. Stein brings over two decades of experience serving in local Oregon government and is admired throughout the communities she serves for her strong problem-solving skills, close attention to detail, and commitment to community engagement. Ms. Stein is a graduate of University of California, Irvine and has previously served as the City Manager in Mt. Angel Oregon for three years and the City of Sisters for eleven years. In addition to her new role as West Linn City Manager, Ms. Stein serves on the Board of Directors for the League of Oregon Cities. Welcome, Eileen!

60th Annual West Linn Old Time Fair

Experience the City of West Linn’s signature summer extravaganza at the 2016 Old Time Fair hosted in the beautiful Willamette Park July 15th-17th. This exciting 3-day event attracts more than 13,00 visitors and features a carnival, parade, beer garden, food vendors, exhibitors, and more! Featuring live entertainment by local artiss including Misterie Box, the Clackamas Community Band, Andromeda Sun, Jessie Leigh, and the Youth Music Project, the West Linn Old Town Fair is a good time for the whole family! For more information, visit westlinnoregon.com/oldtimefair for a complete music lineup and schedule of fair events.

Take Care of West Linn Day!

Join the West Linn Parks & Recreation Department on Saturday, May 14th for an exciting day of volunteering and community engagement. Lend a helping hand, promote the value of volunteerism, and show your community pride by working on projects to help maintain the exceptional quality of life in the West Linn neighborhood. Available volunteer opportunities include park improvement projects such as trail maintenance, community landscaping, invasive species removal, natural area cleanups, tree planting, and more! This event begins at 9am and will be followed by a volunteer appreciation barbecue at Mary S Young Park at 12pm. For more information, contact Ken Warner at (503) 557-4700 or via email at kwarner@westlinnoregon.gov.

Music in the Park

The City of West Linn Parks & Recreation department presents the return of its summer concert series Music in the Park! This event features wine and beer sales from Pete’s Mountain Vineyard & Winery, delicious Vietnamese and Southern fare from La Sen and Right Bayou Cajun Cookin’, Sharkbait Hawaiian Shaved Ice, kettle corn, and more! The West Linn Music in the Park series takes place Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 in Tanner Creek Park and runs July 21st through August 25th. The 2016 lineup includes Cloverdayle on July 21st, the Curtis Salgado Band on July 28th, The June Bugs on August 4th, Sabroso on August 11th, Wil Kinky on August 18th, and The Paul Creighton Project Stevie Wonder Tribute on August 25th.

2016 West Linn Street Dance

The Historic Willamette District presents the 2016 West Linn Street dance on Saturday, July 9th. This annual event features kicks off at 5pm and features live enter-

YOUNG’S J

DESIGN • RESTORATION • REPAIR