COLORED PENCILS ART AND CULTURE NIGHT
A MONTHLY SERIES

Download a flyer for upcoming Colored Pencils events

America's immigrants have always unpacked new vitality and new possibilities. Colored Pencils Art & Culture Night is an effort to re-assert the cultural wealth of immigrants into newcomer and settled Portland.

Mark your calendars for Friday, February 27, and join artists and performers in an evening of culture and art at the Center for Intercultural Organizing office, 700 N. Killingsworth, Portland.

The first of its kind in Portland, Colored Pencils Art & Culture Night sets the stage for a monthly open mic and art show hosted by people from Asian, African, Arab Slavic and Latino backgrounds. Once a month, for as long as art matters, contributors from three forms of artistic expression, participants of every age and from everywhere, will perform or exhibit their work for the benefit of Portland. An international variety of food will be offered, along with lots of laughter.

The event is hosted by Colored Pencils Art and Culture and Center of Intercultural Organizing.

"So much humanity depends on the vision and vocabulary of every community's musicians, writers, painters and crafters. Portland has always been an energetic port city, a commercial crossroads of indigenous nations, idealistic settlers, and optimistic immigrants," says Polo, Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Coordinator for the City of Portland, Office of Human Relations and founder of Coloredpencils Art and Culture.

Co-sponsored by the Latino Network and the City of Portland's Office of Human Relations, Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, the event is open to people of all ages. Each month will also feature three organizations working within or among immigrant and refugee communities. This month's featured organizations are the Cambodian American Community of Oregon, Latino Network and Save Refugees (Iraq).

While the event is free of charge, event organizers are asking those attending to consider a donation to United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. United Way is launching a campaign to raise funds for agencies serving families and individuals most affected by the economic crisis. A donation box to United Way will be available at the door. 25% of the sales from art will benefit the Center for Intercultural Organizing.

There is still time for performers and artists from all communities to perform or show their works at the Colored Pencils Art & Culture Night. To find out how you can be in the spotlight please go to our website www.coloredpencilsbooks.com or contact Nim Xuto at 503-914-8170 or email coloredpencils.usa@gmail.com.