First Thursday Art Event

I got the best birthday present this year! Don took a day off work to stay home with Mom so that I could go to Portland for Danielle's art show at Urban Studios in the Pearl District. Several streets are blocked off in this area every first Thursday of the month to aid foot traffic during the evening hours. Businesses hire DJs and live music, serve appetizers and drinks, and throw open their doors to lure the browsing public inside to peruse the work of a selected artist. It's quite the festive affair!

Lots of time and thought went into the preparations. Yay for sisters and friends! Danielle repurposed slides into these clever business cards that are miniature art pieces in themselves.

Danielle had five wall sections to fill. This 10-section painting was one of six art pieces that she sold before the evening was over. She titled her show "Amidst Utter Chaos" and provided a random experience of media, emotion, and genre; something for everyone.

At 7:00 the doors opened and friends, coworkers, and complete strangers started to filter in. It was great to see people circle the two big rooms, often more than once, linger in front of their favorite piece, and reach for one of Danielle's cool business cards.

People schmoozed with the artiste...

...mingled amongst themselves...

...and danced to the music provided by a DJ. Deemed "Jersey Shore Guy" by Sarah, this character, minus his colorful cap, entertained us a couple times with some impromptu break dancing.

Halfway into the evening, this jazz band marched in and regaled us with some live music that kept even the wallflowers from holding still. At this point, the crowd more than doubled.

A beautiful evening, amazing people, inspiring art. What a great celebration! Congratulations Danielle!

(Check out Danielle's art at http://www.mongolouise.wordpress.com/)