Recovery Panes Youtube Project

Bret Bernhoft (www.bretevan.com) collaborated with me to make a really cool little video that gives life to some of the Recovery Panes stories...check it out!

Possible City Hall show?

I met with officials from the Mayor's office at p:ear yesterday--they LOVED the exhibit, and are really interested in it. Planning a City Hall show for next spring! More details to come!

Kelly Williams & Recovery Panes, photographed by Catherine Chapman

Kelly with the finished Recovery Panes Exhibit--thanks for the beautiful photos, Catherine!

Closing Show..

Looks like you will all have a second chance to see the show.  P:ear is holding it over until it closes for the holidays in mid-December. 

The opening was a powerful experience.  Please join us for a Closing Reception... 
This TUESDAY..  November 30th, 6-9  338 NW 6th (Corner of NW Flanders)

The frames for all the 'panes' are done and beautifully at that.  I spent yesterday gluing magnets to the back of 167 art panels and tomorrow will check each one to make sure it has enough stick-um power.  There are a few minor changes to the catalog after previewing the proof, but otherwise it looks awesome.  All the prints are matted and bagged, ready for sale.  Only 4 days til it debuts...

Journal update.

Well, I have been working on the journal that will accompany the installation.  All the images and response writings have been formatted and included... THANKYOUSAM.   I have finally finished the introduction and directions for interaction.  Of course, I don't want them to be too long and I don't want to forget anything important.  Problem is, everything seems important to me right now.  8 days til the show opens.  I can't believe it. 

Friedrick

So my brother Lance, he loves birds that remind him of death. When I saw him for the first time for over a year, I was really happy to know he was alive and safe. It’s been over a month since he has disappeared without a word. And it freaks me out that he might have gone back to doing meth and end up in a gutter.

Recovery Panes Opening at p:ear!

The Recovery Panes Healing Arts Project will be opening at p:ear, 338 NW 6th Ave., on November 4th for its first show--we'd love to see you there!

Scrantz

Rednecker

David

Noa

Dave

Melvaton

I Self medicated in many ways.

In the end,

The best form of Self medication

I found was the exact definition:

            Learn Your Self.

            Love Your Self.

Trust in Your Self and the Universe that guides You.

Lorenzo

addiction

To women

Jennie

I chose what looks like simple things already pre-made, cheap ink-transfers. Like my memory.

I have been clean off meth for over 2 years.

Memories that still exist have been warped by time & drugs. My mother, Christine, passed away on February 10, 2008; of ovarian cancer; around 6 pm.

I should have quit before. While she was still alive.

The last she saw of me, Christmas 2007, I was coming down. This is my artistic insignia, since 2002; a photo of me on our last Halloween together.

Though, she is still here. I can never say enough: the most honest words:

“I am so sorry, mom.”

Marlina

I’m always trying to figure out the deal with addiction. Why? I have witnessed my dad getting high over prescription drugs and it burned a hole in my memory. I have experimented but found no joy or solace in it. My quest is ongoing. I feel that if I know why I will be able to get to the root of the issue and be able to weed out the parasites. This artwork represents my journey to my quest to find an answer. Experimenting with colours, texture, redoing over again until I finally kinda settled for something good enough. I might not find the answer but I’ll settle for some clarity.

Siobhan

This piece is about the aimlessness of addiction and how it crosses every path we choose to take. Although we are on our own path with intention, hope, goals and faith, we can never be on it alone. Addiction permeates through every relationship we have, imprinting its ugliness into each one.

I have felt so torn and powerless, watching people I love take the path of addiction. It’s heavy…feeling like you want to give them the world and not knowing how. I give so much of myself—time, resources, advice and yet all I end up feeling is walked on, used, and hurt. Like I’m being pulled in so many directions at once…beneath every person’s darkness there is fiery light.

It’s up to us to choose to see that beauty in everyone, no matter where they are on their path.

Thank you!

Now that our project is starting to wind down, we'd just like to thank all our supporters again--

R&F Handmade Paints has been incredibly supportive and helpful to the Recovery Panes Healing Arts Project by providing us with their fantastic encaustic paints and gesso for the participants to use. We are so, so appreciative of their donation--we couldn't have done it without you!

Our grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council made the entire project a reality--nothing would have happened if they hadn't helped us to get the ball rolling. RACC does incredible work, and we feel blessed to have had their help in this process.

Parr Lumber helped us out by donating boards for our participants to paint on--without them (as with the rest of our supporters) the project simply couldn't have happened. Thank you so much!


Along with these major supporters were a slew of individual contributions--too many to name here--but they are all equally and extremely appreciated. This project began as the vision of one person, but absolutely couldn't have grown to what it is today without all the support we have received. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the help, support, and exposure we've received throughout this project--the help has been invaluable in trying to strike down the stigma that surrounds addiction.

Kaylub

Kristi

Brandon

William

Yvette

Steve

Maria

Chloe

Transitions

The painting portion of the Recovery Panes Project is coming to a close and I am trying to get my poop in a group to start the layout of the book. IF all goes well, then I should be able to have a beautiful, professional book to accompany the installation. All the matching response writings will accompany the images.

If you have a desire to be a part of this project and want to do a 'Recovery Pane' to be included in the installation/book, please contact me for a time to come paint.

Impromtu short

After things were winding down last night, this super awesome chick whipped out a video camera and just started filming.  We were all just chatting and listening to some of her original music and she ended up filming a spontaneous short of the studio. 

Here is a link to the spontaneous video filmed last night at the Recovery Panes Workshop.

Time is running out....

Only a few more workshops are going to be offered, so if you haven't had a chance to make a Recovery Pane, make sure you don't miss one of the last few workshops being offered.

If you have a small group, friends, or family that you want to come make some panels with, then contact me and we can set up a private session.  I can accommodate up to 8 people per session.

I would love to work with you. 

Help out Portland City Art

I am proud to say that Portland City Art (PCA) is partnering with the Recovery Panes Project and will be launching the first show this October.  They do lots of incredible shows, but only with the help of community involvement.  How about we help them help us...

Here is a list of some dates that they could use some elbow grease...  Do you need some volunteer hours, do you want to be a part of the art scene,  or are you just handy and want to hang out with the cool kids?

Here is the letter sent out by PCA:

Hello!

This month, Portland City Art is partnering with PDX Bridge Festival for the innagural event of the summer!  We are their major art partner have a total of five openings in July alone! This Saturday, July 10th, from 2pm-7pm we have all three of our Pioneer Galleries opening.  The following Friday, July 23, from 7pm-11pm is our biggest and best show of the year is coming to Olympic Mills Commerce Center for the PDXBF kick-off party.  There will be performances, art, music, drinks, and more!

To make this all happen, we need your involvement.  If you've been hankering to "help-out," hang with some artists, get a sneak peak of the shows before the opening... NOW IS YOUR CHANCE.  Believe me, we can use all the hands on deck.

Below is what we need and when we need it!  Please email as soon as possible to let me know when and where you can help out.
Thank you for everything you do!

Best,
Ray

DATE    TIME   
DUTIES
LOCATION
July 7: TODAY!!    4pm-9pm    Painting/ Build-out    Pioneer Gallery (top floor of Pioneer Place Mall)
July 8: TOMORROW!    11am-6pm    Painting/ Build-out    Pioneer Gallery (top floor of Pioneer Place Mall)
July 9: Friday    11am-6pm    Hanging/Install Assist    Pioneer Gallery (top floor of Pioneer Place Mall)
July 10: Saturday    10am-2pm    Set-up    Pioneer Gallery (top floor of Pioneer Place Mall)
2pm-7pm    Gallery Assistants   
7pm-9pm    Clean-up   
July 14: Wednesday    3pm-7pm    Art Intake    Olympic Mills CC (107 SE Washington St. #167)
July 15: Thursday    3pm-7pm    Art Intake    Olympic Mills CC (107 SE Washington St. #167)
July 16: Friday    12pm-6pm    Art Intake    Olympic Mills CC (107 SE Washington St. #167)
July 19: Monday    4pm-10pm    Hanging/ Install Assist    Olympic Mills CC (107 SE Washington St. #167)
July 23: Friday    10am-3pm    Set-up/ Details    Olympic Mills CC (107 SE Washington St. #167)
3pm-6pm    Set-up/ Lights, Bar, Music   
6pm-11pm   
Alcohol Monitors (4)
Art Sales (4)
Bartenders (2)
Greeters (4)
Info Table (4)
11pm-1am    Clean-up   

POSTPONED...

This weeks Recovery Panes Workshop will be postponed until next week due to cancellations and the weather being too hot to fire up the torches.

Same time next week.  July 14th, Wed, 6:30-8:30...  please confirm with some contact info and I will save you a spot and give you directions to the studio. 

Only a few more workshops left....  

Your story could help someone realize they are not alone.

The next Recovery Panes workshop will be Wednesday, July 7th, 6:30-8:30 at my studio.  Only 8 spots available so make sure you contact me to reserve your spot and get directions to the studio.

Come make an encaustic art piece that will be part of a larger installation reflecting on how addiction impacts us individually and as a community.  After you make your art, write a response to reflect on the art that will be included in an accompanying journal.  You can be as anonymous as you choose, but please enter with authenticity and honesty and help change societies perspective to include the many variations of impact. 

SPONSOR a YOUTH

I will be at p:ear this next week to bring the Recovery Panes Healing Arts Project to them directly. p:ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth, ages 15 to 24, through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives. Each year p:ear programs serve more than 350 homeless and transitional young people.

If you are interested in sponsoring a p:ear youth to participate in the Recovery Panes Workshop, please donate ($50 per youth) by either sending it directly to Kelly Williams (Director of Recovery Panes)  801-A SW Green Ave, Portland, OR 97205 or hit the donate button on the blog and use paypal.

It is through the continued business support and community donations that are allowing this project to be brought to these wonderful organizations.  I will be offering them the opportunity to make an additional art pieces to sell at the p:ear gallery in order to raise funds for basic living expenses for the participating kids.  By selling their own artwork, they can feel empowered and move towards self-sufficiency and build self-esteem.

p:ear

I am volunteering at p:ear again today.  I start the recovery panes workshop series with them in 2 weeks.  Hopefully, I can get them excited and willing to participate .  The stories that these kids have to share are very important and I believe can teach us all. 

Addiction is a major cause of why these kids end up homeless.  But, there are so many variations of why that is the case.  Instead of statistics, I hope to see the truths from the kids that are so harshly impacted on a daily basis.

Well, I should be off.... 

keeping busy, trying not to freak out

Just participated in the NW Art Herstory show last Friday at the Olympic Mills Commerce Center through Portland City Art.  The opening was a blast, but if you missed it, the show is open all month.    Such a fun venue and great people to work with.  (107 SE Washington Ave).   Also,  OMCC is going to be the kick off venue for the first full showing of the Recovery Panes Healing Arts Project in October. 

I am very excited and a bit nervous about getting it all finished in time.  I seem to commit to lots of great things, it is part of what keeps me motivated, but there are days that I am honestly scared that I won't be able to pull it off.  Today is one of those days.  I know it will pass. 

My next open workshop is Wed evening the 16th of June.  Confirmation required because space is limited.  I am always open to private workshops , scheduled to your groups convenience, for the project if you have 5-8 people.  Workshops are free, but donations are appreciated.

Busy Day.

My Goodness.  I am not even sure what day it is.  I just finished a workshop in the Studio and the work was not only beautifully rendered, but the writing is incredible.  I continue to be stunned by the honesty and depth at which people are sharing their stories.

I haven't even finished reading all the writings from the Impact NW workshop from Monday.  Luckily Sam reads fluent Spanish and will translate for me.  Although I think I want to keep the original Spanish with the translation when we print.  It seems more honest somehow.

This morning Sam did an incredible job on her senior lecture and the display of ACMA student 'panes' in the first window was so cool to see.  The kids even went up and re-arranged them in the window after the lecture.  There were more paintings than spaces in the window, so it was cool to see the window change as different 'panes' were switched out and reorganized.  This is only the beginning.

Cedar House Media really came through at the last minute and printed a booklet with all the response writings accompanying photos of the paintings.  Sam was able to hand out copies for all the ACMA paintings/writings in full color.  Again, this is just the beginning.  To have a tangible booklet makes me realize how powerful a full, professionally done book will be if we can pull it together.

Impact NW is gonna get the hot wax treatment.

I am taking the Traveling Recovery Panes Set-up out to Impact NW.   Impact NW’s mission is to help people achieve and maintain self-sufficiency and to prevent and alleviate the effects of poverty. 

They also provide services to help those that are broken on the inside as well.  Trauma is a part of these stories, addiction has a massive impact, and hopefully, by bringing the encaustics directly to them, they will have an opportunity to tell their story and be heard.

The First Recovery Panes Window ...in Progress

Well, here is the handmade window frame, done by Mark Randall of Frame World.  It is backed in magnetic material and all the individual art is movable/re-arrangeable.  Just a few spaces left to fill in. 

I am really excited to see how the audience takes these very personal stories and makes it a community art piece. Every time we put our experiences together, we change the outcome.  We no longer stand alone.  The healing begins.

This will be displayed and lectured about at the ACMA (Arts and Communication Magnet Academy) on Wednesday, May 19th at 7:50am in the new Performing Arts Center Gallery.  It will continue to be on display for the remainder of the school year.  Sam Stidham,  my intern for the last year, will be giving her senior lecture and including the Recovery Panes Project. 

I am so proud of her and thankful for her incredible energy and perseverance over this last year.