Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Southwest Portland Post. (Portland, Oregon) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2011)
December 2011 FEATURES The Southwest Portland Post • 5 It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas in Multnomah Village By Polina Olsen The Southwest Portland Post Multnomah Village was beginning to look like Christmas, especially dur- ing November’s First Fri- day. As usual, the village celebrated the first Friday evening of the month with extended business hours, specials, wine, munchies and more. On November 4, lights shone, the street glowed, and stuffed ani- mals gazed from the win- dows at the toy store. We strolled along Southwest Capitol Highway to catch Jazz duo Ben Graves and Marc Hutchinson set the the air and check out the mood at the Geezer Gallery. (Post photo by Polina Olsen) fun. At our first stop, The Fat City’s $9.95 All You Can Eat Spa- Geezer Gallery, a crowd of all ages ghetti Special. (Kids under 12 eat free.) sampled wine and gorgeous plates of Instead, we took a break at Annie cookies that looked like artwork them- Bloom’s Books, filled as usual with selves. Jazz duo Ben Graves and Marc browsers quietly combing the shelves. Hutchinson set the mood. The gallery Store cat Molly Bloom, the successor to promotes accomplished elder artists. the late renowned Oscar Wilde, curled This night they opened an Iraqi artist’s up in the cash register out-box, as cats show called Unveiling: Farooq Haasan. will. “We call it the cat-basket now,” a Across the street, the Multnomah salesperson explained. Arts Center held several events starting O’Connor’s Restaurant and Bar was with passersby munching fruit, cookies jumping, Jules of Morocco looked ex- and cake around the comfortable lobby. otic, and customers sat stringing trea- Tonight featured the opening re- sures across the street at Village Beads. ception of the center’s instructor art Over at MonoGraphic Studio across show (runs through November 29). from the old post office, photographer This included finely crafted metal Lee Meier hosted his usual First Friday arts, textiles, ceramics and paintings. celebration. A group on comfy couches We paused to admire Carol Hupage’s by the fireplace enjoyed complemen- marvelous bright picture of the state tary wine and hors d’ oeuvres as they fair. In the next room, a row of women waited for the band to arrive. Meier from the Columbia Basin Basketry said, “It’s a chance to network with Guild (www.basketryguild.org) dis- other photographers, models, neigh- played exquisite baskets and demon- bors and friends. Doors open wider at strated their craft. The group meets 5 p.m. Bring a friend.” at the arts center the third Thursday If you missed November’s First Fri- of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 day, never mind, there are many more. p.m. Check their website for special Holiday Gala in the Village kicks off beginners classes. December 2 at 5:30 p.m. and runs all Moving up the street, Thinker Toys weekend. So forget the crowded malls. celebrated 17 years in business with a Find that special and original gift in sale. A human-sized (not giraffe-sized), the village. sweet-faced toy giraffe pointed the Join Santa for carriage rides, live way to complementary treats. Former music, caroling, and complimentary Multnomah Neighborhood Association treats. Expect door prizes, and cus- Chair Randy Bonella showcased his tomer gifts. Start Saturday with an 8:30 handmade wooden pens at the Village a.m. pancake breakfast at the Lucky Frame & Gallery. Priced between $20 Lab, a benefit for the Southwest Hills and $60, and using standard refills, Kiwanis Club. Remember, parking is they’d make an elegant and practical on the street and in the lower lot of the gift. Multnomah Arts Center. After all the cookies, we passed on Randy Bonella showcased his handmade wooden pens at the Village Frame & Gallery. (Post photo by Polina Olsen)