Arts & The February 4, 2015 Portland Observer Black History Month Page 19 Avalon Flowers 520 SW 3rd Ave., Portland, OR 97204 • 503-796-9250 Entertainment A full service flower experience Cori Stewart-- • Birthdays • Anniversaries • Funerals • Weddings Owner, Operator Open: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am til 5:30pm Saturday 9am til 2pm. Website: avalonflowerspdx.com email: avalonflowers@msn.com We Offer Wire Services Portland author Renée Watson will read excerpts from her new book about growing up in Portland at two upcoming library events. Upholstery Cleaning • Sofa/Loveseat • Pet Stains • Flood Restorations 5 0 3 - 7 0 5 - 2 5 8 7 2 Rooms + Hall 59 95 $ 109 95 $ Complete House Growing up Black Author shares book, poems and stories You’re invited to join author Renée Watson for the launch of her new book, “This Side of Home.” Watson, who grew up in Port- land and currently lives in New York City, will read excerpts from her novel and share poems and short stories - all about growing up black in Port- land -- during a book reading and poetry recital on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at the North Portland Library, 512 N. Killingworth St. Participants will have to opportunity talk to Watson and get their book signed during the event. An intergenerational writing workshop with Watson will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. at the Kenton Library, 8226 N. Denver Ave. Participants in the workshop will write poetry and prose using prompts and inspira- tion from the characters and scenes in Watson’s book. Watson has worked as a writer in residence for several years teaching creative writing and the- ater in public schools and com- munity centers throughout the nation. Black [genus, genesis, genius] Black artists and writers invite the community to join them for an opening reception for Black [ge- nus, genesis, genius], an exhibit of visual art, printed material, movement, and voice that honors and celebrates the intersection of interests, histories, and cultural productions from people of color in Portland. Hosted by Brown Hall PDX and the Black Creative Collective, the evening will feature art and read- ings from Akela Jaffi Auer, Turiya Autry, Samiya Bashir, Aasha Benton, Aisha Edwards, Diamond Furguson, Chris Fuzell, keyon gaskin, Jamondria Harris, Elijah Hasan, Lin Lucas, Nakeia R. Medcalf, André Middleton, S. Renee Mitchell, Sidony O'neal, Alex Riedlinger, Jonny Sanders, Sharita Towne, Tasha Triplett, and David Walker. The reception will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Collins Gallery at the Central Library,downtown. The gallery will provide space for the exhibition which runs through March 8 Advertise with diversity in T he Portland Observer Call 503-288-0033 ads@portlandobserver.com With Free Deoderizer We Also Do Janitorial Services Licensed • Bonded • Insured Carpet Cleaning Spot/Stain Removal • 24 Hour Flood Service Upholstery Cleaning • Area Rug Cleaning • Dry Time 2-4 Hours Free Estimates • Available Weekends