First Thursday
July 2, 2009
www.explorethepearl.com

Art lovers, collectors, artisans, exhibitors and crafts loves can enjoy the art scene on the First Thursday of every month. Pearl District art galleries hold receptions and stay open later into the evening to launch new art shows and exhibits. Non-traditional venues also host public art exhibits such as retail clothiers, flower shops and private practice offices. First Thursday is a celebration of art and artists. In the Pearl District, art can be seen anywhere it is given a stage. First Thursday gallery opening receptions are generally free and open to the public. Receptions run from about 6 pm until 9 pm (actual gallery hours may vary).

For the past 25 years, the Portland home building community has come together for a special night that marks the beginning of the NW Natural Street of Dreams. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an evening of excellent food, live entertainment and great company, and thus far, this charity event has raised more than $1.2 million for 72 local charities.

For the first time ever, the event will take the NW Natural Street of Dreams’ lead and take place at several locations throughout the Portland Pearl District. You definitely will not want to miss this unique event, which offers you a sneak peek at this year’s show, the opportunity to support local charities and the best food and drinks Portland has to offer.

The main venue for the event is the Portland Center Stage. Additionally, each participating condo building in the show will host Pearl District restaurants in their lobbies and feature live entertainment, making the event like attending five parties in one.

The participating restaurants include Bay 13 Restaurant and Bar, Henry’s 12th Tavern, Palomino, Paragon Restaurant and Bar, and PF Chang’s China Bistro. Wines and beers from local wineries and breweries will be paired with the delicious foods that will greet attendees at each location.

This year’s benefiting charities include: John L. Scott Foundation, supporting the Legacy Emanuel Children’s Hospital, the Home Builders Foundation and Portland Center Stage.

The tickets to this event are $75 until July 1 and $100 thereafter. The early bird ticket price is $50 less then in years past. Please buy your tickets early as this event has sold out in prior years and, due to the excitement around this year’s urban show, will likely sell out early this year.

Goseeportland.com provides travel information from people you can trust…other travelers (or staycationers) who share your interest and preferences.

Check out the Pearl Pass guide on goseeportland.com!

Check out this great article about the 937 Condominiums by Brian Libby on his blog Portland Architecture. Two units from 937 (including the jacuzzi-stocked penthouse) will be included in the NW Natural Street of Dreams this August.

A diamond in the Pearl: visiting the 937 Condominiums

Bark and Bank Pooch Shoot
June 29, 2009 11:00am – 5:30pm
Umpqua Bank
1139 NW Lovejoy

You can deposit your pooch with the photographer, while banking, or just stop in for the mini portrait. 5×7 or 8×10 prints will be offered. Pictures are printed in fine art, archival paper.
5×7 prints are $45
8×10 prints are $65

www.poochinipetportraits.com
www.melodysaundersphotography.com

(ARA) – Glistening metal discretely mounted beneath acres of gleaming granite – clearly, this is not the utilitarian stainless steel sink your grandmother washed dishes in decades ago. Briefly deemed too industrial-looking by some designers to be included in contemporary, upscale kitchens, stainless steel is back, better and more beautiful than ever.

Stainless steel is again enjoying a place of honor in American kitchens. Here are six reasons to love stainless steel:

1. It’s ‘Green’

The trend towards “green” building and decor is still going strong, with more homeowners, builders and designers looking for materials and practices that will reduce a home’s environmental impact. Stainless steel fits the “green” bill because it is recyclable. And modern stainless steel sinks, are often made from recycled materials. In addition, stainless steel’s durability ensures years of use and beauty, minimizing the need to replace and discard older, worn out sinks – thereby keeping them out of the waste stream.

2. It Looks Great

Gleaming, clean-looking with elegant lines, stainless steel easily pairs well with a range of decorating styles – from modern to contemporary to country. Stainless steel sinks also develop character as they age. Scratches in your enamel or solid surface sink might spell the end for the fixture, but stainless steel develops a patina of small scratches over years of use, lending it a natural depth of character that can easily be cleaned and buffed to shine like new.

3. It’s Versatile

Versatility is as important as beauty in modern kitchen design, and new stainless steel sinks are more versatile than ever. With design options ranging from two- and three-bowl sinks and the ability to be mounted beneath countertops, to the capability of expanding a cook’s usable work space, stainless steel sinks afford wide adaptability. Extending countertop space is a popular feature, and sinks like Houzers Novus series meet the challenge with two sliding, removable platforms — one with an integrated drainboard — that are perfect for meal prep, staging and cleanup.

4. It’s Durable

Stainless steel is relatively light when compared to other sink materials, yet it offers strength and durability that ensure years of use when properly cared for. Modern styles achieve strength and a modern look without seams and mount well under the counter. Stainless is also easy to clean and naturally germ resistant.

5. It’s Budget Friendly

Whether you have the budget of a home improvement show or a more modest amount to spend on your kitchen renovation, you can find a stainless steel sink to fit your budget. It’s possible to find an affordable, modest stainless sink for a few hundred dollars. And designer sinks, sell at prices that compete credibly with high-end designer sinks of more trendy materials.

6. It’s Timeless

Stainless steel lends itself to the classic clean lines of many contemporary kitchen designs, lifestyles and tastes. Once a stainless steel sink becomes the showpiece of a kitchen, its versatility and durability ensure that multiple owners will be able to use and enjoy it for many years.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Our Architecture: A Retrospective of 150 Years of Oregon Architecture
Now – June 26, 2009
The Center for Architecture
403 NW 11th Avenue
www.oregon150.org

An architectural tribute to Oregon’s sesquicentennial, “Our Architecture” celebrates 150 years of significant architecture and provides a visual perspective on the development of Oregon’s communities.

The Pearl District has the highest walkability score in Oregon. Walkable communities tend to have the following characteristics:

A Center: Walkable neighborhoods have a discernable center, whether it’s a shopping district, a main street, or a public space.
Density: The neighborhood is dense enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to be cost effective.
Mixed income, mixed use: Housing is provided for everyone who works in the neighborhood: young and old, singles and families, rich and poor. Businesses and residences are located near each other.
Parks and public space: There are plenty of public places to gather and play.
Accessibility: The neighborhood is accessible to everyone and has wheelchair access, plenty of benches with shade, sidewalks on all streets, etc.
Well connected, speed controlled streets: Streets form a connected grid that improves traffic by providing many routes to any destination. Streets are narrow to control speed, and shaded by trees to protect pedestrians.
Pedestrian-centric design: Buildings are placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back.
Close schools and workplaces: Schools and workplaces are close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.

Find the walk score of your neighborhood at www.walkscore.com.

Tickets are on sale now and early birds will receive a $3 discount on tickets purchased now through June 15. Prices are $15 (peak times), $13 (non-peak times), and $10 for children 10 and under. Type in 3off in the discount code box on the website to receive your discount. Tickets also will be available at all local Safeway outlets and NW Rug locations beginning July 1. For information about bulk ticket discounts, contact the HBA at 503-684-1880.

METRO’S WALK THERE
June 14, 2009 9:00am – 1:00pm
REI Portland – 1405 NW Johnson

Metro’s WALK THERE
PORTLAND: PEARL TO PITTOCK HIKE*
9 AM TO 1 PM
SUNDAY, JUNE 14

Join Metro Council President David Bragdon on this 2.8-mile one-way hike, led by walking guru and author Laura Foster. The walk begins in the flats of NW Portland and gains over 800 feet as it climbs some of the city’s longest staircases through Westover Heights, a neighborhood with spectacular Cascade Mountain views. The return trip by way of NW 23 and 21 avenues, offers many places to eat and rest, and a total of 5.6 miles on your pedometer. *long distance, elevated terrain

Meet at Portland REI, 1405 NW Johnson at 8:45 AM. For more information call 503-813-7475.