Thurs, Nov 14, 7 pm
Cameron Showroom + Gallery, 723 NW 18th, 248-6701
$5 for BINGO cards
The Charm Bracelet has seen tough times. After being turned down for grant money, they were feeling a little mopey... then they had an idea. YOU is a collection of stories written by pretty much anyone who wants to. The topic is "someone who inspired you." This could be an artist, your wife, your psychiatrist, whatever. The best will be selected by a panel of artists, activists, and curators, and the inspiring tales documented in a book.
YOU is in the vein of earlier projects pursued by Charm Bracelet masterminds Brad Adkins and Christopher Buckingham, which tend to include collective participation from the community. For example, Meeting People was a mural created by distributing small blocks of wood to be decorated individually, by whomever's hands they fell into. The result was an enormous arrangement of squares featuring the artwork of hundreds, and it was accomplished largely by word-of-mouth. Adkins has also been distributing "Warmest Wishes" cards that read "Dear Brad, sorry to hear that things haven't been working out. Best of luck with your future endeavors. Love..." The recipient is then supposed to sign it and mail it back to him in the addressed envelope provided.
To help fund YOU, the Charm Bracelet is hosting a BINGO game! (Yeah, screw grants!) This should prove to be a hilarious event, considering the image of church ladies chain-smoking Virginia Slims that many people associate with BINGO. Far from the geriatric scene, this will be an opportunity to hobnob with some of Portland's most interesting and little-known artists, drink, dance, and play a fun/funny game. The best part is that if you play your BINGO cards right (sorry), you could win art!
About twenty artists have donated their work to be won as prizes, and if you wanted, you could even go down beforehand and scope out what you'd like to win. Included works are hand-blown glass, paintings, illustrations, prints, photographs, and clothing and accessories. You're sure to find something you like, pick up a BINGO habit, consume free food and beverages, and help support and contribute to Portland's flourishing arts community. MARJORIE SKINNER
