I was riding bikes along the Springwater corridor the other day with my friend Don, admiring the magnolia trees, children on trail-a-bikes and Willamette River Jet Boat Tours, when we got to talking about how “Portland” the whole scene was. Don is from Michigan, outside Detroit. In Michigan, he said, they don’t ever say, “That’s so Michigan!” There’s no readily-defined, self-conscious Michigan identity. The only thing people from Michigan have as a common keynote of identity is that they all do the hand-map thing to point out where they hail from in the state.

As a destination location that consciously crafts and sells its identity, Portland is different. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. In fact, I think it’s a good thing. We’ve got some civic pride. But sometimes it can border on self-parody. Today I found out about the most Portland event ever. Portland-identity keywords are bolded.

First of all, I found out about this event on the mayor’s Twitter feed:

On Sunday, April 11th the folks at Artist Mentorship Program (AMP) bring you yet another fun and creative way to support your community. Some of Portland’s best tattoo studios are opening their doors and donating all proceeds of that day’s masterpieces to AMP’s Summer Scholarship Program. Through the program, at-risk youth are mentored and instructed by professional local musicians. Working with the mentors and learning to express themselves through art helps youth gain confidence by building social and emotional skills.

So, yes, that’s the deal. Tattoos on April 11th for the children! For Portland! More details and participating shops here.

Sarah Shay Mirk reported on transportation, sex and gender issues, and politics at the Mercury from 2008-2013. They have gone on to make many things, including countless comics and several books.

5 replies on “Tattoos. At-Risk Kids. Mentoring. Yes, It’s Portland!”

  3. Although Portland has its share of quirks to be proud of, hearing the whole “that’s so Portland” phrase is generally a clue that one is about to be subject to yet another underinformed, tourist brochure comment on Portland.

  5. To me, the phrase “that’s so Portland” is pretty much the most severe dismissal I can volley at your food cart, bicycle or precocious craft project.

    Fifteen-member indie-folk band caterwauling twee singalongs for spare change in front of the exit at New Seasons while the displaced Street Roots vendor mopes about a few yards away? That’s so Portland.

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