"Velvet Tiki" - Velvet Paintings by Juanita

Come by Emerson Space Case to see the fabulous and fascinating works of Juanita, the velvet painting queen!  In this series, Juanita explores the glorious kitsch of tiki aesthetics, paired with Day of the Dead imagery.  Also displayed are Juanita's marvelous painted velvet coats and pillows.

Juanita's paintings have graced the walls of Voodoo Doughnut (three locations!), Laughing Planet, and Portland Mayor Sam Adams.  She has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Oregon Art Beat, and "Black Velvet Masterpieces," a book of velvet paintings.

Living in Portland Oregon, Juanita loves to paint on black velvet. She keeps busy with commissions and has shows of her paintings throughout the West. She now paints on velvet coats, pillows, jewelry and paintings.  For commissions, contact her via her website.

As a sidenote:  Did you know that Portland was once home to an entire velvet painting museum (where several of Juanita's paintings were once displayed)?  Those of us who had the privelege of visiting Velveteria will never forget.

Li'l Orphan Art: A Showcase of Found Objects

If you haven't seen it, you missed it, because this blog post is late (sorry!), but in October we had a fine little showing of found art.  Those lovely and ugly things you can't resist at thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales.  We gathered things from our friends and put them all together in a tribute to the sincerity of orphaned art.

Big thanks to our contributors:
Chelsea Appel
Kristen Bilous
The Emerson House
Kendra Hadlock
Lettie Jane Rennekamp
Ilan Schraer
Swoops
Kevin Witmer
Benjamin Parrish & Amber Smythe


The show was curated by our resident owl sous-chef, Percival May.

(these chickens have real feathers attached!)

(all the way from Denmark)

Highlights from BEST SUMMER EVER

This post is quite belated, but here it is!  Lettie Jane Rennekamp and Amelia Pillow's BEST SUMMER EVER events were officially a success at Emerson Space Case.

Here are some photos to prove it.

First, here are some shots of Lettie's fantastic colorful paintings and exquisite hand-lettering which adorned our windows for the duration of the project.

And a bike wash in the hot hot sun of summer.  Perfect.

 

A bake sale as well, though it was more of a bake-share than a sale.  Lovely treats and joke-telling abounded.

BEST SUMMER EVER - happening now!

Lettie Jane Rennekamp wants you to have the BEST SUMMER EVER, so she has masterminded an art show with her lovely painting and illustration skills, and series of events here at Emerson Space Case!

In her words, "BEST SUMMER EVER is the idea that if we all put a little energy towards having a good time and enjoying the sunshine, our short, special summers here in Portland might last a little longer, and the sun might shine a little more."

Here's the schedule of events, all of which take place on the sidewalk & in the garden at Emerson Space Case on NE 30th & Emerson.  We hope to see you there!

BBQ

Thurs 8/25

6pm - 9pm

Come take refuge from the noise of Last Thursday!  Featuring homemade sausage by Jeff Garritano

LEMONADE STAND + gentle dog petting zoo

Saturday 8/27
noon to four

Bring the little ones for some lemonade and dog love.

BIKE WASH

Saturday 9/3
noon to four

We can wash some of the dirt and debris off people's bikes, pump up tires and grease chains (boy do I hate a squeaky chain). Possibility for other light maintenance.  We would welcome any maintenance help from folks who are bike savvy!

BAKE SALE / extravaganza

Saturday 9/10
noon to fourThis is less a bake sale and more a bake extravaganza. It is more about making treats and sharing them with your friends. Bartering, tipping and donating are strongly encouraged as we don't want bakers to feel that they are wasting their time or resources. However, the main benefits of this event will be a GOOD TIME, hanging out and sharing snacks in the neighborhood.

SURPRISE!

Saturday 9/17
noon to four
The last event in this BEST SUMMER EVER showcase will depend on the participation and excitement of the preceding events. Amelia and I have hatched a couple of giant plans and we will be feeling them out with you guys as the events progress. I do know that this event will be rad and summery. Hopefully, if all our good energy is going to good use September 17th will be hot and sunny. We will announce this event at the BAKE SALE one week prior. 

"Just To Tell You Once Again" - Art Inspired By Michael Jackson (now showing thru August 10)

lovely velvet paintings by Juanita

musical entertainment at the opening event!  (here's Stephanie Brachmann singing "Who Is It?")

James Dean Kindle doing "Muscles" (a Michael Jackson-penned song written for Diana Ross to sing)

Liberian Girl does "Ben"

Thank you Joey Edwards for taking photos at the event!

lithograph by Rita Alves