August 21, 2013 -- The “Art with Heart Walk” is a collaborative initiative hosted by the PDX Development Roundtable to showcase artwork of nonprofit agencies in downtown Portland. These organizations service some of our community's most at-risk adults, families, and youth who are struggling with extreme poverty, homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. Through artistic expression, people who struggle are able to find some peace in their times of transition, difficulty, and chronic hardship. Sam Haffey, Volunteer Coordinator for Transition Projects Inc. adds, “The opportunity to create art is a tremendous outlet for our clients, most of whom are coming from situations of instability or chaos. It is amazing how therapeutic the process can be in fighting depression, anger and hopelessness, all of which is crucial to our clients’ success.”
The Art with Heart Walk strives to give those on the margins of society an opportunity to share their talents and truly unique perspectives. Jessica Aleksy, Director of Marketing & Development for Saint André Bessette and liaison for the PDX Development Roundtable adds, “We are looking forward to another incredible partnership event. Collaboration is such an essential part of our work and our ability to offer hospitality and service – this is one very beautiful way that we can showcase that collaboration. We invite everyone to stop by our locations and enjoy what our community has to offer.”
On Thursday September 5th, from 6:00pm-9:00pm, in partnership First Thursday, the public is invited to participate in the Art with Heart Walk to view the incredible works of guests and clients of participating nonprofit organizations. Participants may begin at any of the participating agencies to pick up a map, an Art with Heart Passport, and begin the walk. (Participating Organizations: Transition Projects Inc with p:ear & PNCA - NW 6th & Irving, Sisters of the Road - NW 6th & Davis, Macdonald Center - NW 6th & Couch, Saint Andre Bessette Catholic Church with Luke Dorf & De Paul Treatment Centers - NW 6th & Burnside, Central City Concern with Street Roots - NW Broadway & Burnside, and Albina Community Bank - NW 10th & Glisan.)
The walk will be followed by a Post-Walk Reception at Backspace (115 NW 5th Avenue), where attendees will meet organization leaders and fellow participants, hear from authors and artists about local advocacy, and enter their passport to win raffle prizes.
For more event information, please visit the PDX Development Roundtable Facebook Page or email[email protected].
