Portland Creates! 2017

We are just one month away from our second year of Portland Creates! It's hard to believe it has been a year already. So much work goes into this large event and we couldn't be happier with all of our talented participants. We've already had several artists coming in to get entry packets. This year is bound to be even bigger and better than last year. I'm excited to say that I've already been in contact with some of the school art teachers and will be dropping off packets at St. Pats and the High School this week. The Portland Federal Credit Union has already graciously donated funds for us to purchase prizes and they are hoping to host some art once again this year. A lot goes on behind the scenes and this event is coming up fast. 

In response to some of the feedback we received at the end of Portland Creates! last year we have decided to make some slight changes. 

1. The children's age group has been further divided into two age groups 6-9 years old and 10-12 years old. There will be 3 winners selected from each children's group

2. We have added judges! Instead of basing the winners on all popular vote we have decided to also add judges selections. This year each age group will have a Judges 1st and 2nd place and a peoples choice winner. The people's choice winner is selected by open public voting throughout the month of March.

3. Adult Participants will have the option to sell their submitted artwork. Those artists who are interested in selling will have a note next to their submission stating it is for sale. If anyone is interested in purchasing their submission we will provide them with the Artist's contact information.  The Portland District Library will take no part in the selling of any artwork. All sales are purely between the buyer and seller.

To help inspire our local artists for Portland Creates! this year, we have set up  a visiting artist workshop with Betsy ONeill!

The Library is offering this free workshop at 12pm on Saturday, January 21st. Betsy plans to bring some of her original artwork and talk about what inspires her paintings. She will be focusing on how to choose colors and setting up a composition. She will also give hands-on drawing tips and share various techniques.

Be sure to sign up in advance, as space is limited. Registered attendees are asked to bring a sketchbook and pencils.

Betsy is a self-taught artist who has been working with oil and acrylic paints for more than 16 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is currently working on a collection of colorful paintings inspired by Michigan towns and destinations based on fond memories and emotions. Betsy was recently awarded an honorable mention in the Grand Rapids Regional Art Competition. You may have also seen her work in Artprize 2016. 

Click here to visit her Etsy shop and explore more of Betsy's art or purchase prints 

Be sure to share this event with any artsy friends or family members, the more the merrier!

Happy Creating!