Celebrating the day of love with an artful adventure: Romance & Creativity go hand in hand
Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or Friendship Day with your favorite pal or pet, there are options to do so creatively.
The Jenkins Estate is hosting a Valentine’s Day Paint and Sip event on 2/14 6:30-8:30PM for 57.00 in district/ 71.25 out of district. An instructor will lead you step by step through painting a masterpiece with your special person. There are adult beverages and soda available for purchase, and you can bring your own snacks. Go to thprd.org for more details.
Perhaps you’d like to surprise your sweetie with a handmade gift and card. The Village Gallery has you covered with a class in making Needle Felted Hearts on 2/7 from 10AM-12PM for 25.00. The same day from 3-5PM, the gallery will be hosting a free “Make A Valentine” event for all ages. Come for the hearts and stay for the cards. If you haven’t been by in a while, come to see the newly renovated classroom. Additionally, the gallery is planning an open house on 2/14, 3:30-5:30PM. Go to villagegalleryarts.org for more details.
A great Galentine’s event is being offered by AR Workshop in Orenco. At their “Candles & Watercolor Galentine’s Class” on 2/14 from 11AM-1PM you’ll create two handmade projects in one class. Pour your own custom-scented candle and paint a Galentine’s-inspired design. Instructors will guide you step-by-step, making it fun for beginners. The class costs 50.00. Go to arworkshop.com to learn more.
If making your own custom wood sign or tray while sipping champagne and listening to fun tunes with your girlfriends or partner sounds exciting, head to Board and Brush on Valentine’s Day for their “Pick Your Project” event with free champagne! Go to boardandbrush.com for more details.
If you and your pet are soul mates, then head to Forrest Grove to “Furever Love,” a pet themed makers market on 2/15, 11AM-4PM. Hosted by Zesti Food Carts, the event features pet-inspired gifts, treats, and artisan goodies in a pet-friendly atmosphere.
If the excitement of music, lights, and strolling hand in hand sounds like the right romantic spark for your holiday, then head to downtown Portland for the Winter Lights Festival. The free event, 2/6-2/14, offers over 200 art displays within walking distance in the downtown grid. Street music, costumed performers, and interactive experiences are everywhere. Plan ahead and make your own lighted costume to wear like many other festival goers. Go to pdxwlf.com for information regarding locations of the art, interactive map, and schedule of performances.
If staying home is your valentines jam, then grab some cheap canvases and paint or raid the kids’ arts and crafts drawer and do your own “sip and create” night. Paint each other’s portraits. It doesn’t have to be good to be fun, in fact, sometimes the worse it is the funnier it becomes.
Romance and creativity go hand in hand so spread the love! Remember to support the arts and artists in your community.
Amy Mower is a local artist and lifelong Beaverton resident. She is passionate about the future of the arts in our community.
