Picture of the Week

Portland's Waterfront Park last weekend.

Astronomy Day at OMSI

Saturday, at OMSI, is Astronomy Day. Visitors will learn about meteorites, constellations, universe and telescopes.

Astronomy Day 2009 is a world-wide event designed to promote International Year of Astronomy 2009. Local astronomy representatives will be at OMSI during the celebration, including the Rose City Astronomers Club, Oregon Parks and Recreation, Vancouver Sidewalk Astronomers, and more.

According to wikipedia, this event was started in 1973 by Doug Berger, the president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California. His intent was to set up various telescopes in busy urban locations so that passersby could enjoys views of the heavens. Since then the event has expanded and is now sponsored by a number of organizations associated with astronomy.

Photo by Tony Rowell / Astrophotostore.com

First Thursday Art Picks

Below is our list for interesting exhibits for this months' first Thursday art walk.

Art Institute of Portland, 1122 NW Davis St - Top Green Projects: an exhibit of sustainable architecture and green design solutions as recognized by the American Institute of Architects and its committee on the Environment.

Bullseye Gallery, 300 NW 13th - Glassworks by Steve Klein and Michael Rogers.

Froelick Gallery, 714 NW Davis - works by Susan Seubert (Science/fiction) and Gail Tremblay (Recycled Images/Iroquois Forms)

Blackfish Gallery, 420 NW Ninth - "Blackfish is 30". Celebrating 30 years of business and still going strong.

Augen Gallery, 716 NW Davis - Selected works by Tom Miller, Sally Cleveland, and Amy Archer.

Farmers Return to Downtown Portland

The downtown Farmers Markets are getting back to business. The large market on the Park blocks by PSU is now in operation every Saturday thru December 19. The Wednesday market will open on April 29th and run thru the end of October while the Pearl District gathering will being in June.


Please be aware that there are new restrictions on pets. Due to over crowding and other concerns, shoppers will no longer be allowed to bring their dogs and other pets to the two South Park Blocks markets. The new pet rules are similar to those in place at farmers markets in Beaverton, Hillsdale, Seattle and San Francisco.



More information can be found at the farmers web site.

Interesting First Thursday Events

Tired of looking the same galleries on your First Thursday evenings? Try one or more of these interesting events tonight.

Lizard Lounge: Featuring art work from Ashley Montague and live music by Mark Twain Indians, the First Thursday Reception Party at the Lizard Lounge will benefit Mercy Corps. Join Mercy Corps volunteers to learn more about their programs and ways you can help. Enjoy complimentary beverages from Widmer Brothers Brewery, a 10% discount on Lizard Lounge merchandise and 15% of all sales are donated to Mercy Corps. Music, drink, art, shopping and philanthropy – it doesn’t get any better than this. Lizard Lounge, 1323 NW Irving, 503.416.7476.

Wine Unwind: Romantic and thought provoking photographic images of vineyards from around the world by Emma Juhli. Wine Unwind 1019 NW 11th Ave, at Lovejoy, 503.946.8482

Forever Art & The CEO’s Home: Meet International Artist, Alexander Voitsekhovsky, Here from St. Petersburg, Russia. Exhibition through March 7th. Forever Art & The CEO's Home, 828 NW Hoyt St (corner of 9th & Hoyt), 503.227.2010

Urban Wine Works: Arletha Mueller Ryan's exhibit will be on display for all to see during the entire month of March. Join us for a First Thursday reception in honor of this talented artist and enjoy her artwork while treating yourself to complimentary appetizers, live music by Alfonso Pe Benito and Bishop Creek Cellars finely crafted Pinot Noirs and Pinot Gris. Arletha Mueller Ryan will be on hand to discuss her work and reveal her barrel-top art. Join us for art, food, music and wine! (Artwork will be featured until March 31st). Urban Wineworks, 407 NW 16th Ave., 503.226.9797.

Bicycles on the Water Front

As part of Portland Parks & Recreation’s (PP&R) effort to revitalize the former McCall’s restaurant site in Waterfront Park, PP&R has leased a kiosk at the site to Albertina Kerr for three years to launch Kerr Bikes, LLC, a new venture set to open this spring.

Kerr Bikes will offer a fleet of unique bikes for unparalleled outdoor recreation, sightseeing, people watching and a touch of exercise that will enhance any leisure time experience in the park. There will be a variety of bikes to rent, such as tandem bikes, deuce coupes and surreys, offered in sizes for couples or for the entire family to share.

The new bike rental business is an employment opportunity for people with developmental disabilities who are in a Kerr program.

Kerr Bikes will be located on the north side of Hawthorne Bridge at Salmon Street Springs next to the old McCall's Restaurant in a separate kiosk.

Besides offering employment to the people Kerr serves, all the proceeds will go to benefit the programs of the nonprofit. The new project is financed in part by a $75,000 grant from Meyer Memorial Trust, which also gave an additional $100,000 in a low-interest loan.

Albertina Kerr is the leading provider of services to children, adults and families with mental health challenges and developmental disabilities. A private non-profit organization headquartered in Portland since 1907, Kerr spends more than 91 cents of every dollar to help Oregonians. Private donations and community support make this vital work possible.

-Portland Parks and Recreation website

Weekend Trip to Hawaii

Courtesy of Vincent Laforet

Terra Del Sol Spa and Salon

As a real Estate Broker specializing in downtown properties, we are sometimes asked about the location of area Day Spas. There are actually more then you might think. Recently, I became aware of one located midway between the Pearl District and the NW Nob Hill area. The name is Terra Del Sol Spa and Salon. They are located at 210 NW 17th, just a few blocks from Burnside.

The Terra Del Sol web site offers upcoming Valentines Day specials. They also have specials related to First Thursday, Mothers Day, etc. It looks like a great place to spend an afternoon.

Relax in their Grotto with Immersion Pool and Cool Dip, Turkish Steam Bath, or the Sun and Sand Room with Poolside appetizers. In addition, they offer a variety of massages, facials, and just about anything else that might be spa related.