Let's talk about the Eastside's future!

The Central Eastside is known for its unique mix of arts and industry, home to hundreds of artists and creative businesses. There are many discussions happening around the rapid growth and proposed changes to the neighborhood. Milagro (with facilitating help from former Metro chair Rex Burkholder) is leading and hosting conversations to ensure arts & culture as well as civic spaces are part of the future of our beloved neighborhood. How do art, culture and civic places figure into this future?

Join us on May 20th 5:30pm - 7:30pm, for the first of three conversations this summer, open to all interested in the future of the Central Eastside -- creative workers, social organizations, residents, government officials, businesses, and community leaders. The session will focus on preparing a statement outlining community concerns, in preparation for the May 26th Planning & Sustainability Commission meeting and the July 1st Portland City Council meeting.

Recently Marketing Assistant Vicente Guzman-Orozco had the opportunity to ask Mr. Burkholder some questions about the project:


Vicente Guzman-Orozco: Give us the elevator pitch for this endeavor:

Rex Burkholder: Big changes are coming to Portland and the Central Eastside is no exception with thousands of new residents and workers expected in the coming years. Home to many creative businesses and artists, the Central Eastside plays a critical role in Portland's economy and culture. As a 30-year cultural mainstay of the Central Eastside, Milagro Theater is bringing together business, government, neighbors and creatives to ask: what is the future of arts, culture and civic life in the Central Eastside? How can we make sure that artists and creative business continue to thrive here? What can be done to enhance the civic life of this area?

VGO: What do you see as the primary challenges and opportunities in this process?
 
RB: Change happens quickly, sometimes before we can respond effectively. The City and its citizens are investing lots of time and energy in rewriting the plan for the Central City but the needs arts and culture in the area are missing (the focus is on zoning and transportation). These gatherings are exciting because we have the opportunity to bring attention to the incredible value of arts and creative businesses to the area and the whole city as well as build alliances with business leaders and the people of Portland.

VGO: What would you like to see as a reaction from folks that may not be directly involved in the discussions?

RB: We know that people value arts and culture, and that they hunger for civic spaces like libraries, plazas and pedestrian zones where they can meet and participate in the life of the city. Our hope is that these conversations will translate those desires into support for policies and investments that will ensure that artists and creative workers will continue to have a place to do their work and that the residents and workers of the Central Eastside of the future will enjoy a livable, vibrant and enriched community.  

The CEID Community Engagement Series is hosted by Milagro and facilitated by Rex Burkholder with support from SE Uplift and the Office of Neighborhood Involvement. RSVP to 503-236-7253 or email Sarah for more information or if you'll be attending.

A very Milagro reason for remembering 5 de Mayo

While doing an informal survey of the office, we were brought back to an important moment in our own history. Originally, taking a cue from American Night, the show currently playing at Milagro, we were going to talk about how typically few people truly understand what the holiday meant and how it went from hometown pride (not even in Puebla) to corporate bonanza, but instead we encountered a much more personal reminiscence with great import.

Our outgoing (but not truly departing!) Artistic Director, Olga Sanchez, reminded us of a truly happy event to remember, and yes, to raise a toast to:


I first heard of Cinco de mayo when I was traveling in Mexico, visiting Mexico City and saw a Calle or Avenida cinco de mayo (there are a number of streets in el DF that are named after famous dates ~ something I’d never seen in the States.)


Because there were a number of these “date” named streets, I figured they were historical events, but I didn’t look into it much until I moved to Seattle and began working with Los Porteños writers group. We often did literary readings on Día de muertos, Valentine’s Day, and Cinco de mayo! One year, I produced an event called “Una noche de liberación”, for Cinco de mayo, an evening of very short one-act plays by the writers who wanted to explore dramatic structure and dialogue.

We worked with a great group of actors from Seattle Teatro Latino, and were hosted by the Empty Space Theatre with guidance from dramaturge Lenore Bensinger. We had a great weekend of performances at the Empty Space, and one of the writers, John Baca-Saavedra, recommended we bring it to Milagro on tour! I traveled to Portland, John introduced me to José, and José generously invited the whole show to Portland. 20 actors, directors, writers descended on Portland, and José, Dañel, board members and friends hosted us at their homes! It was a terrific introduction to the open spirit and hospitality of Milagro.


So it wasn’t the first time, but that show, Una noche de liberación, was a celebration of Cinco de mayo...

However you chose to spend the day, we hope you will join us for American Night and our upcoming 32nd season, and take part of the MIlagro story with Olga and the rest of us.

Happy Earth Day from Milagro and Super Ana!

Happy 45th Earth Day!

This happy salmon scene is a detail of the backdrop recently completed by muralist and designer José Solis. (You can see the entire thing below.)

This will be the basis for the backdrop scenery to accompany the latest addition to the touring productions, Super Ana! (Saving the world - by choice!). Teatro Milagro, the touring arts and education arm of the company, continues to partner with Metro to make our local government's  recycling work easier, and also make it easier for all of us to do our part!

Written by Artistic Director Olga Sanchez, Super Ana! tells the story of a little girl who discovers the power of thoughtful choices, going beyond recycling as a heroine for the environment. A great message for all ages, with special appeal to elementary students, the new show will begin its tour May 2015.

The play will be the first one directed for Teatro Milagro by Jeffrey Levy, and features new faces to the touring program, including Milagro veteran Nelda Reyes, Paul Chavez, and in the title role, Monica Domena, who recently made her debut on the tour of Searching for Aztlán. Long-time collaborator Vicente Guzman-Orozco completes the cast.

Stay tuned, and make sure to catch Super Ana! in its upcoming tour. It's a fun way to figure out why Reduce-Reuse-Recycle come in that order!

Something new in the neighborhood

Our neighborhood, the Central Eastside Industrial District is getting hotter day by day, with great eateries and bars, in addition to the cultural institutions that are OMSI, Oregon Ballet Theatre and Milagro. We'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate our neighbors from Kachka on being shortlisted for the James Beard award this year... good luck in May!

One issue that people are concerned about when coming to one of our performances or workshops is the parking. The regulations apply as the signs indicate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, unless other restrictions for days or hours are posted (but are not enforced on city-recognized holidays).

Central City Parking has just added another lot servicing our neighborhood, conveniently located at SE Washington and SE MLK Jr, sharing the lot with the Central Eastside food cart pod.

Thanks to CCP for adding this convenience for our patrons so close to us!

Caution! Art in rapid progress

Some times art just seems to flow and the time flies as we are creating. Other times, the inspiration just pours out and soon you are in front of a beautiful work. In this case, the award-winning designer and muralist José Solis (and his assistant) are progressing at breakneck speed while creating the mural that will serve as the backdrop to Super Ana!, the newest offer from the touring troupe, Teatro Milagro (more on that soon). 

The three pictures above were taken in the space of 24 hours and take us from the blank, stretched canvas, through the outline sketch and into a full-color sketch!

You can learn more about Jose Solis and his work on his website, and read a brief bio below:


Jose Solis was born in the colonial City of San Luis Potosi (Mexico), home of many artists, he grew up admiring the work of famous Mexican muralists like Diego Rivera, Orozco and Siqueiros. At age 14, while an art student he was admitted as an apprentice at a sign & commercial art studio learning brush lettering and mural design. In the 70s he became famous painting airbrushed murals on custom vans while studying at Customizing Center near Los Angeles, CA. his work in the style of Frank Frazetta was showed on National magazines like Hot Rodding. In 1983 He founded Creative Art Services in Portland, Oregon. That same year The Oregonian published a full page article and photos of his original work a 70’x15’ oil painting on concrete he did at Ascension Catholic church in SE Portland. One of his first commissions was to paint a large Oregon Lottery wheel for a TV commercial. To this date his work has included:

• Scenic painting for many feature films including the stop animation movie “Coraline” by Laika Entertainment, etc., 
• Set design for Nike, Adidas, Doc Martens, Portland Trailblazers, video & photography projects, among others. 
• Art direction for the Oregon Lottery & many other national TV commercials. 
• Mural art & custom lettering for museums, churches, schools, private residences, etc. 

Jose’s work has been recognized for his unique style with awards including: Silver Medal Award at the International Film & Television Festival of New York, Best Spiritual Documentary Judge’s Award winner and People’s Choice Award Winner, & more.

Smile! You and Amazon can help Milagro

Everyday more and more businesses reward your loyalty by supporting your values. Amazon has now joined the trend, creating smile.amazon.com, and they can help you continue to support Milagro!

The concept is simple: log into your existing Amazon account (or create one) though the smile page and select the charity you would like to support, such as Milagro (listed under Miracle Theatre Group) and shop as you normally would. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your qualified purchase price to us! And in case you didn't know, your Fred Meyer rewards card also helps you contribute.

We appreciate your support, and thank you for all the ways you continue to make Milagro possible!

Happy 135th Birthday to the Mother of Social Security!

Secretary Perkins stands behind President F.D. Roosevelt as he signs the Social Security Act

Our season-closing show, American Night: the Ballad of Juan José sheds lights on some of lesser known moments and figures in the history of the country. Frances Perkins is not portrayed on stage, but on the 135th anniversary of her birth, we take a look at the extraordinary life and contributions of the first female US Cabinet member.

Perkins (née Fannie Coralie Perkins) was by all accounts a woman with a remarkable life, being named Secretary of Labor little more than a decade after women were granted the right to vote, and she remains the longest individual to serve in that position. The cabinet appointment also made her the first woman with the possibility of succeeding the president in case of death, removal or resignation. An intellectual juggernaut, she earned a B.A. in chemistry and physics from Mount Hollyoke College, and a master's degree in political science from Columbia University. She also studied economics and sociology at the University of Pennsylvania. Before venturing into government, she taught at several institutions, including chemistry at the prestigious prep school Lake Forest Academy (then called Ferry Hall School) and sociology at Adelphi College. After her career in government, she would become a teacher and lecturer at Cornell University until her death in 1965.

A progressive activist, she volunteered during during the settlement house movement, an equity initiative seeking to integrate lower, middle and upper classes within the same neighborhoods. After witnessing the deadliest industrial disaster in the history of New York, she increased her efforts investigating and improving workplace conditions, which she had been engaged in as part of the New York Consumers League. When Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected governor of New York, he appointed her as the first Commissioner of Labor for the state. Upon his election to the presidency, he brought her to Washington, D.C. and into his cabinet. As Secretary of Labor, she would be instrumental in the development and establishment of much of the New Deal and a long list of labor protections we now take for granted, including: regulations for working women and children; federal policies to work with labor unions; minimum wage, overtime and unemployment insurance laws.

The even lesser known part of the story is heart-breaking in its personal details. In 1910, she had married economist Paul Caldwell Wilson, and sued successfully to retain her birth name. Wilson was institutionalized throughout much of their marriage, and the tradition of a cabinet member entertaining at home with his spouse as gracious host found an unusual form in her case. She had developed a relationship and shared a Georgetown home with railroad heiress Mary Harriman Rumsey, who gladly performed the role of hostess for Perkins's guests.

Secretary Perkins was at the height of creating the framework for what would become the Social Security Act when Rumsey died of complications after falling from a horse. Despite quietly mourning her companion, she soldiered on, calling the cabinet that same week to her home to hammer out the details of the groundbreaking legislation; she "sat a bottle of Scotch on the table, and announced that no one would leave that night until the work was done." Soon after that, she would have to leave the home she had shared with Rumsey, since it was the deceased's resources that had made renting the place possible.

In a revisionist move like those that American Night seeks to counter, in 2011 the conservative governor of her birth state of Maine, Paul LePage, ordered a mural depicting Perkins removed, as well as the renaming of her a conference room at the state's Department of Labor honoring this American hero.

Come be a part of this wild romp through more of our history that some may ignore or want to. American Night: the Ballad of Juan José runs April 30 through May 23, but you can be among the first to see our production by ushering at pre-previews, starting on April 24!

h/t Box Turtle Bulletin

Who remembers Storefront Theatre?

José does!

Our fearless leader and founder will be speaking this weekend as part of a panel discussion on the history of theater in Portland. The Oregon Historical Society will be presenting, as part of their Second Sunday series, “Glimpses of Portland Theater History.”

The discussion will be moderated by the influential arts critic Bob Hicks (formerly of The Oregonian and current Performance and Visual Arts writer for Oregon Artswatch), and the panel will include Don Horn (Executive Director and founder of triangle productions) and Julianne R. Johnson-Weiss (actor with over thirty years’ experience performing throughout Oregon and Washington). The talk is tied to the upcoming show by triangle productions, "Storefront Actors' Review", which brings back some of the original and outrageous work of the legendary Storefront Theatre, a irreverent and daring company that led the way in visually striking and boundary-stretching creativity in Portland throughout the 70's and 80's.


Glimpses of Portland Theater History
Presented in partnership with triangle productions
Sunday, April 12 at 2 PM
Oregon Historical Society
1200 SW Park
Free and open to the public

Two decades of theatre and health education

A slightly different version of this story was originally published in our newsletter, Miracle Insider. Click here to subscribe.

When Milagro Founder and Executive Director José González decided to quit smoking about a decade ago, he did it on April Fools' Day so he would always remember what a fool he was to begin. Today we take a look at the many ways Milagro has helped increase awareness and improve the wellness in our communities.

Although touring educational shows have been part of our offerings since the early days of the company, since the mid-90's Milagro has ventured into the health field covering important issues like HIV, breast cancer and smoking. In 1995, Milagro produced En Este Valle de Lágrimas, a Spanish language play that was performed (sometimes literally) in the middle of migrant camps. The poignant story of a young family affected by HIV proved an effective vehicle for the message about testing and protection, and the project was reprised for three years.

In the next few years, Lágrimas was followed up by Fortuna de la Vida and Cenizas, shows addressing breast cancer and smoking, respectively. "People who have attended [Milagro] performances in Washington County have been enthralled with the stories presented to them. Our experiences with [Milagro] have re-affirmed our belief in the effectiveness of their education model," said health professional Linda Nilsen-Solares to El Hispanic News in 2000. The tour of Cenizas reached audiences in northern California and Washington State.

Milagro continues working in this important area as part of OYE (Opciones Y Educación), a coalition founded in 2008 to promote healthy sexuality in Latino communities in Oregon using theater and popular education. Subjects tackled by the project include open communication, LGBT issues, body image, and "the ins and outs" of sexual health. Milagro's partners in this alliance include diverse organizations like Cascade AIDS Project, Edúcate Ya, Latino Network, Planned Parenthood, and Causa. Their joint efforts were just recognized by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners at the Public Health Heroes Celebration with the 2015 Social and Equity Justice Award.

OYE and its workshops empowering youth to stay safe and healthy will also be an integral part of our upcoming 32nd Season, complementing Broken Promises, a new touring bilingual play reflecting on the disturbing phenomenon of sex trafficking. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and read our blog to stay informed about all of the exciting projects, events and productions at Milagro this coming season!

Capture Spring in Corn Husk Flowers!

Seasons in the Pacific Northwest seem unpredictable some times, but you can make this spring last for years with corn husk flowers! This upcoming April 16 (6-8pm), the multi-talented artist and frequent Milagro collaborator Nelda Reyes will conduct a workshop teaching you this expressive tradition. Read on to learn about the handicraft, and make sure to RSVP to reserve your spot for the class!



The central role that maize has played in feeding the Americas has also made everything about it ever-present in the culture: religious calendars and traditions were built around the production of corn, including giving rise to different gods representing its maturation cycle, such as the Nahua deities Cinteotl (young corn), Xilonen (ear of corn) and Chicomecoatl (goddess of the corn harvest). As such an important element of native cultures, almost every part of the plant has found a use, and the husks have served myriad purposes for millennia, from making floor coverings to treating bladder and urinary tract infections. In Mexico, the totomochtle industry has even fueled much-needed economic recovery for indigenous groups in the past few decades.

Flowers made from shaped dry corn husks are popular decorations because the materials are inexpensive and easy to find, and they can be suitable to any setting, from a folksy casita to a Martha Stewart photo-essay. The rise of globalization as well as the emerging pride among immigrant communities in the US have popularized this folk art outside of Mexico. Likewise, the growth in acceptance of Mexican food the world over has also generated greater supplies of husks, allowing some agriculturally-based communities to supplement their finances through these handicrafts even as grain prices shrink.

Some Mexican regions with strong indigenous cultures not only continue to preserve the craft, but also celebrate it. During La Noche de los Rábanos (Radish Night), a traditional art event that has taken place for over a century in Oaxaca City, artists compete with their creations in two categories, separated by whether the corn husks are natural or painted/dyed. In the small town of Xico, Veracruz, the dedicated artisan Socorro Pozo Soto created a museum featuring her work in the medium from the past four decades.

Come to Milagro and participate in this millenarian tradition, guided by Nelda Reyes as you create your own corn husk flowers. The two-hour workshop is only $15 per person including materials and light refreshments, but space is limited. Go online now to reserve your spot!

A blurry vision of American Night

We're so excited for the next and last show in our 31st Season, American Night: the Ballad of Juan José! Over the weekend, the fabulous photographer Russell J. Young conducted a photo shoot with Ozvaldo Gonzalez, who plays the title character.

This blurry pic is a preview of their work together. Stay posted here and on our Facebook page to view the professional set!

Coming soon from JTC: The Ministry of Special Cases

In less than two weeks our friends from the resident company Jewish Collaborative Theatre present their latest work, the Page2Stage adaptation of Nathan Englander's award-winning first novel, The Ministry of Special Cases.

Dealing with the troublesome times of Argentina's Dirty War, JTC's newest production features some outstanding local talent. Check out their brief promo video below, learn more and get your tickets for this intriguing show at JTC's website!

The Ministry of Special Cases will play at Milagro March 14 through April 11. See you at Milagro!

Photo of the Day: Roosevelt & Opción Múltiple

Today, students from two high schools, Riverdale and Roosevelt, were at Milagro for a matinee of Opción Múltiple, the dark comedy in Spanish playing through the end of the month. After the performance, the group from Roosevelt High had the opportunity to share questions and feedback with director Nelda Reyes and her cast. The students' perspective was that much richer since they had the opportunity to read the script and meet the playwright before coming to the show.

Make sure to get tickets and catch the show before it closes Feb. 28, and read below for some thoughts from over two dozen e-mail messages we received from students!

Hello. My name is Sofia and I am one of Ms. Garcia - Velasco's AP Spanish students and I just wanted to say thank you for letting my class and myself to participate in watching the amazing performance of "Opcion Multiple". I laughed, smiled and cried watching this performance and I would watch it a million times more. Reading and watching the play are two completely different things and I'm glad that I got to experience both. Thank you again for giving us the honor of watching your performance and I hope to see it once again soon. Sincerely, Sofia Palavecino

First off, I want to thank you for the warm welcoming and for being so kind and nice with all of us. The whole experience was incredible, and the play was amazing. It was so cool seeing the whole story acted out after reading it. Comparing similar things to the story and finding out new things as well. It was funny, sad, serious; a masterpiece. I really enjoyed going and watching the play and have nothing but good and positive things to say about it.
Thank you, Jayson Garcia-Mireles 

Me gustó mucho la obra que presentaron. Yo la disfruté mucho porque estubo muy interesante y yo puede conectarme con los personajes porque yo creo que  todas las personas a veces cambian de humor o carácter en algún momento.  Muchas gracias por todo.
(Unidentified Student)

The actors were great and easily identified. Each one played the roles how I imagined it... I would recommend for people to go and watch it. The ending had me thinking.
(Michel Gonzalez Ramirez)

After reading the play in class I was really looking forward to watching it, and very nervous of seeing how it would come out. I really had high expectation for this play based on what I had read in class. I felt it was a well written piece and it met the expectations i had. I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to inviting friends and family to attend Milagro in the future.
(Oscar Garcia Chavez)

Photo of the Day: A different "Sabueso"

Have you taken our personality quiz?

Before each performance of Opción Múltiple, you can take a brief quiz and see which of the characters' personalities matches you the best... and you could win!

Simply post your results and use one of our tags to let us know: #MilagroTheatre, #OpcionMultiple or #ILoveMilagro. We'll enter you for a drawing for an iTunes card. It's that simple! There are only 3 more performances, so make sure to catch the show and enter the drawing!

*************************

¿Ya tomó nuestro examen de personalidad?

Antes de cada presentación de Opción Múltiple puede tomar un breve cuestionario y determinar cuál de las personalidades o personajes se le asemeja más... y ¡podría ganar!

Simplemente publique sus resultados y marquelos con una de nuestras etiquetas, #MilagroTheatre, #OpcionMultiple or #ILoveMilagro. Así participará en una rifa para una tarjeta de iTunes. Así de simple. Sólo quedan 3 presentaciones. ¡No se pierda la obra ni la oportunidad de ganar!

Audiences agree: "Opción Múltiple" is a great choice!

The US premiere of "Opción Múltiple" is in the middle of its third weekend and the audiences are very happy with their choice to see it!Check out some of the great comments from audience members, and join us for one of the last 6 performances! 

Fresh and fun Mexican comedy tonight at Milagro--OPCION MULTIPLE about a woman with multiple personalities, all of whom appear as colorful characters in the play. It's light-hearted, fast-paced and colorful with a bevy of fine Spanish-speaking actors. I think that by presenting this play in Spanish, [Milagro] is capturing many cultural nuances and much humor that would be lost otherwise. There are English supertitles to enhance comprehension for non-Spanish speakers. I really enjoyed the opportunity to see a play by a contemporary Mexican playwright under the direction of Mexican-born Director Nelda Reyes.
- Ronni Lacroute

Saw 'Opcion Multiple' last night. It was a funny, provocative, insightful & creative dramatization of a very rare yet disturbing human experience. Great performance shout outs to the cast, Amalia, Vero, Roberto, Vicente, [Nurys] and Yolanda. You are all such talented actors/actresses & a joy to watch! Felicidades a la directora, Nelda. Bravo!
- Linda Castillo

This is a great play. Milagro continues to amaze and delight.
- Lydia Rich‎

My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves once we figured out what was going on! The English subtitles were super helpful! A very engaging show with a terrific cast!
- Martha Wagner

I was deeply moved. The cast is so tight and great that I could not stop watching.
- ‪#‎OpcionMultiple‬‬‬‬‬ audience member

The play was wonderful. We laughed, we smiled, we were a little scared, we laughed some more. All of the personalities were so well developed. My husband and I I enjoyed it immensely.
- Teresa Solano

Después de ver la obra "Opción Múltiple" completamente en español y con subtítulos en inglés. Recomendada! Vayan a verla! En el Teatro Milagro @Miracle Theater
- Roxy De La Torre

Con actores excelentes, tienes que ver la obra.
- Cecilia Giron

Gran obra, excelente actuación y gran dirección (graciasNelda Reyes por tu trabajo)... y como cereza del pastel, los mejores amigos que te puedes encontrar, aquí, allá o acullá...
- Arturo Villaseñor 

Sí, vayan a verla y a reir un rato 
- Yosoy Quiensoy

Super profesional y entretenida. La tienen que ver! Apoyemos el teatro en español y a nuestros artistas locales hispanohablantes! YeyNelda Reyes y Teatro Milagro por traernos esta obra a USA. ‪#‎opciónmúltiple‬‬‬
- Miembro del público

#OpcionMultiple is a wonderful production & the actors are superb. Another amazing play at @MilagroTheatre goo.gl/SOUI39
- J Bolanos

And a great reminder of the upcoming post-show discussion with mental health experts after this Sunday's performance:

Milagro Theater's "Opción Múltiple" (a play based on the experiences of someone with Dissociative Identity Disorder or ‪#‎DID‬‬‬‬‬) is being run through February 28. Following their matinee production on February 22nd, Athena will be one of the panelists who were invited to answer audience questions about DID. The matinee is @ 2pm and the panel is @ 4pm.
This was a non stigmatizing and playful representation of DID; nicely done, Milagro! 
- Integrative Trauma Treatment Center

What will YOU learn from LAx/IdeAL?

Milagro, from its very early days, has placed great emphasis on the importance of the arts in education. Many of the artists who have partnered with us over the decades also work to promote enrichment in the schools. 

This year, together with the Latino Artists eXchange/ Intercambio de Artistas Latinos, we have organized yet another opportunity to share, learn and be a part of this enrichment process to provide diverse and unique educational opportunities for our region and community. The 4th annual LAx/IdeAL gathering takes place this Saturday, February 21, 2015.

In response to the increase in Latino children in the schools (which now comprise 25% of Oregon 1st-graders), this one-day event will provide professional development, networking and strengthening of creative skills for artists and individuals interested in sharing their crafts and artistry coming generations. Whether exploring how to create curriculum or enriching an established subject, anyone interested in making the arts a larger part of our education will gain greater insight by sharing with this talented group.

During the later part of the workshops, children 6 years and older are invited, for the first time ever, to participate in fun workshops led by teaching artists in the afternoon!

Read on to see the full schedule and the workshops available. All events are free, but registration in advance is requested. Children are only admitted to workshops geared to their age group (2:15-3:15pm). Registration forms are accessible via: http://www.milagro.org/4-About-Somos/LAX-IdeAL.html, and in Spanish: http://www.milagro.org/4-About-Somos/LAX-IdeAL-sp.htm

Saturday, Feb 21 LAX IdeAL Schedule:

9:30am ~ Café Revolución ~ Café de olla y pan dulce

10:00am – 11:30am ~ Professional Development / Desarollo profesional:
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION AND ITS FOUNDATIONS /LA EDUCACION ALTERNATIVA Y SUS FUNDAMENTOS (Victor Hugo Garza. Escritor, músico, pintor, bailarín y payaso)

CREATING SUCCESSFUL ARTS PROGRAMS / DESARROLLANDO PROGRAMAS EXITOSOS PARA LAS ESCUELAS ~ Nelda Reyes, actor & director

11:30am - 12:30pm ~ Almuerzo / Lunch: Tamale Boy & La Bonita
 
12:30pm – 2pm ~ Arts workshops for professional artists:
LIVE ETHNIC MUSIC / MÚSICA ÉTNICA VIVA ~ Gerardo Calderon, compositor y músico

PERFORMANCE WITH COMMUNITY / TEATRO CON LA COMUNIDAD ~ Alida Wilson-Gunn, actor & director
 
2:15-3:15pm ~ Arts workshops for Children and professional artists / Talleres para niños y artistas profesionales:
BAMBOO FLUTE WORKSHOP / TALLER DE FLAUTA DE BAMBÚ ~ Alex Llumiquinga, músico  (Ages 8 - 75+)

CREATING YOUR MURAL / CREANDO TU MURAL, PASO A PASO ~ José Solis, muralista  (Ages 9 - 75+)

MAKING MUSIC WITH YOUR FEET / HACER MÚSICA CON LOS PIES ~ Luciana Proaño, dancer & sculptor (Ages 6 - 75+)

LIVE ETHNIC MUSIC / MÚSICA ÉTNICA VIVA ~ Gerardo Calderon, composer & musician (Ages 6 - 75+)

3:15pm - 4:30pm ~ Recepción: Con Andina & Red Tomato

For more information, please contact Olga Sanchez, lax@milagro.org or 503-236-7253

Teaching Art in the Schools: workshops for artists

The Latino Artists eXchange / el Intercambio de artistas Latinos calls all artists interested in supporting and improving the influence of Latino art in the state of Oregon, to meet together in participation and the fusion of ideas! 

For 2015, we are interested in exploring how to work with children by offering special workshops for adult artists on the Pedagogy of Teaching Arts in the Schools & Arts Workshops for Children in the afternoon!

Painters, sculptors, musicians, actors, poets, writers, photographers, dancers, etc. ~ If you enjoy motivating, sharing, expressing, teaching, but above all sharing and being part of a community then this is your opportunity, we seek you. Milagro is thrilled to host this free event, opening its doors to create a welcome, open space where artists can find inspiration, a home for expression and a place to share their experiences with other contemporaries on Saturday, February 21^st from 9:30am-4:30pm!

The genesis of LAX began in July, 2010, when Milagro invited artistic leaders representing a variety of disciplines to meet and share their advice, networks, and leadership, planting the seed for a collaborative group. This group unanimously agreed on holding a gathering of Latino artists to meet each other and to support the growth of the Latino artistic movement in the Pacific Northwest. Over 80 artists met in February, 2011 and again in June, 2012 for a day of networking, workshops and creative participation!  2015 will be the FOURTH LAX IdeAL!

For more information please contact Olga Sanchez by email or at 503-236-7253 or Jessica Lagunas: laxideal.pdx@gmail.com

Posada, Pastorela, Party!

Our celebration of Christmas Latin American-style is just around the corner, coming to El Centro Milagro this Sunday from 1-5pm, and we couldn't be more excited!

One of the most endearing and and traditional aspects of our event is the call-and-response "song at the inn", which gives this holiday party its name: posada is Spanish for "inn", and the song is traditionally performed by the guests on one side of the door or gate, and the hosts on the other, to get the event started. The lyrics are determined by the location of the singer, recreating the biblical story of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus: the pilgrims want in, the hosts aren't too keen until they realize just who this unusual family is. The gates are open and the celebration can begin!

Another event typical of the season is the performance known as the pastorela, or shepherds' pageant, which is an amusing reenactment of shepherds following the Star of Bethlehem, seeking the newborn Jesus. Hilarity typically ensues as emissaries from (and sometimes including or represented only by) the devil, attempt to divert, distract or deter the faithful's trek.

These elements, along with traditional foods and decorations, make for a very colorful and entertaining event for the whole family. Join us this Sunday Dec. 14 for this joyous community celebration. It's free and for the whole family!

This Friday: a "pretty" delicious way to help Milagro

Our Thanksgiving newsletter could hardly convey how grateful we are for all our patrons and donors, and among the individuals who shine in their energy and efforts for Milagro and the local community is multitalented Joaquin Lopez, a dynamic part of the family-owned restaurant La Bonita, which frequently dedicates the proceeds of a given day to a cause or organization. He was honored with the 2014 Spirit of Milagro award at ¡Viva Milagro!

This Friday December 12, La Bonita Restaurant's 2710 N Killingsworth location will be dedicating its proceeds to Milagro once again. It is a great opportunity to enjoy delicious, authentic Mexican food by one of the best local restaurants, you will be supporting a great organization as well as the philantropic efforts of a local artist, entrepreneur and leader.

If you've been there, you know you're in for a treat, like one of the 16 Best Burritos in America. If you haven't, this is a great opportunity to discover your new favorite place!

Get creative like Milagro!

Over the past three decades, Milagro has brought to Portland not only great World, US and West Coast premieres, but it is also the birthplace of some great original works. Among our better known traditions is the yearly creation of a new Day of the Dead production, always a hit!

Past editions have explored, presented and lampooned everything from the Great Depression to educators, to pre-Hispanic gods and even taking a jab or two at a certain entertainment empire (remember the evil D-Corporation in Corrido Calavera?

The Milagro workers are an undeniably creative bunch, but we're thinking more heads are even better. This year we're giving you the chance to leap into the process from the very start: help us conceive the story or theme for next year's original production!

We have created a short survey to give us your input. Who knows,  your idea might be up on stage next October! Click on over to the survey and let your imagination run wild!

Make sure to like our Facebook page to buy tickets and stay informed about all the upcoming events and special discounts from your home for the best in Latino arts and culture in the Northwest and beyond!