PDX Parent April 2023

FEATURES

Special Section: The Arts

Let’s Go See a Show

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Yes, even little kids can enjoy our local performing arts scene. Get tips on how to have a successful trip to one of this season’s wonderful shows for kids and families. By Stephanie Gehring.

Top 5 Spots to See Free Art with Kids

These local indoor spots give families a chance to see art for free. By Denise Castañon.

Artist Profile: Astrid Beatriz

Find out how this mom and artist crafts exquisite wood portraits. By Denise Castañon.

Mini Galleries Galore!

From interactive displays to miniature art exhibits, enjoy art on a sidewalk near you. By Tiffany Hill.

Here’s Judy!

A sneak peek at the new downtown home of Northwest Children’s Theater & School. By Tiffany Hill.

The No-slacking Summer

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A trip to the Raindrops Playhouse, a new indoor playspace in Happy Valley. By Courtney Threewitt. Time

Hunt for Easter eggs, celebrate Earth Day and more.

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From jobs to internships and more, we’ve got plenty of ideas for you to help keep your teens busy this summer!

By Sarah Vanbuskirk.

Art All Around

One of the many things I love about Portland is the creativity in the air. From teens (and parents) with vivid teal hair to spectacular murals on buildings to performing arts companies that cater to kids, art is all around us every day.

And we capture  that vibe in our annual Arts Issue. You’ll find dance, theater and music performances for the whole family on page 10. Discover free places to see art with your kids on page 14. Read about mom and woodworking artist Astrid Beatriz’s incredible wood portraits on page 15. Plus get a sneak peek at Northwest Children’s Theater & School’s new home, The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts, or The Judy for short, on page 16. But my favorite story in the issue is by our Managing Editor Tiffany Hill who rounded up a huge list of free mini galleries you need to see with your kids. This sidewalk art is the perfect embodiment of Portland’s love of the arts and creative spirit: People creating free public art for the fun of it — and to inject a little joy into their neighbors’ lives. Check out page 16 to find interactive displays, miniature art galleries, take-one-leaveone toy exchanges and more.

Also in this issue, we give you ideas for keeping your tweens and teens busy this summer. Writer Sarah Vanbuskirk gives suggestions for internships, jobs and volunteer opportunities — and we consider her an expert because she’s got five tweens and teens of her own! And if your older kid is not quite ready for that kind of responsibility, we also know some summer camps perfect for tweens and teens. Find it all starting on page 22. And finally, get ready for Easter fun. We’ve got egg hunt recommendations — and we even give a shoutout to a few that are particularly suited for the littlest kids trying to fill their baskets.

ON OUR COVER

A big thank you to Heidi Timmons Photography for this incredible photo of Alexis Gonrowski — the perfect teen to grace our Arts Issue cover, she’s into theater, photography and even crochets! Timmons has been a photographer for 13 years and enjoys all sorts of shoots. “I love getting to engage with people and create art out of life,” she says. “I really just enjoy getting out there and seeing what kind of magic happens with us together!” Pro tip: You can find the photo’s mural on Alberta Street in Northeast Portland. And find more of Timmons’ gorgeous work at heiditimmons.com and on Instagram @heiditimmonsphotography.

for the long days and short years

PDX Parent

P.O. Box 13660 Portland, OR 97213-0660

Phone: 503-460-2774

Publisher Rose Caudillo, 503-460-2774 publisher@pdxparent.com

Editor Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com

Managing Editor Tiffany Hill tiffany.hill@pdxparent.com

Art Director Tiffany Howard tiffany.howard@pdxparent.com

Web Content Coordinator Meg Asby meg.asby@pdxparent.com

E-newsletter Editor

Renee Peters renee.peters@pdxparent.com

Eastside Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com

Westside Account Executive Jill Weisensee, 503-309-8272 jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com

Digital Ad Manager/Calendar Editor/ Distribution Coordinator Melissa Light melissa.light@pdxparent.com

Accountant Kelli Bagby Truly Bookkeeping, Inc. President Jill Weisensee jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com

For distribution issues, e-mail us at distribution@pdxparent.com

For calendar submissions, e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com

PDX Parent is published monthly (except July) by Northwest Parent, LLC., and is copyright 2021 Northwest Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. PDX Parent is distributed free of charge throughout the Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA metropolitan area.

PDX Parent reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised herein.

PDX Parent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender expression, sex or sexual orientation.

Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, Northwest Parent, LLC., and its agents and employees cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein. The contents of PDX Parent and its website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or treatment.

NANCY MINOUI

Written by Mo Willems, Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma

Bookshelf: Everything Is Art

This month, Kim Tano and Madeline Shier, the children’s book buyers at Powell’s City of Books, handpick four books celebrating art around the world and the creativity and beauty as seen through the eyes of artists. Look for these titles at the Burnside, Hawthorne or Cedar Hills Powell’s locations, or order online at powells.com.

Before They Were Artists: Famous

Illustrators as Kids

Written and illustrated by Elizabeth

Haidle

Before They Were Artists features detailed biographies of great illustrators such as Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are), Yuyi Morales (Caldecott honor winner for Viva Frida) and Hayao Miyazaki (cofounder of Studio Ghibli). These are amazing inspirational biographies for current and future artists presented in a graphic novel style format by a local Portland author and illustrator. Great for ages 8 and up. $17.99.

Cloth Lullaby: The Woven Life of Louise Bourgeois

By Amy Novesky and

illustrated by Isabelle

Arsenault

Cloth Lullaby is a beautifully illustrated biography of worldrenowned French-American artist Louise Bourgeois. Raised in France in the early 1900s, Louise explored nature and texture inspired by her family’s tapestry business. As an adult, she created amazing sculptures made of wood, steel, stone and cast rubber in the U.S. and became a great figure in modern and contemporary art. Great for ages 5 and up. $18.95.

Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring

By Matthew Burgess and

illustrated by Josh

Cochran

Drawing on Walls is the perfect introduction to an incredible artist for kids. Keith Haring believed that art was for everyone, and so he used his vibrant, energetic style to create public murals, often involving children in his creative work. This picture book biography celebrates and honors Haring’s life, including his love for his partner, Juan Dubose, and his tragic death from AIDS at age 31 (handled sensitively and informatively for young readers). Great for ages 7 and up. $18.95.

Kid to Know: Our New Kid Governor

Congratulations to Lea Andrus of Sherwood, Oregon’s new Kid Governor. The fifth grader from Hawks View Elementary ran on an anti-bullying

platform and was voted in by other fifth graders from around the state. “I know how it feels to be bullied and how hard it can be to handle the emotions that come with it,” says Lea. “I want to do my best to help other students here in Oregon to not only avoid those feelings as much as possible, but to feel supported by their classmates when they are feeling down.”

She was sworn in by Retired Chief Justice Paul DeMuniz of the Oregon Supreme Court at a special ceremony hosted

Women in Art

Written and illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky Ignotofsky adapts her juvenile biography collection to introduce the youngest readers to some of the most impactful and impressive women in art history. Her joyful, colorful, vibrant illustrations are sure to catch the eyes of babies and toddlers, while the brief biographical notes will spark their curiosity as they grow. Great for infants on up. $9.99.

by Secretary of State Shemia Fagen on January 11. “I felt so much support from Shemia Fagen as she told us about her own personal experiences when she was younger and explained the importance of helping students feel welcomed and supported when they are feeling bullied,” she says.

Part of Lea’s plan to combat bullying is to help schools appoint “kindness helpers.” She hopes to start working with her own school district as soon as possible and then branch out to other districts around the state. The other six student finalists in the election will make up Lea’s cabinet and help her enact her platform. — Denise Castañon

HENRY J ABRAMS TEN SPEED PRESS CLARION BOOKS ENCHANTED LION BOOKS

CARLA AXTMAN

Ask Dr. Baynham

Q: My kids have seasonal allergies. Is it safe for them to take kids’ Flonase and Zyrtec every day for months? Is there anything else I can do?

A: Spring always brings happy memories for me. But if your child suffers from allergies, you probably think of a constant runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Let’s review some of the treatments available for allergies, and when it may be time to see a specialist.

Allergy symptoms may include sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, congestion, throat clearing, and nose rubbing. Allergies can be hard to distinguish from a common cold. The main differences are that allergies never cause a fever and colds almost never cause itching (unless you are having viralinduced hives). Allergies also recur at the same time every year. Some people tend to get them in winter and summer, whereas others can suffer more in the fall and spring.

Over-the-counter medications are the first place to start. There are lots of options for kids. These include oral antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra), inhaled nasal steroids (Flonase and Nasacort) and eye drops (Pataday, Zaditor). It’s OK to take these for two to three months at a time during allergy

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season. Lowering the pollen load by washing hands and showering or washing the face after coming indoors can also help.

If your child is needing medications for longer than two to three months, or if allergy symptoms are not well controlled with over-the-counter medications, then your child may need to see an allergist to discuss testing and whether they are a good candidate for desensitization therapy (allergy shots or under-the-tongue drops). Talk with your pediatrician to help determine the next best step for your child.

Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and mom of two, Allison Baynham, M.D., knows what it takes to raise healthy, resilient children. Come bond, share your struggles and team with her for great care at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Tigard.

Places for Rock Aficionados

Got a kiddo who loves rocks and all things rock related? Here are the top five places around the Portland-area to explore with your budding rockhound.

1. Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals. This is the place to go to if you’re a rockhound. Located in Hillsboro, the museum (pictured top right) boasts a worldclass collection of not only rocks and minerals, but also gemstones, fossils, meteorites and lapidary art. Even better: Children ages 5 and under are free and youth admission is $8. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Ricenorthwestmuseum. org. 2. Mary S. Young Park. Located in West Linn along the Willamette River, the river’s shores are littered with smooth rocks and pebbles like quartz, agate and even jasper and petrified wood. Pro Tip: Got a birder in the family? This park is also great for bird watching. 3. George Rogers Park. About an eight-minute drive north from Mary S. Young Park is another solid rockhounding spot. This 28-acre park — also a great summertime swimming spot — is home to large lava chunks lining the beach. The glassy obsidian not only looks cool, but is a great jumping off point to learn about the geology of the area. 4. Livingstone Rocks. This East Portland gem shop opened in 2018, after owner Lori Livingstone’s personal collection grew too big. Today, Livingstone Rocks has rocks, minerals, gemstones and more in an easy-to-explore layout. 1220 SE Grand Ave., 503-9261850.

5. Rockaway Beach. The whole of the Oregon Coast is prime real estate for rockhounding and beach combing. But for families looking to stick closer to Portland, Rockaway Beach (pictured bottom right) is a great place to find beachtumbled agates and jasper. The long stretch of beach makes for fun treasure hunting, and a great way to tire everyone out. — Tiffany Hill

GAIL PARK

RICE MUSEUM OF ROCKS AND MINERALS

Inspiring cultural intelligence, curiosity, and kindness since 1990.

JOIN US FOR DISCOVERY DAY - APRIL 21!

Chinese • Spanish • Japanese International Baccalaureate Preschool – 5th grade

The PVS curriculum aligns with state standards, and is enlivened by music, art, drama, Spanish language, movement, life skills,

Let’s Go to a Show!

BY STEPHANIE GEHRING

Whether the pandemic put a hard kibosh on your family’s performing-arts involvement, or whether your family’s never seen a show, this is a wonderful time to come out for one. Performing arts are coming back strong in Portland, and from Northwest Children’s Theater — in its new downtown home! — to the Oregon Symphony, family-friendly shows abound. If you have any trepidation about how to approach taking a kiddo to shows, here’s some advice for parents from Portland’s performing-arts professionals on how to have a memorable, positive experience.

Here’s what Portland’s performing arts scene has in store for your family from April to June this year, and how you can have fun going with your kids.

Elephant and Piggie break in NWCT’s new space, The Judy.

Rachael Brown of Northwest Children’s Theater (NWCT), Russell Kelban of the Oregon Symphony, and Nik Whitcomb of Bag&Baggage, all agreed that when they put on shows specifically for families and young audiences, it’s a given that kids are going to move and make noise.

“We are expecting a more fun, exciting atmosphere,” says Brown, who is NWCT’s director of marketing and communications.

The performers likely will ask the audience questions. It’s also OK or even encouraged to get up and dance. And they sometimes include young performers to help a younger audience identify. Engagement is a must — the Oregon Symphony’s family shows, for example, are not “just orchestra.” These shows create an overall narrative, often with a narrator and they include youth choruses and dance troupes. There are activities (sometimes even food) in the lobby beforehand, so that you can come early and give your youngsters time to get used to the space. For anyone who needs it, many venues also have a “restless room.” NWCT also has sensory-friendly shows, and Oregon Children’s Theatre (OCT) provides free sensory kits at check-in.

“Prepare your kids for the experience they’re about to have,” says Artistic Director Whitcomb.

“‘We’re going to see a play. Do you know what that is?’ Talk to them about etiquette. Compare the performance to things that they know. And if the show is themed around a book or show, making sure they are familiar with that material will make things a lot more fun.”

An etiquette talk for a young, firsttime audience member might run like this: “There will be performers up on the stage playing music or singing or dancing or acting or talking to us. We want to give them our attention! And we will have a little area with seats just for us. You are welcome to get up and wiggle and dance in that area, but please don't climb all over other people’s seats! Also, there are going to be staircases with big steps. Hold my hand so you don’t trip. And on the way out, make sure you hold

my hand extra tightly, because there will be a lot of people going out all at once, and it is easy to get lost.”

Christopher Carvalho, the director of communications at White Bird encourages parents to come by the marketing table beforehand, to get a boa and take a selfie with the white bird, and to pick up earplugs in case their seats are close to the speakers.

Then, talk to your kiddos about the performance afterward. Talk about how you felt, what you noticed. Practice your own communal storytelling as you relive the experience together.

(Or if you’ve got an introvert who needs quiet processing time, respect that.) Companies often send surveys, and rely heavily on them to direct future programming. You might ask your kids the questions on the surveys, or if they’re old enough, let them fill them out.

NWCT & DAVID KINDER

The young performers of the Portland Youth Philharmonic.

OCT’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon starts on April 30.

White Bird brings the Paul Taylor Dance Company to the Newmark Theatre.

BRIANA CEREZO PHOTOGRAPHY

STEVEN PISANO

MASON PEREZ

THE ARTS ISSUE

on STAGE

Shows are organized by presenter, starting with shows for the youngest audiences and going up in age. Ages listed are guidelines only.

Northwest Children’s Theater

nwcts.org

AGES 3 AND UP Elephant & Piggie’s: We Are in a Play!

Meet “bestus friends” Gerald the Elephant and Piggie the Pig. Together, they tackle friendship’s big questions: What happens when two friends want to play with one toy? What do you wear to a fancy party? And will anyone say “Banana?”

Pro tip: Elephant & Piggie will also be playing in early April at The Reser in Beaverton on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2 at 11 am and 2 pm. Visit thereser.org for more information and tickets.

WHEN: April 29 to May 28, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2 pm at The Judy

Audio-described show: May 13, 2 pm

ASL-interpreted show: May 20, 2 pm Free sensory-friendly show: May 21, 11 am

AGES 5 AND UP Cinderella

A tap-dancing extravaganza featuring a big-band jazz score by local composer Ezra Weiss, this NWCT original musical explores the challenges of being true to yourself while trying to live up to family expectations.

WHEN: May 5-21, Fridays 7 pm, Saturdays 12 and 4 pm, and Sundays 2 pm at The Judy

Oregon Children’s Theatre

Octc.org

AGES 7 AND UP

Impulse: Sweet 16

This is the Young Professionals Company’s annual improv comedy production. Buy early; it always sells out.

WHEN: April 21 to May 7, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2 pm at the Brunish Theatre

AGES 8 AND UP Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Based on the award-winning novel by Grace Lin, this musical tells the story of Min Li, a young girl who lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents in the valley of Fruitless Mountain. Inspired by her father’s stories, Min Li sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family’s fortune.

WHEN: April 30 to May 28, Saturdays at 2 pm and 5 pm, Sundays at 11 am and 2 pm at the Newmark Theatre

Metropolitan Youth Symphony

Playmys.org

AGES 8 AND UP Season Finale

Metropolitan Youth Symphony (MYS) wraps up its season with the Faust Overture by Emilie Mayer; West Side Story: Symphonic Dances by Leonard Bernstein; and a vocal piece addressing gun violence by student composer Elaina Stuppler, as well as winners of the MYS Concerto Competition.

WHEN: Friday, May 19 at 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Pro tip: MYS (pictured above) regularly performs evening community concerts, usually in neighborhood churches and event centers. Visit playmys.org/concertsand-performances/#communityconcerts for upcoming performances.

Oregon Symphony

orsymphony.org

AGES 5-10

Peter & The Wolf

Prokofiev’s enchanting children’s work for narrator and orchestra is both a fable about a headstrong boy and, cleverly, an introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. At an hour long, this concert is the perfect introduction for young listeners. Tickets start at $11.

WHEN: Sunday, April 16, 2 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

AGES 13 AND UP

West Side Story

Celebrate this iconic American musical as the Oregon Symphony plays Leonard Bernstein’s electrifying score live with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim while the film is showing on the big screen (pictured left). The movie is rated PG-13, so this riff on Romeo and Juliet is better suited for teens.

WHEN: Saturday, May 27 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, May 28 at 2 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Portland Youth Philharmonic

portlandyouthphil.org

AGES 2-8

Cushion Concert

Conducted by Inés Voglar Belgique, PYP presents a family-friendly concert for children. The delightful program runs for 45 minutes and will include instrument

demonstrations, a Q&A, and PYP’s preshow Instrument Petting Zoo hosted by Kennedy Violins!

WHEN: Saturday, May 6, 3 pm at Rise Church

AGES 5 AND UP Spring Chamber Music Concert

The program will include performances of chamber groups from each of PYP’s ensembles (pictured below).

WHEN: Sunday, April 23, 4:30 pm at Rise Church

AGES 8 AND UP

Beethoven’s Ninth

PYP concludes its 99th season with the famous and revered Ninth Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven. The Portland Symphonic Choir will join PYP musicians.

WHEN: Sunday, May 7, 4 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

The Portland Ballet

theportlandballet.org

ALL AGES Current/Classic

The Portland Ballet presents two world premieres in Current/Classic on May 12-13, its annual family-friendly spring show of contemporary and classical pieces. Tom Gold’s The Carnival of the Animals and Nick Le-Jurica’s Innominate will share the bill with Paquita, a traditional ballet with a long history and bravura performances.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, May 12-13, 7:30 pm, at the Lincoln Performance Hall at Portland State University

White Bird

whitebird.org

AGES 6 AND UP MOMIX

Travel down the rabbit hole with Moses Pendleton’s newest choreographed creation, Alice. MOMIX is internationally renowned for performing dance works of astounding inventiveness and physical beauty.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 3, 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

AGES 6 AND UP

Paul

Taylor Dance Company

The program will include classic Taylor works that can be lyrical, humorous, deeply emotional, and breathtaking. At the Friday performance, the dancers, founders and artistic directors will take the stage for a post-show discussion.

WHEN: Thursday-Saturday, March 30-April 1, 7:30 pm at the Newmark Theatre

AGES 13 AND UP Ballet Hispánico

Since 1970, Ballet Hispánico has explored Latino culture through innovative dance by today’s outstanding choreographers from Spain and Latin America. It’s one of the most popular companies White Bird has presented.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 15, 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

When she is not writing, Stephanie Gehring spends her time selling her visual art and spending time with her 3- and 5-yearold kids. You can see her visual art at stephaniegehring.com.

THE ARTS ISSUE

2

TOP 5 SPOTS TO SEE FREE ART

EXHIBITS WITH KIDS

Portland’s dedication to public art extends beyond outdoor sculptures and vivid murals on the sides of buildings. Add this list of indoor spaces to view art (for free!) to your rainyday activity arsenal!

1. The Installation Space on the second floor of The Portland Building is a small gallery space with rotating installations from local artists. Pro tip: Check out the lobby and other floors; the building houses many more works including the mural We’ve Been Here by Kayin Talton Davis with Cleo Davis and the wood-and-glass installation by Crystal Schenk and Shelby Davis. 420 SW Main St. Racc.org/public-art/installationspace.

2. While you are in downtown Portland, swing by the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Portland State University. Exhibits showing through April 29 include Weaving Data — an artistic dive into the complex relationship between weaving and computing (pictured left), and the Arlene Schnitzer Visual Arts prizewinners. 1855 SW Broadway St. Pdx.edu/museum-of-art.

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3. The Oregon Convention Center’s public art collection is worth more than $2 million. Follow the map for a walking tour. (Available in the lobby or online.) Your kids might get giggly that there’s even art in the restrooms! Oregoncc.org/en/ about/public-art-collection.

4. The Earth Laughs, a diverse exhibit featuring oil paintings, books, sculpture, ceramics and an interactive digital art show Flower and People — a Whole Year Per Hour, is on display at The Lobby in the Ellen Browning Building. Flower and People from teamLab, a collective of digitally savvy artists, mathematicians and more, explores the evolution of a flower. The presentation is created by a computer program that continuously creates the work in real time — and responds to viewer interaction. 2871 SE Division St. See entry times at ellenbrowningbuilding.com/exhibition/theearth-laughs 5. While kids 17 and younger are always free at Portland Art Museum, the monthly Miller Family Free Day means free admission for the whole family. In addition to strolling through visiting exhibits, your kids will get some hands-on art time with visiting artists and other bonus activities. Reserve your spot for Sunday, April 23 at portlandartmuseum.org/event/ miller-family-free-day-4-23-2023 — Denise Castañon

FAIG AHMED STUDIO OREGON CONVENTION CENTER

THE LOBBY

PORTLAND ART MUSEUM

ARTIST PROFILE: ASTRID BEATRIZ

Woodworking artisan Astrid Beatriz started carving portraits in wood as a way to remember a beloved family member. “I was missing my Abuelita and decided to do a carving of her,” says Beatriz, who originally hails from El Salvador. “And in the carving of her I found that I could still touch and rub her cheeks as I used to as a kid. … And I realized that was my thing, was to make carvings of our ancestors to honor them. And give those that are still alive the opportunity to to talk about them, share them and let them live in another way.”

And keeping family close is what drives her art and life. Her 8-year-old daughter, Luciana (pictured below), helps her with her work and also goes with her to markets where she sells her pieces. As does her husband, Brent Furstner. Furstner, who is a luthier or guitar builder, was the one who first suggested Beatriz try doing pastel drawings on wood scraps from his studio, which is also in their Concordia home. And then he gave her a scroll saw. “In my culture, women don’t use power tools, we’re not supposed to be even touching that stuff!” she says.

But she had so much fun cutting out the pieces that she upgraded to a high-quality scroll saw after selling some of her work. Beatriz has carved portraits of famous women including Ruth Bader Ginsburg (pictured bottom right) and Frida Kahlo, plus birds, cats and dogs. She brings warmth and vibrancy to a hard, inert medium. Her most personal pieces are from the “Indios de Mi Sueños” (Indians of My Dreams) series — strong, fierce images of Indigenous warriors.

“The Indians of My Dreams are because I came here to Oregon and I didn’t see people like myself,” says Beatriz, who also has two adult children from a previous marriage. “So I needed to surround myself with my dreams and faces that look like me because I am not finding them anywhere else. That’s how we got involved in the BIPOC markets and the Indigenous markets. Out of an intentional path to try to find people like ourselves.”

When she’s not in her home studio, Beatriz works as a legal assistant and paralegal instructor, meaning she often works in phases. And she never works on just one piece from beginning to end — or alone.

“We’re a family of artisans. Every piece we do, we share in it,” says Beatriz. The process to make the wood carvings is intricate. She draws the design on the wood, and cuts out each piece — like a puzzle. Then she shapes each piece with

her wood-carving knives. Luciana often helps with sanding, chatting with Beatriz as they work. Beatriz then stains each piece and fits the pieces back together. “My husband does the framing and gluing for me, which is my least favorite part,” she says.

Luciana has been going to markets with her parents since she was 3. “We are surrounded by makers and artists. And I am extremely thankful about it. My daughter has been exposed to so many artists and what they make,” says Beatriz. “Now she makes her own stuff! She has made two ukuleles.”

Beatriz also does custom portrait commissions, often working with pine because it’s affordable and replenishable. She always asks clients about the person she’ll be immortalizing in wood. And then she repeats those words over and over as she is carving the piece — like a meditation mantra. “The wood is like every tree that is around us that absorbs from its environment. So I believe the more you talk about them, the more you touch the pieces, the more it’s in your home and feels the love … the more the piece itself becomes imbued with it.”

Find Astrid Beatriz at the Portland Indigenous Marketplace, Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2,11 am-4 pm at the Center for Native American Arts and Culture, 800 SE 10th Ave. And see more of her work at atrumarte.com/astrid-beatriz. — D.C.

MINI GALLERIES GALORE!

One of the enduring and endearing things we love about our city is its curation of mini sidewalk galleries and installations for passersby to simply appreciate and enjoy.

In addition to the ubiquitous little free book libraries, you’ll find fun and funky art galleries, toy exchanges and interactive displays, all to be enjoyed from the sidewalk. Even better, several of these were created and are maintained by kids! Pro tip: Use the handy map online co-created by the curators of PDX Dinorama and PDX Flag (both listed here) to explore galleries, installations and exchanges across the quadrants. Type in the name of the display you want to visit and it will pop up on the map. Check it out here: bit.ly/sidewalkjoy

Galleries Art in miniature. There’s poetry, ceramics, paintings and wood cars. Poetry Pottery Box (in SE); PDX Flag, pictured right (in SE); Morrison Street Mini Gallery (in SE); Free Little Art Gallery PDX (in SE), and The Car Library (in NE)

Dioramas Curated mini exhibits featuring handmade art, backgrounds and even dinos.

The PDX Dinorama + Dino Exchange, pictured left (in SE); 79th Street Diorama (in SE); The Canted Spruce (in NE), and the Lantern Diorama (in SE)

Interactive Play mini golf, grab a stick or ball to play fetch with your pup, feed chickens and take some milkweed seeds. Two Pines Country Club, pictured above (in SE); Lucky Dog Library (in SE); Chickie Crossing (in NE); Super Awesome Prizes, pictured below (in NE), and Milkweed Seed Station (in NE)

Perhaps the biggest news to rock Portland’s vibrant performing arts scene was last summer’s announcement that the Northwest Children’s Theater & School (NWCT) was moving to downtown. In the months since, the beloved youth performing arts organization has been working daily with contractors, electricians and more to completely remodel the former Regal Theater building into The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts.

HERE’S JUDY!

The Judy, as it has been dubbed, will hold its grand opening Saturday, April 29 from 12-1:30 pm. The event is free and will also feature local artists.

“There’s this feeling now, this buzz, that we will soon be able to welcome people into this space,” says Rachael Brown, the NWCT marketing and communications director.

The venue features four spaces, each colorcoded for families’ convenience. The main stage (purple) marks its grand debut this month

with Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! Also this month, visitors can catch a second-run movie in the 190-seat cinema (red) on Fridays and weekends. Pro tip: Families can also hold birthday parties here! And in May, The Judy will hold its first stage performance in the intimate black box theater (green) with an original screenplay of Cinderella. (Last month, NWCT welcomed young thespians into its three studio spaces — yellow — for spring break classes.) While the venue is initially launching the opening of its spaces incrementally, Brown says this summer, “there will always be something happening here.” Another bonus: The Judy is revamping its concessions, and will feature kid-approved favorites like pizza and popcorn, and will partner with local eateries. Pro tip: Food is allowed throughout The Judy! There are also bathrooms on each floor, including three gender-neutral ones.  — Tiffany

Hill

@PDXDINORAMA

@PDXFLAG

@PDXDINORAMA

Exchanges Take one, leave one. That’s the model behind these cute sidewalk exchanges, including minifigs, toys, rubber ducks and VHS tapes.

PDX Minifig Exchange (in SE); Tiny Creature Shop (in NE); Tiny Toy Trade (in NE); Toy Library (in NE); Sidewalk Ducks, pictured above (in NE); Friend Swap (in NE); and Be Kind VHS Swap (in SE)

Displays Explore whimsical and creative displays, made from recycled metals, wood and more. For spooky fans, there’s also skeletons!

Skelekrewe, pictured below (in SE); Post Mabone (in SE), Mt. Tabor Creations (in SE), and Robot Alley (in N) — T.H.

June 26 - August 18, except July 3 - 7

Our camps include comic books, sewing, circus arts, cooking, songwriting, and more

Delight in summer at Cedarwood Grades camps welcome rising 2nd graders through rising 8th graders (or as specified) Our Early Childhood camps welcome students in PreK (age 4) through rising 1st grade

All camps are $440 per week

Tuition Assistance is available email Erin Cooley, ecooley@cedarwoodschool org

All Girls Youth Leadership

The No-slacking

Keeping little kids occupied in the summer is a piece of cake.

While school is on hiatus, there’s always an abundance of camps, sports activities, learning opportunities, playdates and outside fun geared to younger kids. But for older children, there are fewer ready-made options, as teens have aged out from most of the typical structured summer activities. Plus, many tweens and teens are more than content to spend the summer glued to their cell phones or gaming devices.

But all hope is not lost! With a little digging, you’ll find that there are actually a ton of

great things for teens to do over the summer. Some of the best options let kids learn and try out new skills, develop responsibility, earn money, give back to their communities, or explore their passions. Whether it’s a first job, volunteering, or getting an internship, there are lots of great ways for older kids to spend their time off. Read on for some inspiration for what to do with your teens in summertime. Pro tip: If your kids are still not quite ready for extra responsibility we’ve rounded up some good camps for tweens and teens on page 24.

Find an Internship

School counselors are a great resource for so many things including leads for summer internships. These opportunities are often

paid or can earn school credit. But with internships rather than jobs, teens can dream a bit about future careers or simply mine their passions. There’s everything from law, science, broadcasting, or medicine to interior design, marketing, nonprofit work or architecture. Pro tip: The SummerWorks program connects 16- to 24-year-olds in the Portland area with paid summer internships. Find out more at summerworkspdx.org.

Teens can also reach out to local businesses. Many will have formal internship programs. Or ask if they might be willing to consider taking on an intern. Showing that they have done a bit of research on the industry and specific business — and expressing that they are especially eager to help out and learn — will help give them a leg up.

Here’s how to help your tweens and teens put down their phones and have an activity-filled summer break — and maybe even earn some cash.

BY SARAH VANBUSKIRK

PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION

Summer

Teen-friendly First Jobs

Traditional summer work for teens runs the gamut from flipping burgers to keeping swimmers safe. Here are a selection of ideal first jobs for your teen to explore this summer.

Babysitting Hit up families with younger kids, community centers, or preschools to find babysitting gigs. These positions might be ongoing or on a dayby-day basis.

Camp counselor Many camps such as Baxter Sports, Camp Yakety Yak and Portland Parks & Recreation hire teens as junior counselors or camp support staff. Or intrepid teens can host their own camps for little kids they know or recruit via word of mouth.

House painting Join a local painting crew.

Teens 16 and older can work as lifeguards and those 15 and older can be camp counselors for Portland Parks & Recreation. And the SummerWorks program connects 16- to 24-year-olds with paid internships.

Get a Job

In today’s post-pandemic labor market, teens likely have more options than ever. Many employers are looking to fill service, seasonal, and entry-level positions, particularly during the busy summer months. So, teens can cast a wide net — and pursue jobs in a variety of fields that interest them to see what kind of opportunities are out there. (See sidebar to the right for teen-friendly first job ideas.)

Plus, they can make serious money as the minimum wage in the Portland Metro area is now $14.75. For the most part, kids need to be 14 or older for a job or paid internship. However, jobs like babysitting or yard work can often be had by younger teens.

“I learned a lot about golf and how to fix things,” says Ruben Brickman, 17, a student at

Franklin High School, of his job last summer at a local golf course. “I think all teens should get jobs. It teaches them how to handle money and time management, and how to be good around other people besides your family and friends.”

Louisa Mansberger, a 16-year-old student at Lincoln High School, has already had multiple jobs, including leading her own art camps, babysitting, house-sitting, pet-sitting and lifeguarding. She highly recommends working at a pool: “I’d suggest other teens that want to be a lifeguard to not be super worried. In the certification (training) you are taught everything you will need and you can be confident in the workplace. It is definitely a great first job and tests your responsibility and people skills.”

Ice cream scooper Shops selling everybody’s favorite summer treat often need extra hands.

Lifeguard This classic teen job requires good swimming skills and lifeguard certification. However, many pools will provide training.

Retail clerk Teens can reach out to businesses that relate to their interests, such as book stores, clothing shops, resale stores, sporting goods stores, or gardening centers. Grocery stores such as QFC and Fred Meyer have also been known to hire teens.

• Wait staff Burger shops such as Little Big Burger and Burgerville, fast food spots, or sitdown restaurants all may hire teens to wait or bus tables, help with food prep (a food handler’s license is required), or work as a host.

Yard maintenance From mowing lawns to trimming hedges, there’s lots of yard work that neighbors, family friends, or local businesses might want to off-load.

SUMMERWORKS

Many summer camps have counselor-in-training programs. A good strategy is to start with camps your teen may have attended in the past as well as any that align with their interests or skills, such as speaking a foreign language; being a whiz at science, acting, chess or ceramics; or excelling at a certain sport.

There are also a plethora of job openings posted online. Plus, many high school counselors can help connect their students with local work opportunities. Another way to find a job is for teens to walk their neighborhood and ask nearby shops if they are hiring. They can also stop by their favorite businesses, such as cafes, ice cream shops, clothing stores, crafting shops or comic book stores.

Additionally, it doesn’t hurt to tap their family and friend networks. If they (or their parents) start telling everyone they know that they’re looking for a job, they might just find out about a great opportunity.

Another idea is to consider being an entrepreneur, such as starting a babysitting or yard-service business or making things to sell. Or follow in Louisa Mansberger’s footsteps and start a camp for kids you know: “I would suggest other teens to run a summer camp, whether it’s art, science, sport or many other ideas. It is pretty rewarding in terms of experience and making money. It was great because I was able to do what I wanted with the kids and work on my own schedule.”

Sign Up to Volunteer

Regular volunteering is another great way for a teen to spend the summer. There are virtually endless types of volunteering available for kids to choose from. Possible choices include working as a big brother or sister for a community organization, helping at food banks or soup kitchens, doing trail upkeep in a local park or recreation area, playing bingo with seniors, or giving time to read to kids at a shelter. Again, in addition to searching online, school counselors are often a great resource for volunteer opportunities.

“Try doing something where you work with the people you’re helping,” suggests Theo Lydgate, 15, a student at Central Catholic High School. He regularly volunteers for such organizations as the NE Emergency Food Program, Mother and Child, and the Children’s Book Bank. “It’s more enlightening than just being in a room sorting things. You can see the impact of your actions on other people,” says Lydgate. “It’s easy to forget what it’s like for people who are struggling. Volunteering helps me realize how fortunate I am and how many resources I have. And it feels good to help other people who need a hand.”

Tween & Teen Summer Camps

OK, say your teen is not ready for the responsibility of a paid gig, but you don’t want them sleeping till noon all summer long. Here are a few summer camp options for tweens and teens.

One River Art School has exceedingly cool summer camps for artistic middle schoolers and high schoolers. Week-long, half-day camps include foam crafting for cosplay costumes, realistic graphite portraits, street art tutorials, advanced Adobe Photoshop illustration and much more. Morning and afternoon camps throughout the summer. Lakeoswego. oneriverschool.com.

Seventh- and eighth-grade girls who love STEM will be in heaven at the St. Mary’s Academy Beta Blues Robotics Summer Camp. In this first-of its kind program, girls will make a fully functioning robot using CAD programming, 3D printers, power tools and more. July 17-21, 9 am-4 pm Monday to Thursday and Friday 9 am-12:30 pm. Stmaryspdx.org/ beyond-the-classroom/summer-program.

The Balance Overnight Soccer Camp for ages 9-17 gets kids and teens off their cell phones to enjoy nature, splash on a slip ‘n’ slide and pool, play soccer, float on a river and more. The weeklong camps in Vernonia are for all skill levels. Boys’ camp: June 22-26; girls’ camp: July 16-20. Balancesoccer.com/camps. At campOUT, a new camp from a former middle-school educator, LGBTQ+ youth entering seventh through ninth grade partake in activities that bring joy and resilience to their daily lives such as yoga and mindfulness, arts and crafts, creative writing and more. Two weekly 9 am-3pm sessions: June 19-23 and June 26-30. Enrollment lottery: March 15-31; open enrollment thereafter, if spots remain. Scholarships available. CampOUTportland.org

While not strictly a camp, the High School Journalism Institute gives high school students the chance to learn hands-on journalism skills from professional reporters and editors. The free program is a collaboration between the Oregonian Media Group and Oregon State University, and students will stay in OSU residence halls. July 15-22. The online application and eligibility criteria are at oregonhsji.org/ apply. The deadline to apply is May 19.

Airway Science for Kids aims to even the playing field for kids and teens from historically unserved groups by offering free, STEAM-focused summer camps for 7- to -16-year-olds. Camps are divided by age group, and each child can apply for one four-day camp. Find out more at airsci.org.

Sarah Vanbuskirk is a writer and editor of parenting, health, wellness and lifestyle content. A Portland native, she is also the mother of five kids, ages 11 to 19.

— Denise Castañon

EXUBERaNCE IN LEARNING

Think Globally. Learn Deeply. Act Passionately.

PDXPARENT PDXPARENT WINNER

2023 READE R FAVORITES

Arts & Entertainment

PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY

Winner Oregon Children’s Theatre

1939 NE Sandy Blvd., octc.org

See the whole list of our Reader Favorites winners at pdxparent.com/reader-favorites-winners.

ARTS

& CRAFTS

Winner SCRAP Creative Reuse

1736 SW Alder St., portland.scrapcreativereuse.org

Creative PDX Parent readers know that SCRAP Creative Reuse is the place to go for all things crafty. Not only can you find an assortment of creative goodies, from fabric, to paper, to wood and metal supplies, but it’s also a great place to donate your extras from previous projects. SCRAP also does great community outreach, including events in schools, teacher training and field trips. Pro tip: Families can even hold their next birthday party here! Visit SCRAP online for information on upcoming classes, workshops and more.

KID - FRIENDLY MOVIE THEATER

For more than 30 years, Oregon Children’s Theatre (OCT) has been engaging kids of all ages with spectacular performances. This month, don’t miss Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (pictured left), an imaginative play based on the award-winning novel by Grace Lin. And if you have a kiddo who can’t get enough of the theater, OCT has fun, hands-on classes and camps offered year round for ages 3 to 18 at different locations around the Portland area.

Top 5

Echo Theater

Lovegood Performing Arts Company

Northwest Children’s Theater & School

Oregon Ballet Theatre

Oregon Symphony

Winner McMenamins Kennedy School

5736 NE 33rd Ave., mcmenamins.com/kennedy-school

Catching a flick at McMenamins

Top 5

Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP)

Craft Factory Portland Child Art Studio

Owl & Bee Clay Co.

One River School

Kennedy School theater is like an upgraded movie experience at home. There are comfortable sofas and armchairs where you can watch both new releases and classics. But perhaps the best perk is the ticket price: Adults and youth are $5, kids 12 and under are $3, and toddlers and babies are free. Plus, McMenamins has a solid food menu that’s kid-friendly to boot. Don’t forget the Cajun tots!

Top 5 Academy Theater

Electric Castle’s Wunderland Cinema and Nickel Games

Hollywood Theatre

McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub

Mount Hood Theater

BRIANA CEREZO PHOTOGRAPHY

SCRAP CREATIVE REUSE

MCMENAMINS

NOW ENROLLING TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL CLASSES

Portland’s only Reggio-inspired intergenerational preschool. Located within Rose Villa Senior Living’s expansive 22-acre campus.

A GoodBouncing Time

The newly opened Raindrops Playhouse in Happy Valley features three play areas that cater to

STORY AND PHOTOS BY COURTNEY THREEWITT

If You Go:

Raindrops Playhouse, 10806 SE 82nd Ave., Happy Valley. Raindrops.fun. Open daily, but hours vary. Monday-Thursday: 10 am-8 pm; Friday and Saturday: 10 am-9 pm; and Sunday 11 am-8 pm. Check out their website for monthly membership prices.

My family visited Raindrops Playhouse on a cloudy Saturday in January. My little girls (16-months and 4-years-old) love to get out of the house and explore. So, when I heard about a new play spot in Happy Valley, I knew we had to check it out! The building is in a strip mall off 82nd Avenue with adequate parking.

We arrived about 10 minutes after opening and quite a few kids were already enjoying the playhouse. Pro tip: Sign the waiver online before your trip. I had forgotten to do this ahead of time, but we were able to complete it quickly on the website. Then we paid, my kids put on their required grip socks (available to purchase if you forget them) and we were in!

The space is divided into three main sections: a soft play area (3 years old and younger); the indoor play structure; and the net playground.

The soft play area has several padded ramps for toddlers to climb and slide on, foam blocks for building and a small ball pit. My littlest loved to climb up and down ramps/stairs. Parents seemed

to adhere to the 3 and under rule, which made me feel comfortable as I watched my 16-month-old toddle around.

The indoor play structure has slides, plastic crawl-through tunnels, a bridge and lots of obstacles to crawl around and under. This was my 4-year-old's favorite area. I appreciated the jungle animal theme, it’s cute and matches the soft play section. Right next to the structure is a bigger ball pit.

The final feature of Raindrops Playhouse is the net playground (pictured above). There are two big, brightly colored, netted areas kids can crawl into and climb around in. My kids were a little small for this section, but it looked cool.

Additionally, the space has two family-style bathrooms equipped with changing stations and snacks available to purchase. The menu includes staples like Gogurt, snack-size cheese packs, chips and sandwiches.

But parents, take note: No outside food or drinks are allowed. And while there are no time limits to play, there’s no re-entry. We bought a couple tubes of yogurt to refuel and kept playing.

Overall, my girls had a delightful morning at Raindrops Playhouse. It’s a fun adventure for kiddos, especially on a rainy day. As we left, my oldest told me, “This place is amazing for kids.”

If you buy a “fun pass” at the door it costs $14 (2 years old and younger) or $16 (ages 3 years old and up). However, online purchases get a one dollar discount ($13 and $15 respectively).

Courtney Threewitt lives in Beaverton with her husband, two little girls and fur babies. She’s a Duck who’s worked in local media at OPB and KATU. When not “momming” she enjoys baking, photography and swimming.

a variety of ages.

April 2023

Go. Play. Explore.

excellent egg hunts

Hop around to participating businesses at Bethany Village to collect fun goodies. Then head to the Bethany Athletic Club for games, activities and photos with the Easter bunny (pictured right)! Saturday, April 8, 2-4 pm. Free. Find out more at bethanyvillage.com/events-at-bethany-village

Lee Farms Easter Egg Hunt is a great choice for the littlest kids because kids gather empty eggs, which they then turn in for their choice of 12 prizes. So there’s no worries about overeager 10-year-olds (or parents!) trampling toddlers. Tickets also include additional activities and goodies. Pro tip: BYO basket. Saturday and Sunday April 1-2 and Friday and Saturday, April 7-8. $24 for kids, $9 for non-egg-hunting adults. Leefarmsoregon.ticketleap.com/easteregg-hunt23

Another good option for littles (and teens!) is Bella Organic on Sauvie Island. Its Easter egg hunts are grouped by age — ages 5 and younger, ages 6 to 12, and 13 and older — to make it more enjoyable for all kiddos. Pro tip: There’s even a Saturday egg hunt for grown-ups only! Saturday and Sunday, April 8-9. Tickets for hunts range from $5-15 per person. Find times, tickets and more info at bellaorganic.com/annual-easter-egg-hunt-at-bella-organic-farm.

The free Sellwood-Moreland Egg Hunt (pictured right) is back! Kids can play games, grab candy and get photos with the Easter Bunny. Saturday, April 8, 11 am. At Oaks Amusement Park.

You’ll pack in a lot of Easter fun at the Packer Orchard Egg Hunt: photos with the Easter Bunny, feeding baby animals, crafts and more. Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2, and Friday and Saturday, April 7-8. Packer Orchards Farm Place in Hood River. $12.95 for egg-hunting kids, $4.95 for non-egg hunters. Purchase tickets at packerorchards.ticketspice.com/easter-egg-hunt

Earth Day is April 22 and we’ve got a couple ways to celebrate with your family.

On April 22, enjoy Mother Nature with free entrance to national parks service sites, including Mount Rainier National Park (pictured), Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park and Crater Lake. Historic sites such as Fort Vancouver are included as well. Find out more at nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm.

Pitch in to beautify your neighborhood at a SOLVE neighborhood cleanup near you. Volunteers across Oregon are coming together on Earth Day to pick up trash, plant trees and more. Find out more at solveoregon.org/spring-cleanup

— Denise Castañon

family dance party

Party with Jessa Campbell & the Saplings at the Alberta Abbey. The band will be hosting a music video release party for Movement is Chemistry, a collaboration with LDW, Portland’s Talking Heads tribute band. Your whole family can shake their booties to funky, ecology-based originals and classic Talking Heads tunes! Sunday, April 23, 2-4 pm. $10 advance, $15 day of the show. Get tickets at albertaabbey. org/eventcalendar/earthday-with-jessa-campbell-thesaplings-and-ldw. — D.C.

what a wonderful world

CENTRAL BETHANY

JEFF CHANG

Hope City Church in Milwaukie will host its annual free Easter egg hunt. There will be hunts at 10 am, 11 am, and noon, and each hunt time will offer sections for specific age groups so that littles don’t get run over!

Saturday, April 8. Register at hopecitypdx.com — D.C.

welcome spring

The Friends of Tryon Creek will be celebrating the return of the trillium at their annual Trillium Festival. You can check out interactive educational stations, explore family-friendly trails and buy native plants for your garden. Saturday, April 1, 10 am-3 pm. At Friends of Tryon Creek, 11321 S Terwilliger Blvd. Free. Find more info at tryonfriends.org/calendar/ trillium-festival. — D.C.

generation network” sounds powerful, even