The Pittock Mansion - Christmas display

Every year the Pittock Mansion decorates for Christmas on a different theme, and this year the theme was books.

 Here is Harry Potter's cake from Hagrid...

 and the Eiffel Tower in the Madeline room, probably my favorite of the rooms.

I think it was my favorite because they did the most with it.

A Christmas Carol was the most sumptuous, but I think that went along with the general theme of the room for the rest of the year.

 

 The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Be...

The collection of various editions of The Joy of Cooking in the kitchen was a nice touch, and that was probably the tree that best illustrated the theme.

Overall, though, I was not impressed with the carrying out of the theme.

Cinderella may be the best example. A bodice over some green branches and some gourds.

Okay, the slippers were nice...

but look at the third picture down for the Miracle of a Million Lights at the Victorian Belle: https://www.eyesonbroadway.com/from-broadway-to-you/miracle-million-lights It is magical.

Nothing at Pittock seemed magical. (And the lighting was really weird for photos.)

Here's the thing: I have never liked the Pittock Mansion, but this time I think I understand why. When I have gone I have gone at Christmas, and that is not their thing.

Their job is preserving history, and they do a good job of that with placards and things. They do something for the holidays, but it doesn't transform.

That doesn't mean there is no value in preserving Portland history. They have added information that I think is really helpful.

But for that, it's probably better to go any time than Christmas.

http://pittockmansion.org/

Also, that parking lot is horrible, but that is a common issue for attractions built on hills. There are some good views.

Washington County, Oregon - Washington County Museum

The Washington County Museum is a small museum on the Portland Community College Rock Creek campus.

Having gone through a number of changes, the museum is currently making an effort to go deeper and see farther. Some good examples of this can be seen through the current featured exhibit, "This is Kalapuyan Land".

The exhibit revises a previous exhibit that was over a decade old, put together in cooperation with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

It was not a bad exhibit, but the perspective was limited. Guest Curator Steph Littlebird Fogel chose an interesting and effective way for building on the existing structure.

Instead of starting over with new placards, new text and strike-through lines went up in red, allowing an easy comparison of old and new perspectives.

The old artifacts and archeological findings are still there, and still part of the story. They are simply not the entire story.

There is also information on the confederation today, and work for contemporary artists, because the people are not relegated to the past.

This includes updates on contemporary ways of working with traditional crafts.

There are special opportunities, like a beading class with Carol Haskins.

There was also an event with a guest speaker, David G. Lewis, who had offered feedback on the original exhibit. It was not really taken at the time, but remains a part of what can be built on today.

There were also some interesting integrations of technology, like a program to see and hear Native animal names that involved print, but sound and pictures so that reading English was not required for enjoyment, and a game that allowed one to "practice" spear fishing.

It is impossible to not be aware of the Washington County Museum's limited space, but gratifying to see that they are making good use of it.

http://www.washingtoncountymuseum.org/home/

Huehca Omeyocan

Two weeks ago I went to see a demonstration of Aztec dancing and music at the Aloha Community Library.

It was definitely worth attending, but also they mentioned several more upcoming appearances, especially as the Day of the Dead approaches.

Today, October 12th, they are at the Washington County Museum for the Free Family Morning. They will be there until 1 PM. That doesn't allow a lot of time, but it is also worth noting that the museum also has an exhibit of artwork by Huehca Omeyocan member Eduardo Cruz on display.

http://www.washingtoncountymuseum.org/home/2019/10/03/free-family-mornings-experience-aztec-chichimeca-dance-art-and-ancient-instruments-with-huehca-omeyocan/

On October 26th they will be participating in a Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Linfield College (Rutschman Field House) from 1 - 5 PM. I cannot find a link for that.

However, there is information online about the Portland Art Museum community celebration on November 2nd from 4 - 9 PM. https://www.facebook.com/events/portland-art-museum/community-celebration-d%C3%ADa-de-muertos/293413464592728/

They also mentioned having ofrendas at each performance, as well as one at the Oregon Historical Society. (There is a different but related event there on October 22nd. https://ohs.org/events/sounds-of-the-living-and-language-death.cfm)

Even if these events is not possible, presentations can be scheduled through the group's Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/HUEHCAOMEYOCANMCMINNVILLEOREGON/

Rural Washington County Oregon - Oregon Heritage Farms

We recently enjoyed a visit to Oregon Heritage Farms.

While they are primarily an apple farm, they have tried growing pumpkins this year as a fundraiser for Hillsboro High School.

There are a lot of the usual opportunities for fall fun, like hay maze and rope mazes.

The spider web is a little less typical.

It is a fun place to look around...

and maybe go on a tractor ride.

The gift shop has decor and various products like apple butter, pies, and cider.

You can also sample different apple types before buying.

There is even a happy hour, where you can get a deal on cider and a doughnut.

Right now is a great time to visit. Today is Cider Fest, followed by Apple Fest next Saturday, each bringing additional entertainment.

Oregon Heritage Farms is located off of Scholls Ferry Road in Hillsboro.

https://www.oregonheritagefarms.com/

Portland, Oregon - Sellwood: Portland Puppet Musuem

The Portland Puppet Museum resides in an ordinary (though good-sized) house in a quiet Sellwood neighborhood, not far from Oaks Park.

As you enter there is some signage and explanation, but mainly there are just lots and lots of puppets.

The collection contains over 300 puppets.

The brochure indicates that they change the displays four times a year, allowing different puppets to be featured and seen.

There are larger puppets that are very ornate, but you can find life-size body puppets in the South Wing.

There are puppets that recall art styles and forms from other countries.

There are also some very familiar faces.

And some that are almost familiar, but not quite. (That does not look like King Friday, but that does look like Daniel Striped Tiger. However, there is also information about the influence of Mr. Rogers there, and that is nice.)

Some are more realistic and some are more fanciful.

Admission is free, and that may be for the best as the collection can be viewed very quickly.

However, where the museum may be at its strongest is with the extras, like viewing a play or workshop where children can make puppets.

Then appreciating the art becomes personally applicable.

The web site is not great, but it is worth checking out for those opportunities. In addition, there are some downloadable craft projects.

This Lamb Chop was a gift from Shari Lewis.

Some of the exhibits may be especially interesting for people who have seen them used in Tears of Joy productions.

http://www.puppetmuseum.com/