Exciting news for 2008. I have decided to help run the Chalk it Up for Literacy event put on by Oregon Literacy. I'll be working side by side with the director of OLI as the artist rep and help with marketing, branding and promotional materials.

I'm really passionate about this event and I think it's a great opportunity for artists to get out in the community and help out a great cause. The event brought over 40 artists last year and we are hoping for 80 this year! Artists lay out their mat boards (art supplies donated from Utrecht) and use pastels to create literacy themed pieces that later on will be donated to OLI and for sale at the event. When finished select pieces will go on a traveling show and be featured at local galleries.

I am going to get the word out to the artist community here in Portland and recruit as many helpers as I can! It such a fun event and the artists are treated like the stars with a free lunch, art supplies and music.

Also the most important thing is that we are hosting it this year in THE PIONEER SQUARE! we have the ENTIRE square saved for us and want to fill it all with artists and booths.

So be aware I will be promoting this event and getting the word out to all of you fabulous artists. Also it's a great event to just come and watch, very family friendly!

For more information go here: www.oregonliteracy.org/chalkitup

I will keep you all updated.

Thanks for your support,

- Mary K.