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Image of venue exterior, a building on the corner of MLK and Stark in Portland

Light the Way

A free art show and auction featuring local artists, aiming to raise $50,000 for programming at Just Compassion to directly benefit adults and families facing houselessness.

Nov. 12, 6-9 p.m.
555 SE MLK Jr. Blvd, Suite 3040
PDX, OR 97214

From traditional to culinary arts, Light the Way will be a memorable, free​ night elevating Oregonian artists! Enjoy free food, live music, and thought-provoking art. Arrive by 7 p.m. for a panel discussion with some of the show's featured artists.

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Original pieces of art and prints will be available through online auction, with proceeds split between the artist and Just Compassion. Themed auction baskets will be available, too, with all proceeds going to Just Compassion.

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When you register for free, you'll also get a free drink ticket at check-in! 

People stand around tables and interact.

Featured Artists

Our featured artists are each presenting at least four pieces of art, which will be available at auction. The proceeds of all sales will be split between Just Compassion and the respective artist.

Painter

Kirk Charlton

This biography is still in the works!

Assemblage Artist

Carla Dencklau

Carla is a Portland-based assemblage artist who transforms discarded objects into story-rich compositions mounted on wooden boards and other repurposed surfaces. Her ongoing series, Junkpile Creations, brings together small, overlooked materials-hardware, fragments, found bits of everyday life-and reimagines them into tightly curated visual narratives. Each piece preserves traces of past use while creating something entirely new.

Printmaker

Jennifer Guske

This biography is still in the works!

Sculptor

Anthony Heinz May

My nomadic pursuit of art has led me between forested areas of the PNW where I grew up, to extended natural/urban ecologies of national and international spaces. I depict collective social critique through forms of visual accessibility where all ages, cultures and communities connect. Universality is a common theme, and I often rely on games to help convey a message and develop context for my creations.

Painter

Meera Norris

This biography is still in the works!

Ceramicist

Moth Reed

This biography is still in the works!

Painter

Janell Warrener

Janell Warrener is a self-taught watercolor artist who believes art should make you feel something–even if you’re not quite sure what that something is. Her paintings are filled with bold colors, expressive faces, whimsical personalities, and a touch of the unexpected. She is especially drawn to painting women with character–women who have lived, loved, laughed, and carry stories that aren’t always told. For Janell, painting isn’t about perfection or following rules. It’s about curiosity, imagination, and letting a painting become whatever it wants to be. Her work blends humor, tenderness, strength, and sometimes a little mystery. Because sometimes the most beautiful thing about art isn’t knowing what it means. It’s wondering why it makes you feel something at all.

Donating Artists

Several artists wanted to support the event and graciously donated one to two pieces of art for auction. We're thrilled to share their work with you.

Sponsors

This show is possible thanks to the contributions of our sponsors, both in-kind and financial.

Interested in becoming a sponsor or contributing toward an auction basket? Contact us!

PLATINUM SPONSORS ($7,500+)

Helm Development & Design

Helm Devlopment & Design logo

GOLD SPONSORS ($5,000+)

The Rueck Company

The Rueck Company logo

Central City Metals

cherry-city-metals-logo-color.jpg

BRONZE SPONSORS ($500+)

Donna & Bill Krauthoefer

Darla Tillman-Samuelson

Margaret Doherty

Sugarland Bakery & Dessert Solutions

Rep. Ben Bowman

Tyree Oil

Logistics Dynamics, Inc.

Image of the street corner MLK and Stark, where the event will be.

FAQ & Accessibility Information

What is the parking situation?

Parking is on-street only. Both paid and unpaid parking spots are available in the surrounding blocks.

What public transit routes are nearby?

The SE MLK and Stark stop on the light rail A or on bus line 6 will drop you on the very corner the venue is located on! From the opposite direction, you’ll want SE Grand and Stark, which is on the light rail B or on bus line 6.

Is there a bathroom available?

There is a single bathroom available at the venue, which requires a door code or fob. You will have to ask event staff for assistance.

Is the venue accessible for someone with mobility concerns?

The venue is on the ground floor and level with the sidewalk. There is an elevated platform, for which we are bringing a ramp to accommodate individuals who need it. There will be seating in this area.

Will there be alcohol?

There will be alcohol available. You must have your ID checked at the check-in table, where you will receive a wristband.

Will there be food?

There will be several food vendors at this event, which will be available at no cost.

What drinks are eligible with my free drink ticket?

Any drinks are eligible with your free drink ticket, including alcoholic beverages.

I can’t or I don’t drink alcohol. Can I still use my free drink ticket?

You are allowed to use your free drink ticket on any beverage, including non-alcoholic beverages we plan to make available like soft drinks and mocktails.

How much will the art cost?

Most of the art will be available at a starting bid price set by the artist. The artist considers factors like time and cost of materials when they determine the value of their piece. There will be several pieces starting under $50, and some artists are planning to bring pieces ranging in cost. Additionally, at least one artist expects to bring prints to sell at a flat rate (the originals will not be for sale).

I have a question that isn’t answered here. Who do I ask?

Please reach out to our development coordinator, Micah, at micah@justcompassionewc.com.

I have an accessibility question. Who do I ask?

Please reach out to our development coordinator, Micah, at micah@justcompassionewc.com as soon as possible so that we can provide the best support possible, especially if you anticipate needing accommodations.

I will need language interpretation for the speaking panel. Who do I contact?

Please reach out to our development coordinator, Micah, at micah@justcompassionewc.com as soon as possible so that we have the best chances of securing an interpreter. We can coordinate on your behalf for an interpreter in many languages, including ASL, Spanish, and other common languages within the Portland metro area.

Participant doing laundry

Thanks for submitting!

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