Student artists’ dreams become reality

By Ellen Wyoming
The Portland Upside
June 2009

Josh Gonzalez and Josue Ramirez (Photos by Stephanie Sasse)

Josh Gonzalez and Josue Ramirez amble their way through the crowds at the Breeze Block Gallery on 19th and East Burnside like they’ve thrown fundraisers and talked with strangers about their art all their lives.

Josh and Josue are students at Alpha High School in Gresham, Oregon. Josh is mellow and even-keeled. At first glance you’d take him to be serious, almost shy, his voice always acceptable for the hushed tones of an office or a studious classroom.

Josue, on the other hand, is more animated, with an intense gaze, hands gesticulating to emphasize his speech, and words that carry you away on a wave of energy. The two became fast friends when they met. Their bond is art.

Personality contrasts aside, Josh and Josue have more in common than not. Both boys grew up in rougher neighborhoods but had the strong backbone of dedicated families who knew and understood that their sons had talent. Harnessing that talent and taking it to the next level, however, has been a process rife with growing pains.

Josh remembers his first art as scribbling in the church hymnal when he was 3. Small acts of vandalism followed as did writing on things that were not his. Josue found a thrill in manifesting his art on the blank canvas of concrete walls, which also landed him into trouble. Eventually, along separate paths, they both found mentorship from older artists who recognized their talent and encouraged them to take it off the streets and onto canvas, wood and paper.

Earlier this spring, Josh and Josue heard about a pre-college summer studio art program at the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland. Both applied, knowing there was a possibility for scholarships. The program gives high school juniors the opportunity to create compelling portfolios for college applications and scholarships during their senior year as they prepare for post-secondary education.

Josh and Josue submitted portfolios of work they had done outside of school without aid of an art teacher, and both were accepted. They each ranked in the top 25 percent of all national applicants and each received a $1000 scholarship. However the rest of the program costs were out of their reach.

Due to the economic downturn, additional formal funding sources were unavailable, so the staff at Alpha and PNCA sat down and brainstormed. Geof Garner, who works in the Alternative Pathways program for the Multnomah Education Service District, and is a frequent presence at Alpha High School, suggested they hold a benefit concert. Josh and Josue were eager to pitch in to do their part and immediately spread the word that they were looking for musicians and a venue.

Paige Prendergast is the owner of the Breeze Block Gallery. She has known Josh and Josue for a while. They enjoy hanging out in her gallery to “talk shop.” Paige, a strong advocate for their continuing education in art and beyond, immediately agreed to open up her space to the boys when they presented their conundrum.

They came back the next day with a venue, not quite for a concert, but perfect for an art auction and fundraiser.

From there the giving and the momentum behind the cause spread like wildfire. Geof Garner sits on the board of directors for a 501(c)(3) called the Artist Mentorship Program (AMP) with Will Kendall, who started the program. AMP normally works with musicians and provides at-risk and homeless youth the opportunity to build musical skills to express themselves and gain their goals in the arts. When Geof talked with Will about Josh and Josue’s situation, AMP immediately jumped in to help.

Staff at Alpha High School, AMP, and volunteers worked within a tight five-week deadline as they solicited and gathered artwork and donations from around the city. Artists with Portland connections caught wind of the cause and sent in work or donations from Austin, Texas; Jackson, Wyoming; and Washington, D.C. Food and drink donations were solicited from local businesses and given warmly.

At 6 p.m. on Friday, May 22, the doors opened for the art auction and fundraiser. Josh and Josue looked calm and collected. Volunteers were stationed at the entry and at the transaction table. Donated art filled the room and space was at a premium. The collection of work from those who care about the cause showed both the diversity of talent in Portland as well as the strength of giving.

Over 150 people came and went from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Josh and Josue mingled with many new people as well as family members and friends who came to support them. Josue’s parents proudly showed photos of a mural that he was recently commissioned to do for a local barber shop. Josh’s mother beamed with pride and said that she always knew her son was talented and would shine.

At the end of the night a strong crowd still lingered, waiting for results of the silent auction to see if their bids would take home a prize. The energy was high and laughter bubbled as a line of smiling faces queued to pay for their items. The entire community had given and gained.

The extended community raised $5,145. In a final meeting with PNCA on June 2, the momentum carried through and a way was found to alleviate the remaining cost of the program. Josh and Josue succeeded and they carry with them the well-wishes and support of the greater Portland community and givers nation-wide.
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To learn more about AMP and PNCA visit www.amprocks.org and www.pnca.edu

Ellen Wyoming is a jane-of-all-trades and a master of none. She believes in teaching, learning, paying attention, and doing. She loves Portland and gets involved in any way she can.