Thanks to the generosity of residents and businesses, visitors from around the region are what Milwaukie residents already know: the gem of a community in which we live. Please thank the folks who are both figuratively and literally painting the town.

Mike Richardson, founder of internationally-renowned Dark Horse Comics, loaned his world-class art collection for the show Hometown Superhero, providing a tour of not only the collection but the history of comics.

Noted artists Steve Lieber, Todd Herman, and Jeff Parker spoke to audiences young and old. Dark Horse employees Spencer Newlin-Cushing, Aaron Colter, Philip Simon, Shawna Gore, and Rachel Edidin provided administrative expertise, spoke to students, and judged student work.

The Clackamas County Cultural Coalition helped finance the exhibit. Michael Bailey of Inspired Installations donated his time as the show’s curator.

Wine:30, the fabulous Downtown wine bar, catered a fundraising event, providing wine and treats.

Lori Moe-Burgener of the Milwaukie Arts Academy, and Mark Pinder and Jim Owens of Milwaukie High School provided
exhibit space and enthusiastic young participants.

And the artMOB, the City’s arts committee, under the administration of Beth Ragel, donated many hours of talent to make the event a success. Thank Jeff Davis, Mark Gamba, Eric Griswold, Lynn Kelland, Nancy Matich, Val Hubbard, Coral Natta, and Joe New.

Hometown Superhero was a one-time event, but the arts are on display on the first evening Friday of every month.

The showcase Art a la Carte is possible because of the hard work of Kim Keehner of Enchante, Carmen Meyer of Cha Cha Cha, Sarah Baden of Acupuncture for Wellness, and outstanding community volunteers Alicia Hamilton, Karen Fox, Yvon Kozma, and Ed Zumwalt. Come on downtown.

This month's Councilor Column is written by Councilor Greg Chaimov. To contact Greg call (503) 786-7511 or send him an email at chaimovg@ci.milwaukie.or.us.

Last updated: 06/30/2010