There are more ways than ever to tap into PNCA’s creative energy. Preteens creating costumes during a smARTworks summer youth camp, adults engaged in classes on picture book illustration or etching, acclaimed multimedia artist Wendy Red Star—who grew up on Montana’s Crow Reservation—lecturing on her work. These are just a few of the hundreds of…
Paying it forward
The relationship-oriented philosophy behind one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier payment processing companies When Bill Mitchell founded Merchant Concepts (1314 NW Irving St, Ste 610, 877-281-1460, merchantconcepts.com) in 1997, he wanted to build something more than a payment processing company. He wanted to build lasting relationships. “Our philosophy is that there has to be a…
Leading Roll
5 questions with Marissa Wolf, the new artistic director of Portland Center Stage Marissa Wolf has a tough act to follow. Her predecessor at Portland Center Stage at the Armory, Chris Coleman, is widely celebrated for super-charging attendance and transforming the company into one of the country’s most prominent regional theaters. If Wolf—who’s originally from…
Space Engineer
Laurie Mills, of California Closets, solves elaborate puzzles, one closet at a time. “I had worked as a Remodeling Contractor, and I just didn’t want to be dirty anymore,” says Laurie Mills, executive sales and design consultant for California Closets (1235 W Burnside St, 503-885-8211, californiaclosets.com/portland). “I saw an ad on Craigslist for California Closets…
Far Sighted
Etnia Barcelona (above) is one of several stylish eyewear lines and models carried by the Eye Studio. Tina Tsai, founder of the Eye Studio (339 NW 9th Ave, 503-219-0023, the-eyestudio.com), is an optometrist who’s always had very clear vision. Of course, she has her pick of on-trend glasses at her sleek eye clinic, but her…
Dean of the District
Often working behind the scenes, Larry Jackson has made a positive impact on the Pearl. Whether or not you know Larry Jackson personally, if you spend time in the Pearl District—and especially if you live in a condo in the neighborhood—you’ve likely felt his influence on one of the West Coast’s most dynamic and desirable…
Pulp Romance
Oblation Papers & Press celebrates 20 years in the Pearl. If Jennifer and Ron Rich are worried that we’re just a tweet away from hitting the delete key on physical paper, they aren’t letting on. Bucking the paper-free trend, the couple celebrated the 20th anniversary of their beloved shop, Oblation Papers & Press (516 NW 12th Ave,…
One Step Ahead
The fantastic one-of-a-kind designs of footwear visionary, John Fluevog In 1990, Lady Miss Kier Wore John Fluevog’s iconic platform high heels, the Munster, on the cover of Deee-Lite’s debut album World Clique. The following year, in the documentary Truth or Dare, Madonna slinked around in a pair of Munsters. With a silver pilgrim buckle and…
The War on Gravity
An effective remedy for aches and pains, Rolfing can set you straight. Joachim Creten Certified Advanced Rolfer™ (1211 NW Glisan St, Suite 205, 503-515-1023) likes to keep his explanation of Rolfing simple. For this Pearl District bodyworker, it’s not a complicated paleo diet or a strict hot yoga practice that will keep you pain-free—it’s correctly…
Tea Plus Two
The Pearl’s newest tea purveyor is a family affair. Like any mother and daughter, Mary Hunter and Marguex Gala don’t always see eye-to-eye. Hunter prefers sweet and simple, while Gala favors spicy and bold. But when it comes to crafting the perfect teas, they’ve got it down to—well—a tee. “We love the medicinal parts of…
School of Thought
Early education with an eye toward mindfulness In a sunny classroom at the Children’s Garden Field Office (2035 NW Front Ave, Suite 100, 971-277-5535, thechildrensgarden.com), 3- and 4-year-olds decorate a “calming jar.” Water and glitter slosh around inside, like a snow globe. When kids are dealing with tough emotions, they can watch the sparkles settle…
Homeward Bound
For Pearl real estate pro, Erika Wrenn, success comes by selling the neighborhood. When realtor Erika Wrenn, of (w)here (503-312-9770, pdxurbanproperties.com), moved to the Pearl seven years ago, she knew her niche went beyond selling a particular condominium’s view or square footage. She made a conscious decision to highlight the Pearl lifestyle. “My business shifted…
Agent of Change
Create Change, a growing therapy practice, helps clients travel the path to healing. “I like building things, whether it’s a team of people or a business,” says Sheila Walty, owner of Create Change (1455 NW Irving St, Suite 200, 503-842-7855, createchangellc.com), a counseling practice situated in multiple cozy rooms on the second floor of the…
Italian Accents
One of the city’s most admired kitchen and bath specialists blends Euro-chic with an eco-conscious sensibility. From the architectural design of its sleek contemporary high-rises to its galleries and public, art–filled parks—a nod to the magnificent scenery of the Pacific Northwest—the Pearl District celebrates all forms of beauty. So it’s only fitting that the neighborhood…