#p:ear

[scenefromthesidewalk]

September 3, 2017

YOUTH HOMELESSNESS IN PORTLAND

by Jesse Hazelip

Inspired by his work with Portland’s “p:ear” program—”creatively mentoring homeless youth”—Jesse Hazelip drew from the writings of homeless youth to highlight this work at Kerby and Jessup with added layers of meaning.  P:ear uses education, art, and recreation to serve nearly 900 homeless transitional Portland youth each year, and is just the latest in a long line of causes adopted by passionate activist artist Hazelip. He typically uses iconic Americana animals to draw attention to a growing list of contemporary issues: from incarceration injustices and law enforcement abuses to Standing Rock and racial prejudice, telling Creators “Everyone has their own relationship and interest in animals, so it’s a safe platform to start a conversation about issues that are divisive.”  @jessehazelip  @pearmentor  @FFTTNW

[jeremyokai]

Brian Baade shot some footage of my opening at P:EAR Gallery last Thursday. Take a look.

[thecomedybureau]

Forget about just putting a bird on it. You now have the chance to put a piece of Portlandia on whatever you heart desires as art from the show is on sale to support P:EAR, a Portland organization dedicated to helping serve the lives of homeless and transitional youth. 

Over 50 pieces made by local Portland artists will be on sale until June 23rd at Art Scout here.

[pncaccc-blog]

Danny Mackin and William Kendall leading final work on “Chuck Close" style mural project with p:ear and PYB. What a perfect week it has been!

[iheartfailure]

Creatively Mentoring Homeless Youth

Super excited to be one of the readers for this show. Proceeds go to p:ear. If you are in Portland this Wednesday, come check us out.

[meetingpears-blog]

The first bake sale.  Look how many great things were baked, and our first happy customer!  Come down and join us again between Smith and Neuberger on the Portland State University campus on Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30-3, or whenever we run out.

[meetingpears-blog]

One of our local television stations, KATU, visited p:ear recently. Check out what happens at p:ear, meet some students and Pippa, the Program Director.

[formandflora-blog]

flowers for p:ear

We love p:ear...  they are one of those organizations that every city needs and everyone should know about.  Essentially, they provide hope and support along with real-world training to homeless youth, and they do so using the arts.  Because my previous career was as an art therapist working with troubled youth, this is an approach to change near and dear to my heart.  So last year, after meeting and developing a connection with Pippa, the program director, I not only decided that form & flora would make a monthly donation, but I also began donating my time to create all the table decor for their annual fundraiser. This year I did it again, and below are some pictures from the extremely successful 2011 p:ear blossoms.  This year the theme was Alchemy & Transformation. Taking inspiration from Rumi and a Persian aesthetic in general, the colors were based around precious stones and light. Half of the pieces were gorgeous leafy begonia plants, and half were floral arrangements. Susan Webb, from Glass Alchemy, made by hand all of the vases for the centerpieces. The finished pieces were then included in the auction at the end of the night.  Hope you enjoy the shots (pardon the quality), and check out p:ear if you don't yet know them.