September/October 2009 NW Newsmakers
NW Newsmakers 9-09

Watch Artists at Work

Ever wondered what an artist's studio looks like?

Watch artists at work during Portland Open Studios when 100 artists in the Portland metro area open their workplaces to the public on the weekends of Oct. 10-11 and Oct. 17-18. Go behind the scenes in local artists' studios to learn more about how paintings, sculpture, etchings, weavings and ceramics are made. The $15 illustrated tour guide plus two tickets good for both weekends are available at stores listed on www.portlandopenstudios.com.

Discover Alternative Health and Wellness

Now in its 22nd year, Ashland-based Body Mind & Spirit Expos (BMSE) has become the largest health and wellness expo in the U.S. Discover tools for overall health and well-being when BMSE returns to Portland on Nov. 7-8 at the Oregon Convention Center.

Now offering expos in 20 states, BMSE creates an environment for the general public to increase their knowledge of alternative health and metaphysical topics. Expo founder Steve Strickland hopes that by providing expos nationwide, those in search of change can take charge of their well-being. He encourages taking a skeptical approach to the metaphysical ideas presented, while remaining open to the possibilities that unfold.

"We live in a much larger world than we normally think about, and skepticism takes a backseat when we see things proven," he says.

In Portland, 100 BMSE exhibitors offer natural and holistic health products, spiritual books and enlightened art, plus healing treatments such as massage, yoga techniques and intuitive readings.

Along with exhibitors, the expo features 80 free lectures including talks on the power of crystals and guided healing meditations. On Saturday, Deana Minich presents "Eating with Soul" and Dave Markowitz talks about "Healing with Source." On Sunday, Roberta Mackrill presents "Plant and Stone: Voices of the Ancients."

The $12 weekend admission includes lectures and demos, plus a free $5 gift certificate for New Renaissance Bookshop. Visit www.bmse.net for a $2 coupon for admission.