Tualatin Valley Creates Creatives Networking Event, September 13, 2024

Tualatin Valley Creates Creative Mingle Networking Event, September 13, 6-7 pm at The Village Gallery of Arts, 1060 NW Saltzman Rd, Portland, OR 97229

Learn about becoming a gallery member!

Tualatin Valley Creates (TVC) offers monthly networking events designed to be a casual way for creatives to connect. Participate in conversations with other local creatives and learn about the new programs and opportunities for artists of all modalities and businesses in Washington County.

Each networking event begins with an opportunity to introduce yourself and your creative background. Next, we will learn about local opportunities shared by our host and co-host. You’ll have a chance to meet local peers in your discipline to exchange ideas, ask questions, and build connections.

On September 13th, 2024, TVC will be partnering with The Village Gallery of Arts and Gallery President, Leah Jay, while meeting other creatives. TVC Board Member host for the September event will be Brian Parker, adjunct professor of English and publishing at Portland State and co-owner of an independent publishing company, Believe In Wonder.

Registration for TVC Networking Events can be found online at www.tvcreates.org/networking. Contact Tualatin Valley Creates at 503-567-1713 or [email protected] to learn more.

Who: This event is for all creatives and others interested in enhancing their network or connecting their business with the community.

What: Learn about becoming a gallery member! Participate in conversations with other local creatives and learn about the new programs and opportunities for you and local businesses in Washington County.

Where: The Village Gallery of Arts, 1060 NW Saltzman Rd, Portland, OR 97229

When: Friday, September 13th, from 6:00- 7:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada).

Fee: Free, donations accepted

Registration: Must register in advance at www.tvcreates.org/networking

About the Host

Brian W. Parker, BFA, MA, Believe In Wonder Publishing, TVC Board Member Brian Parker is an adjunct professor of English and publishing at Portland State and has always been in love with storytelling in every medium. After earning a BFA in graphic design & illustration from Mississippi State University, he worked for over 15 years in music publishing, corporate marketing, sports/entertainment, and children’s publishing. He earned his MA in writing & publishing from Portland State University where he worked in the Ooligan Publishing Program. In 2015, Brian started an independent publishing company, Believe In Wonder, which he co-owns with his wife, Josie Parker. They have published 17 five-star reviewed titles in middle reader, YA, and children's picture books.

As the newest board member at Tualatin Valley Creates, Brian hopes to further TVC's mission of supporting the creative community in Washington County. Through promoting diversity and inclusion in all creative spaces, TVC is bringing together artists from every walk of life. Every person has their own distinctive story to tell, filled with nuance and wonder that only they can bring. Our artist community can be a catalyst for great change - raising up voices and shining a brilliant light that encourages and inspires all.

About the Co-Host

Village Gallery of Arts (VGA) was founded in 1963 by a group of 10 artists who shared the idea of having a working, teaching gallery, a place for exhibition, and instruction. Today, VGA is home to Oregon artists who have been with the gallery for many years. And new members are always welcome.

Located in the Cedar Mill area, the Gallery enjoys a diverse group of artists and artisans, who create fine works of art in virtually every medium. The Gallery is a nonprofit organization (501c3) overseen by a board of directors. The Gallery receives no taxpayer money, is staffed entirely by member volunteers and supports itself through fees for classes, workshops, membership dues, sales from the Gallery, and tax-deductible donations.

Igniting the joy of learning, creating, and appreciating art in our community, the Village Gallery of Arts hosts two types of art shows: inside shows are those in the main gallery and outside shows include several locations other than the main gallery. These include a restaurant, book store, bank, frame shop, city hall and other various locations. We believe it is important for our artists, and the Gallery, to provide a variety of settings for exposure. VGA supports professional and emerging artists by providing high quality, affordable art education to children and adults as well as providing venues for sharing their work. Classes and workshops for all ages and abilities change according to community interest and needs.

About Tualatin Valley Creates

Tualatin Valley Creates is the leading arts service organization for Washington County, Oregon. TVC’s mission is to foster an inclusive, resilient, and creative community by celebrating the local arts, culture, heritage and humanities throughout the county’s 15 cities and unincorporated areas. This includes Aloha, Banks, Beaverton, Bethany, Cedar Mill, Cornelius, Durham, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, King City, North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard and Tualatin.

TVC is an organization driven by advocacy and action. Originally founded in 1999 as the “Westside Cultural Alliance” by a group of art advocates, it gained its status as an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit shortly after. Since then, it continues to support community members by providing the latest news about local events, funding resources, professional development and economic opportunities. TVC also strives to make arts and culture accessible to its under-served populations by offering free networking events, workshops and the Arts & Culture Leadership Incubator. Through these efforts, TVC continues to uplift its vision of cultivating a robust arts and culture ecosystem in Washington County.

For more information visit www.tvcreates.org.

Host or Publisher Tualatin Valley Creates