Classically-trained, jazz-weathered, and eclectically inclined multi-instrumentalist Machado Mijiga left the proverbial creative "box" at a very early age. With access to several instruments and a diverse musical background brought about by an intercultural heritage, Machado mixes various genres throughout all live performances.

Originally from Portland, Mijiga is a musical polymath, composer, producer, bandleader, educator, gear fanatic, and audio engineer, to name a few. Authenticity and uniqueness assume the locus of Mijiga's artistic identity. Self-expression is the prime directive, and the medium of choice changes like the weather.

One half of the dynamic duo DoubleDash, Dario LaPoma is a multi-genre pianist and composer living in Portland, Oregon. After studying in the midwest, Dario returned to Best coast and is actively involved in the music community. He can be heard performing in numerous jazz, hip-hop and cross-over ensembles throughout the city. Dario released his debut album of original music, SWEPT, in the winter of 2020, and he is looking forward to releasing new collaborative projects later this year.⁠

Artist Website link: Dario LaPoma

It is beautiful and humbling to speak through my paintbrush. It smears brilliant hues, leaving behind soothing warmth, and it tiptoes through pathways of intricate details with hand beaded pieces. I find joy in the tightness of controlled designs, and in the absolute freedom of big and bold shapes.

At one point early on in my career I was fatigued with boredom until I realized that I do not have to stay within “the box” or just on the canvas. So I began experimenting with mixed media, using fabric, synthetic hair, and other materials. I have hundreds of art thoughts flitting about and dancing through my mind daily, and I love the ability to be diverse in my work from representational to abstract. I need to keep it moving, keep it changing, starting somewhere different, making it up along the way. This keeps me feeling fresh and always looking forward to the next new thing.

Being able to see myself in my art as a Black woman is food to my soul, it is therapy. I especially want youth and individuals in my community to be fed in the same way. Through my art I am telling them how much I value them and how much about you myself. I am sharing with my son, the Black and Brown students that I teach, and my sisters and brothers of this community that we are wondrous, and that our faces will be seen, and our voices heard.

“Revolutionary” is the word that has made itself a mosaic in my life. Through my art I have learned to give only the parts of me that I choose to share, I have learned that my work is my form of activism. As artists we are always shouting to the world through our canvas, our photography, our dance, our song. Shouting to be heard, and when we finally see our beautiful brown faces illuminated from the TV screen, a billboard, behind a podium, and we hear our voices strong and rich, it is life-changing. It is powerful. 

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Welcome to FLOW IN THE CITY, an urban yoga sanctuary. Owned and founded by a Latinx woman, Vanessa Gómez, with the purpose to create and hold space for people to experience ease and belonging through their yoga practice.

They offer a variety of classes for all levels. Our instructors are fueled by passion and intention. Come experience what home on ya yoga mat can feel like!

WEBSITE: www.letsflowinthecity.com
Follow FITC on IG: @flowinthecityyoga

Pueblo Unido connects people who have a vulnerable immigration status to legal, social, and Indigenous language interpretation services. Our programs are focused on addressing long-standing inequities and promoting social inclusion by helping people with a vulnerable immigration status overcome financial, technological, literacy, linguistic, and bureaucratic barriers to essential human rights and services. This work protects due process rights, promotes household stability, and secures language justice so that our communities can be safe, feel supported, and thrive.

Culzzles is a small black and woman-owned business with the goal of bringing more culturally inclusive puzzles, games and other products to kids, teens and adults.  All of our products contain an educational component --- ranging from learning about a different  culture to simply learning the alphabet.  Currently, we have Culzzles for Kids products focusing on kids ages 3+, as well as a new puzzle for teens and adults.  

Portland Refugee Support Group (PRSG) is a non-profit focused on re-empowering refugees, asylum seekers, and newcomers to the community through a trauma-informed care, culturally responsive, and human-centered approach.

PRSG provides refugees and asylum seekers newly arriving in the Pacific Northwest the social capital necessary to transition into a successful life in the U.S. through our Community Wellness, Community Aid, and Community Education programs. Each of these areas is strengthened by the volunteer and partner organizations fostered through our focus on Community Connection. 

Visit PDXRSG.org to learn more.