Public Art: A Portrait of James Baldwin
“The precise role of the artist, then, is to illuminate that darkness, blaze roads through that vast forest, so that we will not, in all our doing, lose sight of its purpose, which is, after all, to make the world a more human dwelling place.” –James Baldwin
For the inaugural mural as part of an ongoing series with Portland artists, we partnered with multi-disciplinary visual artist Daren Todd, who created a colorful portrait of the iconic James Baldwin.
This piece, titled "A Portrait of James Baldwin," pays homage to the great poet, orator, playwright, and literary giant whose works and speeches have impacted Daren greatly on a personal level. Daren says that, as an LGBTQ icon and influential civil rights thinker and leader, Baldwin represents the possibilities a queer Black man can reach for in this society.
Painted on a wooden backdrop standing at more than 10 feet tall, the mural, with its colorfully pieced together geometric background and striking image of Baldwin's piercing countenance, was installed in front of the large wooden back doors of The Armory on 10th Street.
Watch this amazing video by Daren documenting his process, including a time-lapse of the mural's creation:
Video courtesy of Daren Todd
Musings from the Muralist: An Interview with Daren Todd
PCS Community Programs Manager Jonas Angelet is the curator of our ongoing mural series that features the work of local artists on The Armory’s 10th Street doors. He sat down with multi-disciplinary artist Daren Todd, to learn more about the portrait Daren created of James Baldwin, which is the inaugural mural in the series.
Daren’s mural was on display from January to June of 2021.
Learn more about Daren or listen to his music.
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Adult Class : TWELFTH NIGHT, Before & After
Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
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Witness the Magic of unscripted Elizabethan comedy! Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions!
Albina Music Trust presents A Brown Branch Christmas
Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
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