Press Release: For Immediate Distribution
VERNONIA FIRST FRIDAY October 1, 2010

Vernonia's last First Friday event of the season will be held at the
Scout Cabin in Hawkins Park from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in conjunction with
the Open Air Market and Salmon Fest also held in Hawkins Park.
As part of our continuing commitment to build and inspire community
spirit, enourage the arts, and shake out the cobwebs, we present:
Memoria: In Progress--a memorial project to those actual documented
victims of lynching and racial violence in the United States beginning
in 1865 presented by Marilyn Michele Kunkel, formerly of Vernonia (who
will be present) and LaShawnda Crowe Storm. Quoting from their
description: "Each time the project is erected, the list of names is
placed in a Book of The Dead, which is regionally specific (Midwest,
etc.) Through this process, the act of name writing serves as a
vehicle of spiritual healing for this wound in America's soul.

"As one of the most direct and intensive community components of this
series, …the community is asked to take ownership of this history by
writing the names and information concerning the death of these
individuals on a series of bulletin boards. Once all 6,500 + names
are documented, (they) are photographed and turned into fabric, which
is later used to create the final quilt.

"The final textile piece will reflect the actual manner in which the
names are depicted, as well as any additional imagery and commentary that makes  its way onto the bulletin boards. Photographic printing processes, embroidery, and other needle art and contemporary quilting techniques will be employed to translate the bulletin board into an actual textile quilt."

Music in the nearby Blue House Cafe will be Renegade Minstrels, folk music with blues influence that features Joe Seamons on guitar. Their music reflects the range and richness of the Northwest, and their influences include local legends Hobe Kytr and Dave Berg.

For more info, please call Erika: 503-704-5970 or epaleck@gmail.com, or check out the website: vernoniafirstfriday.org
Erika Paleck
boscaiola@gotsky.com
503-429-0898
503-704-5970