Inti Raymin

Every winter solstice, when the sun is farthest from the earth, the Incas gathered to pray for the Sun God's return. This annual festival takes place in the city of Cusco, Peru. Given the mercurial weather in Portland, it seemed appropriate to make our own original Inti (Sun God) masks. Perhaps they will come in handy for those rainy days to come?

Dreamtime

We had another sun-filled afternoon on the deck listening to the drones of the didgeridoo while drawing and painting animals inspired by Australian aboriginal art by contemporary artist Bronwyn Bancroft. A story of the platypus became a lesson for peace and acceptance. The platypus, despite sharing traits with each refused to join the mammals, the birds, or the fish. All groups were desperate for domination over the others. The platypus remains neutral. As reward for his wisdom, the hunters will not hunt the platypus.

The Great Race

Why is there no cat in the Chinese zodiac? Because the rat sabotaged the cat's chance of being one of the first dozen animals to cross the river as the Emperor Jade had requested by pushing him into the river as they were riding on the back of the ox! They remain enemies ever since.

Celtic Designs

It was yet another glorious and breezy summer afternoon on the deck of Green Bean Books. It was great to see a few familiar faces from last week's class and just as wonderful to make some new friends. First, we read Mrs. McCool and the Giant Cuhullin, an Irish tale of cunning and foolery. Then, we explored Celtic Designs through knots and letters from illuminated manuscripts.

If you want to learn more about Celtic Designs, check out this website.

An Irish Tale

From Mrs. McCool and the Giant Cuhullin: An Irish Tale by Jessica Souhami

About the story...

This Irish tale makes fun of two of the greatest heroes of Celtic legend--Cuhullin and Finn McCool--who could never have met. Cuhullin's tales are told in the Ulster Cycle of the first century A.D., while Finn McCool's legends appear in the Fenian Cycle of the third century A.D. This tale possibly dates from the sixteenth century when comic parodies of the heroic legends started to appear. In the nineteenth century, when the study of Irish folklore began to flourish, several versions were collected, including William Carleton's 1846 version on which Joseph Jacobs based his 1892 retelling. This version is a very loose adaptation of the tale.

You can read a short retelling of the legend of Finn McCool here at the National Trust website for the Giant Causeway, the World Unesco Site pictured above.

Thursdays Drop-In Art Classes

Do you have a budding artist in your family? Starting next Thursday, July 8 from 1-2pm there will be an array of inspirational art books, art supplies, and craft projects set up for kids (ages 4 and above) to experiment with out on our wonderful deck. This will be a fun and exploratory time. I will be on hand to provide guidance, encouragement, and supervision. No need to sign up. Just show up at 1pm and join in the art-making! $10 per session, per child.

Thursday, July 8: Draw-a-thon

Thursday, July 15: Collage & Cards

Thursday, July 22: Mask making and costume making for Last Thursday

classes meet from 1-2pm