It all started after work on Friday. I met my fellow clowns-to-be in a room at the World Trade Center Portland (located in downtown Portland). We were all a little unsure of what to expect, and though we were very excited to be there, there was a decided twinge of fear lurking in the room.
The group had the opportunity to play with the costume pieces that our leader, Angel Ocasio, had brought along with him. We found the possibilities amazing as we viewed the rack full of clothes and many boxes of accessories.
All during the evening we did exercises to help loosen us up and learn to play with our emotions. We'd even portray animals, such as giraffes and owls. At first some of the clown candidates were uncomfortable, but as the evening progressed we all started to let go of our fears and have fun!
I know many of us went home that night trying to figure out what character we would eventually be -- ready to really discover our inner clowns.
On Saturday we began the work to find our clown characters. We also started learning to use clown make-up and decided what our individual clown faces would be. It was great fun to watch the character in each of us start to emerge during this process of applying makeup. Once we found what makeup worked, we headed for the clothing and accessories and began putting together our costumes.Angel showed us fascinating things, like the limitless possibilities of using items from our daily life and making these into clown props. Who'd have guessed all the things you can do with a lollipop, a balloon, a water bottle and a paper bag! We were able to draw on his 28 years of experience as a professional clown and walk away with a new appreciation for this amazing art form.
Sunday was about the clown in each of us. We came in, applied our makeup, put on our costumes and away we went! This was our chance to officially introduced our clown character to the assembled group. We laughed, cried, and laughed some more.I think our new Clown Corps is as unique as all the wonderful individuals who are in it. Each person is beginning to find that inner clown, and in the process of doing this weekend workshop, new friendships have been forged. We've been introduced to something special that will forever be a part of our lives.
Personally, I can't wait for my grandkids to meet 'Rosy,' my own clown. And who knows? Maybe one day they'll decide they'd like to 'clown around,' too!
-Jodi Carlton, PRFF Receptionist
- Mood:
accomplished
It was a sure sign that the Rose Festival is almost here as I headed to the event on Thursday night (April 24) to unveil the 2008 Poster. In what's become an annual event to give Rose Festival sponsors and supporters the opportunity to network with each other, the poster unveiling has become a tradition as well.In addition, another new piece of Rose Festival artwork was unveiled -- the label design for the 2008 Rose Festival Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, produced by Oak Knoll Winery.
Calling himself a "retired winemaker," Oak Knoll founder Ron Vuylsteke presented a scholarship to wine label artist and Oregon College of Art & Craft student Christopher Kramer, then assisted him in unveiling the label design. The colorful rosebud provides a stunning contrast to the dark green bottle -- an excellent fit for this special vintage.
All eyes turned to Portland Rose Festival Foundation President Mark McGirr, as he introduced artist (and Royal Rosarian) Tedd Chilless, telling us about Tedd's background in architecture, as well as his career as an artist. A collective "aaah" was heard when the poster was unveiled -- an amazing representation of Tedd's original oil painting picturing a couple in a ballroom dance pose, with the Portland cityscape in the background.Tedd invited forward the couple he'd used as his 'inspiration' for the poster which focused on the Festival's 2008 theme, "Romancing the Rose." Tedd said, "What's more romantic than a lovely couple dancing and holding a rose in the early morning sunlight above our beautiful city with Mt. Hood in the background!"
For most people this might have been just another Thursday, but for many of us it was a delicious and artful reminder that Rose Festival season is here!
-Carol Ross, PRFF Ticket & Event Program Manager
~Lou Jacobs
The above quote speaks volumes to me, because one of my first memories of clowns came when, as a young girl, I attended the Shiner's Circus with my family. I loved the brightly colored clothing, the antics and all of the laughter.
Over the years, every time I saw a clown the inner child in me would smile -- and I'd be transported back to that time at the circus. All my life I've watched people use this wonderful gift of making people laugh. They performed from their hearts, and the result was always the same: Lots of smiles and giggles.
When the opportunity came for me to audition for the Character Clown Corp, I thought 'Why not?' I signed up knowing it would make me think 'outside the box' -- and push me out of my comfort zone. I also knew it was an opportunity to do something special.
The interview process was fascinating! Angel [Ocasio] asked me why I wanted to join the Corp and I looked him straight in the eye and said, "Because you told me I needed to find my inner clown!" He just laughed and said, "Why, yes, I did -- didn't I?" But my real answer, aside from this bit of humor, was I really wanted an opportunity to do something unique and fun. Something that would make people happy!
Angel's been involved with the Rose Festival for some time now and he's become a treasured friend of our Rose Festival Staff! The rest of his questions were very thought-provoking, because they made me to pause and really reflect on what kind of things I like, how I see myself, what I hope to learn as a member -- as well as what I hope to bring to the Corps through my involvement.I'm looking forward to this chance to stretch myself and discover my inner clown. You know, I have a feeling my grandkids will love this new side of Mammy!
-Jodi Carlton, PRFF Receptionist
[This is the first in our series of following Jodi's progress as she becomes a member of the Character Clown Corps. Keep your eyes peeled to this blog for more from Jodi about her clown experiences!]
- Mood: cheerful
Actually, I was also fortunate enough to be able to attend last April (2007) in this very same classroom at Peninsula Elementary School. I found it interesting and rewarding to see how this wonderful program has evolved and improved since that time.
The basic players are the same: Angel Ocasio as Master of Ceremonies for the two special visitors -- Georgiana Pittock and Mayor Harry Lane. (Some of you will recall Angel as the CLOWN behind our new Character Clown Corps -- as mentioned in that earlier blog entry.) I'd never have guessed there could be even more to share, but I'd have been wrong!
The kids had clearly been prepared in advance by their teachers with basic knowledge of the time period -- so I extend kudos to both the educators and the school. (By the way, there were no vacant stares into space and no giggling or talking out of turn. I'd have to split the credit between the fascination over these speakers and the obvious discipline maintained by teachers.)
By the way, teachers and adult visitors were equally impressed by Georgiana and Harry!
This program is about more than facts and figures, dates and names. Students are given the chance to interact with these remarkable people who have 'stepped out of history.' You only need to see the hands waving in the air and listen to the spontaneous applause to realize how much fun they're having.Fun? Learning history?
That's right!
(And an attentive adult might even learn a thing or two -- if they listen closely enough...)
The other schools signed up for visits are in for a big treat!
( See More Photos of the Visit Here )
-Charlie M. Clint, PRFF Webmaster
- Mood: excited
So what's involved in the process of discovering your 'Inner Clown'? I can't wait to find out! I have a feeling there's a clown in all of us, no matter how shy or serious a person we might be...
And there's quite a bit of a clown in many of us! (grin)
When that happy troop of clowns comes by me on Grand Floral Parade morning, I know I'll be joining them in spirit as they head out to greet the people crowded into the Memorial Coliseum and along the streets.
But what about YOU?
Remember, this is your big chance! You can find out more about the Character Clown Corps by going HERE.
-Charlie M. Clint, PRFF Webmaster
- Mood: cheerful
Back after our 2007 Centennial year -- and winning the highly coveted Grand Pinnacle Award, as the Best Festival in the World (from IFEA) last autumn -- you might have cause to wonder what we're up to for 2008.
Never fear!
Ever wanted to be a clown? Here's your chance! Just imagine having the opportunity to participate in the annual Grand Floral Parade, displaying your 'inner clown' to the crowds as you stroll by. What could be more fun?
Be sure to keep an eye peeled for some 'behind the scenes' clowning, right here in this blog.
Clowns aren't the only excitement in 2008. Kids of all ages will want to rush down to the WaMu Waterfront Village to experience this year's featured attraction, the Dinosaur Jurassic Journey exhibit! Does your kid love dinos? Do you? Then you won't want to miss this.
-Charlie M. Clint, PRFF Webmaster
- Mood: excited
