I wanted to preview some crafty stuff I’m excited about this week, and I’d love to see you at one of these events if you can make it. Please spread the word!

Next Tuesday (yes, election day!) Cathy Pitters, Justin Hocking, Diane Gilleland and I will be part of a round table discussion at Contemporary Crafts Museum in downtown Portland. We’ll be chatting with everyone about modern crafting and the community here, and we’d love to have you join us! In true Portland style, there will be plenty of coffee on hand.

From the museum write-up:

From craft fairs, etsy.com sellers and zinesters to the independent music scene, bike activists and “foodies,” Portland has a reputation as an epicenter for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) culture. Join guests Susan Beal and Cathy Pitters (PDX Super Crafty), Justin Hocking (IPRC), and Diane Gilleland (DIY Alert) for a discussion on DIY, its connection to craft and the contemporary resurgence of all things independent.

Museum of Contemporary Craft
724 NW Davis St., Portland
503-223-2654
12 noon, Tuesday, November 4

And hey, what are you up to tonight?

Cathy says, “It’s time for my annual Day of the Dead art show at Alma Chocolates! I’ve got some great new cut tin pieces chock full of wrestlers and Virgins and some woodland creatures thrown in there too. Hope you can come join me for the opening – it’s today!!!”

Thursday, October 30th
from 6-8pm
at Alma Chocolates
140 NE 28th Ave.
Just north of Burnside

Check out her blog for more info and a sneak peek at one of the pieces… rumor has it that there will be mulled wine and habanero caramel apples! And of course, Sarah’s sublime and incomparable chocolates.

update: Justin Hocking will also be on the Keeping Portland Weird! panel (which I added above), and I can report firsthand that Cathy’s show is completely awesome and that you should definitely stop by this month while it’s up!

Hope to see you at one or both!