A Full-Circle Moment at My First Oregon Event
A Sweet Reunion with Home in the Most Unexpected Place
Entrance at Events at Hunt & Gather
The event was a volunteer recognition night hosted by ASPET (American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics) in Portland’s Pearl District. I had my little watercolor station all set up at Hunt & Gather Catering, ready to create portraits. And in walks this super sweet Indian mom, all dressed up in the cutest blue and pink outfit, scarf and all. She had that warm, joyful energy that made you want to sit down and swap stories.
While I painted, she asked me how I got into art, what I do full-time, and where I was from—just really engaging and thoughtful questions. I asked where she flew in from for the conference, and when she said Orlando, I froze. “No way,” I said. “We literally just moved here from Florida a month ago!” And then things got even more wild.
Turns out, not only were we both from Orlando, but we were both living in the same exact neighborhood—Waterleigh in Winter Garden. What are the literal odds?! From opposite corners of the country to the exact zip code... I mean, that’s not just a coincidence—that’s storybook-level alignment.
She told me she had twin daughters who adore art, and she was so excited to bring her portrait home to show them. She said, “I want to encourage them to keep drawing and painting. I want them to see this and know it’s possible to do what you love.” Cue my heart melting.
A Beautifully Styled Event in the Pearl District
The Reception Space at Events at Hunt & Gather
The night itself was beautiful. Hunt & Gather Catering is such a cozy, stylish venue with this modern-but-warm aesthetic that makes live art feel right at home. There was also a live poet, Sam Bones, typing up poems on a vintage green typewriter (‘cause we obviously love anything green over here), and she had such a calming presence. We introduced ourselves before the event started, and I loved seeing how much heart she brought to every word she typed.
The event was fast-paced—just two hours—but I came prepared with a plan. I pre-sketched male and female silhouettes beforehand to help speed things up. Since it was a conference-style event, so all portraits were solos, which meant I was able to complete 34 portraits in two hours. It was a whirlwind, but in the best way possible!
A Special First—and a Very Special Anniversary
Not only was this my first live event in Oregon, but it also happened to fall on a really special date: my five-year wedding anniversary. My husband was there assisting me the whole night (shoutout to him for being my setup master and moral support), and the fact that we got to spend this milestone together doing something I love? It just made the night feel even more meaningful.
It’s not every day that art, marriage, career, and community all come together so perfectly. But this night did exactly that. I left that event with a full heart and a reminder of why I do what I do—not just for the portraits, but for the people and the stories that come with them.
Let’s Give Your Event That Final Bowtie Touch!
Whether I’m painting in the heart of Oregon or meeting neighbors-turned-strangers from my old hometown, these live art moments are more than just quick sketches—they’re connection points. They’re a way to make people feel seen, celebrated, and inspired.
If you’re planning a conference, appreciation event, or corporate celebration, live watercolor portraits are an amazing way to personalize your experience. Guests walk away with a keepsake—and a story. And you walk away with an event that feels just a little more magical.
Want to bring this kind of energy to your next gathering? Let’s chat and make it happen.
