Arts & Entertainment News December 2023

ISing Choir Winterfest Concert benefits Depave Portland

Saturday, December 9, 7:30 pm, and Sunday, December 10, 3 pm, Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, 12625 SW Crescent Street, $14 via the Reser website or at the box office.

Winterfest is a festive choral concert filled with some of the most glorious music of the season inspired by German composers. Works by Johann Sebastian Bach will be featured, including the exuberant motet “Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden” along with a movement from his “Christmas Oratorio.” Concert will premiere “Maria Regina Caeli” by ISing artistic director Stephen Galván. Other works include “Abendlied” by Josef Rheinberger, the raucous “Gaudete” by Steven Sametz, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Pie Jesu”. Guest artists will include Jerry Bobbe on cello and the Big Horn Brass Trombone Consort, who will accompany the double choir work “Alleluja, freuet euch ihr Christen alle” by Andreas Hammerschmidt.

ISing’s mission is to share innovative and exceptional choral music while supporting local non-profit organizations. Ising Choir, based in Beaverton, draws singers from around the metro area including a number who reside in our communities north of Sunset Highway. All participants volunteer their time and cover their own expenses, even when the choir travels internationally. ISingers sing for the joy and challenge of it, for the beneficiaries, for each other, and most certainly for an appreciative and generous audience!

The ticket price simply covers facilities/box office costs. The choir will be accepting separate donations and 100% will go to this season’s beneficiary, Depave Portland, whose work empowers disenfranchised communities to overcome social and environmental injustices and adapt to climate change through urban re-greening. To date, Ising Choir has raised $407,533 for worthy causes and increased public awareness of non-profits that are making a positive impact in our community. These concerts are made possible by grants from the Beaverton City Arts Program, the Cultural Coalition of Washington County, and the Oregon Cultural Trust. 

Beaverton Community Band presents Music of the Season: Peace, Unity, Joy

beaverton community band poster featuring black tree on purple background

Sunday, December 17, 3 pm, Jesuit High School Performing Arts Center, 9000 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy., $15 adults, $10 senior veteran, free students, $30 family of 4

With conductor Martin Sobelman, the concert will feature pieces ranging from classics such as Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson to Christmas Day, a mostly forgotten piece by composing giant Gustav Holst. The concert will highlight the Beaverton Community Band Woodwind Quintet with a performance of Umoja by Valerie Coleman, and Hope is Kindled by Ric Sowash. Selections will also include The Eighth Candle by Steve Reisteter, the lighthearted Sousa and Santa Forever by Julie Giroux, and more. Tickets are available for purchase at the performance or in advance online here.

Oak Hills Square Dance Club

Mondays from January 15, 6:30-7:30, Oak Hills Recreation Center, 2400 NW 153rd, $6 donation at the door ($5 for Oak Hills residents)

Modern Square Dance lessons, new students can start any Monday in January. Questions, or to sign up, contact Linda@kitchenonline.com.

Village Gallery of Arts December News

For more details about classes and events please visit the VGA website

Holiday Boutique

fused glass ornaments
Tuesdays through Sundays, November 28 through January 6, 11-5

Come find handmade ornaments, cards, unique gifts, and one-of-a-kind artworks.

Free Ornament Workshops

Saturdays, 1-3 pm, December 2 Kirigami Trees & Stars; December 9 Yarn Birds; December 16 Fused Glass.

Drop in and have fun! Everyone is welcome, all materials will be provided. 

kirigami trees

Holiday Art Chat and Refreshments

Sunday, December 10, 1-4 pm, free and open to all

VGA members, please bring a potluck dish to share with others. View the Holiday Show of delightful art, trade art stories with others, and enjoy the refreshments.

wood cookie ornament with holly painted on it

Open Studio for members and the public 

Tuesday, December 5, 10 am-12 pm, $2. 

Come with your art materials and join other artists in pursuing their individual projects. RSVP to support@villagegalleryarts.org.

Children’s Classes

yarn bird ornament
Thursdays, December 7, 14, 21; 3:45-5:15 pm, max 8 students, ages 7-11, VGA Instructional Team

Join an exciting class learning a variety of art forms! December projects include: Pinecone Gnomes, Fused Glass Gnomes & Trees, Kirigami Trees & Stars. A team of rotating instructors provides a chance to explore a variety of media and approaches while building artistic concepts and skills. All supplies included.

Adult Classes

Please check the VGA website for upcoming January and February classes.

The VGA mission is to: ignite the joy of learning, creating and appreciating art in our community. We support professional and emerging artists by providing high quality affordable art education to children and adults as well as providing venues for sharing their work. Village Gallery of Arts is a non-profit (501c3) organization, receives no taxpayer money, and is staffed entirely by member volunteers.