A beautiful energy filled the Kiva as we welcomed acclaimed artist Arvie Smith and his wife Julie to The Cliff Dwellers. The Portland-based artist was in our city for the opening of Arvie Smith: Call & Response, an exhibit of his work at Monique Meloche Gallery. We were charmed from the very first moment of meeting our special guests.

The lunch was hosted by Pigment International® a multi-media platform reporting on the art, people, issues, trends, and events shaping Black contemporary art. There was lively and plentiful conversation at all the tables. We connected with old friends and enjoyed the fine company of new friends. But the room fell completely silent when Smith stepped up to the podium. His artist’s talk was rich in story and deeply inspiring to both young artists and art lovers of all ages.

Some of us rushed to see Smith’s exhibit in the evening. It seemed essential to experience, in person, his stirring and memorable art. And, it was a chance to share another few moments with the fabulous Arvie Smith and Julie Kerns Smith.

Thank-you Patricia Andrews Keenan CD’21 and Phyliss North for arranging this lunch arts program. It was an exciting kick-off to the global celebration of Black Fine Arts Month.