PORT strongly advocates automotive safety. All too often, we find ourselves surrounded by drivers laboring under the false impression that commonsense precautions, like buckling up and respecting posted speed limits, are uncool. Luckily, some of the brightest lights of the local art community have teamed up to dispel this myth with a one-day event bound to show safety-haters that road respect isn't just prudent; it's also hip and happening.

On Saturday, November 18th, Joe Macca, Ryan Wilson Paulson and AmyEllen Flatchested Mama Trefsger will host Safety Dance, an event/exhibition of artwork created around the theme of Fluorescent (Safety) Orange. The following artists will contribute work to the "Porch Gallery": Brad Adkins, Brenden Clenaghen, Arcy Douglas, Jessica Eastburn, Ellen George, Jesse Hayward, Scott Hensala, Walter Lee, Joe Macca, Tim Nickodemus, Ryan Wilson Paulsen, Stephanie Robison, Adam Sorensen and Sean Sterling.

Says Macca, "Safety Dance is a one-day event intended to raise awareness in the neighborhood about the speeding on SE 41st avenue between Holgate and Steele. It's a 25 mph residential zone, but people drive 40 mph. The goal of our event is to generate interest in the neighborhood to permanently slow the traffic down. If you live on 41st and are as irritated as me, please come by to talk about it."
Safety Dance: Sat., Nov. 18th, 10am-4pm • Joe Macca's House 4614 SE 41st Avenue (just off Holgate)

Joe, I'm contemplating a low speed drive by (at the exact speed limit) in my volvo while listening to the Men Without Hats classic. I'll wear orange of course.

Every time I drive past your place on the way to Reed I think, wonder how Joe likes the traffic.

Something about all this seems completely ridiculous and bizarre, and then I realize it is something that Ryan Wilson Paulson is associated with, so it all makes perfect sense. Ryan took a picture of me in that stocking cap for this. Ryan is fantastic and creates simple and precious work. So, have fun Ryan. And you too Joe, even though we don't know each other.

It was fun and you guys made a great statement.

Some pictures I took (they're large..sorry):

Ryan Wilson Paulson and Flatchestedmama make adorable street signs!
Joe, Ryan and Flat holding some signs I made for the event.
Ryan W.P. and F.C.M. in action!
R.W.P. gives the appropriate "thumbs up" to a passing motorist who's minding the rules of the road.
Joe Macca is SASSY
People showed up in numbers!
R.W.P. is pretty rad.

These artists met through "mail-art" so I thought this shot was appropriate.

I love how the mailman's nervous expression is glowing with reflected orange light.

Yay! I just found my picture in the "R.W.P. is pretty rad" picture. I am in the only photograph with two people in it. How unique. :)