Summer for Clackamas Community College

As the school year comes to a close for many students nationwide in elementary, middle school, high school, and higher education schools campuses are empty and many alumni’s are determined to think of what to do over the summer. Some students want to travel, just hang out with friends, and others want to keep their noses in-between the books to achieve their academic goal.

In this hunt for excitement or further education over the summer Clackamas Community College is no exception. Many Clackamas Community College students also want to have plans for the summer as Kathleen Sanderson mentioned, “I find the end of the school year as a multiple junction road moving, if you don’t take quick action and choose what you’ll do over the summer before you know it you’ll be stuck in class again and you won’t have memories of your summer break. This is why I have to act quickly and get my friends together to see what we will do over the summer.” On the other hand maybe this summer things will be different for many students. Perhaps due to the economical crisis the country is going through, instead of traveling or hanging out with friends many students will be in an office or a department store working. So folks get ready to replace your surfboard for a spatula and your tickets to the hot summer concert for a pile clothes that must be folded on the counters. An article on the Minneapolis Star Tribune website written by Calvin Woodward and Ann Sanner mentions some struggles college students and teens might go through this summer Break due to the nation’s economical crisis. One can read the article on the link given: http://www.startribune.com/business/45388747.html However don’t let this economic crisis bust your bubble on the great summer you thought you were going to have whether one works or lays back during the summer; memories are made either way good ones and bad ones.

In Conclusion, for many people this summer might be new different experiences which for some sounds bad but remember “new museum halls show you beautiful art” –Anonymous-. Even though some might not have the summer they think excitement is around the corner. After reminding a Clackamas Community College student of the economic crisis that will still go on over the summer Aiden Jacobs said, “The truth, this academic year has been extremely hectic and overwhelming. I am going to work over the summer but that doesn’t mean that I have to be depressed over the summer. Besides I might have gotten bored of just hanging out at home or with friends without having anything to do so working might make my summer better. Besides I’m glad I have a summer job because many might not find one.” So maybe not having a job for the summer might be the bad side of this summer break for many.

Annual Canstruction Exhibit Brings Out Portland Artists

Many times people try to express themselves in different ways, and are always able to come up with interesting and inovative ways to show their artistic side. On April 19, 2009, I was able to witness arts made in a new way....with cans.

The "canstruction" organization displayed many interesting models, like President Barack Obama, Wall-E and Eva, and Oregon sites. This exhibit took place on the floors of Pioneer Place in Portland, Oregon. Canstruction helps bring awareness of the lack of food supply for those in need. The canstructions are sculptures created entirely out of different food containers donated by varied sponsers. The sculptures are built by volunteers such as Meagan R. and Amber B. who said, "This is an extraordinary experience and I am happy to have been a part of it." On the other hand Meagan R. said, " Although this is a great experience to be a part of, it is very time consuming and requires intricate work to complete."

"These canstructions took at least 5 hours to set up, however, the planning of these amazing sculptures took 3 months." Meagan R. states.

When seeing this art, I thought it was amazing how unique these groups of people were to let their cause be known to bystanders. I am wondering however, if there is any way this group may be in trouble for using the "Hope" picture of President Obama, which is under legistlation at the moment. I am glad that they chose such a strong symbol of America's willingness to embrace change.

Besides strong symbols there were familiar Disney characters like Wall-E and Eva from Pixar's children's movie "Wall-E". The characters are displayed portraying a scene from the popular movie.

Children were drawn to the familiar characters and more than willing to ask questions abouth the projects purpose. This was a great technique that the organization used to inform children about their mission to help others in need.

There were many different sponsors who supported the volunteers in making these projects possible for the public to see free of charge. I invite people to continue to support organizations such as these as they search to find ways to help others and continue to provide our community with modern art. Thankfully these artists gift brings more than enjoyment to the viewer since donations are made to food banks thanks to these modern arts. If you are interested in learning more about "Canstruction" and its mission or supporting Portland arts be sure to check out http://www.canstruction.org/ Or to know when an exhibit is coming to Portland and other events visit http://www.pioneerplace.com/