Da Vinci Days

In Corvallis, an hour and a half southwest of Portland, there is a “right brain, meets left brain, random, quirky festival” called daVinci Days. According to their website, “inspired by the genius of Leonardo, daVinci Days sparks creativity, celebrates innovation, and fosters the understanding and integration of art, science, and technology.” I knew that this was something I had to go check out.

The highlight of the festival was the Kinetic Sculptures Race. Kinetic sculptures are moving works of art, pedaled by human power over a rigorous, all-terrain course by teams of fun-loving racers. These engineering marvels move in all kinds of ingenious ways, sculpted into all sorts of fantastic shapes. I chose my vantage point to be on the banks of the Willamette River to watch these vehicles float down stream. It was such a beautiful breezy day.

A Whale of a Tale

Hippypotamus

OctoBus Garden

Something Fishy

El Pollo Diablo

Gossamer Slug

Big Friendly Giraffe

Then I strolled down to Oregon State University campus, coming first upon sidewalk chalk art, and then live music and several booths about art and astronomy and technology.

I love exploring new areas of Oregon. Corvallis is a really cool little college town. I think these festivals are what summer’s all about.

Share-it Square

Portland is known for its quirkiness. That’s a lot of the reason why I moved here. It’s also all about its little inclusive neighborhoods. In fact, Portlanders usually identify themselves by which neighborhood they live in. The city is so bike and pedestrian friendly, that people don’t often wander far from home, therefore Portland has a lot of community spirit.

There was one particular neighborhood I had heard of that really embraced this kinship. They created an intersection of fellowship called the “Share-it Square”. Each corner of the street has something the community can share.

There’s a book stand where you can take a book or leave a book.

There’s a children’s play area.

There’s a community garden.

There’s a sod-roof shelter and beautifully carved bench.

And there’s a tea stand with mugs, tea bags, and hot water.

The street is dazzlingly decorated by local artists.

I found it a very intriguing spot, and also very welcoming as I was greet by several passersby while I took pictures. I love all these cool little nooks in Portland.

Then, to keep the theme going, I had lunch at the Red & Black Café which is Portland's only vegan, worker owned, and collectively managed cafe. The colors 'Red & Black' stand for socialism and anti-authoritarianism which also makes this Portland's only explicitly anarchist restaurant.

I then stopped by a local music store that had this sign out front. Gotta love it!