As the founder of the original Artichoke Music in NW Portland, I have to say it does my old folkie's heart good to hear you've gone nonprofit and are putting so much energy into community music making.

My original dream for Artichoke ("it's all heart") was to not only have an interesting collection of handmade folk instruments, but also to have workshops and concerts. But the location on NW21st didn't really accommodate that vision. Even so, my door was always open and everyone who loved any kind of music was welcome, from kids from the local arts high school to older folks who just wanted to hang out and share stories.

I taught lots of people dulcimer for free and we even had a recorder consort going for a while in the shop, with folding chairs sandwiched in between the wall of guitars and the glass display cases.

I've heard such wonderful things from so many people over the years about how each new owner took such loving care of the shop and the Portland community that supported it. My son, Michael, just traveled to Portland to visit his baby-hood haunts, and stopped by, meeting you guys, Richard and Jim. He called me with great excitement to say what good hands the shop is in with the newest changing of the guard.

What a terrific anchor Artichoke has been and continues to be! In honor of your newish nonprofit status, I've sent a small donation. I will challenge your community of merry music makers to step up and match an additional donation of $500. (For each dollar donated, I'll match it up to a total of $500.) Blessings and heartfelt wishes for continued success as the core of Portland's community music making.

Judith

Judith Cook Tucker, Founder, Publisher
World Music Press
The Connecticut Folklife Project, Inc (501c3) Non-profit, tax exempt
Intercultural Understanding through Music and the Folk Arts
www.worldmusicpress.com and www.ctfolklife.org
judith@worldmusicpress.com or judith@ctfolklife.org
PO Box 2565, Danbury CT 06813
203-748-1131 / fax: 203-748-3432