Ocean Art! Xperience
Wednesday, February 19th, 5 - 9pm at ADX, Portland, OR
On day two of the Winter Waters Blue Foods Forum, we invite you to join us for an immersive cultural and artistic exploration of Oregon’s coastal bounty at Portland's premier art and design hub, Art Design Xchange (ADX). Join us for conversations over creation - this is about weaving and gathering materials, ideas, and exploring with intention...together!
Hands-on workshops led by local artisans will introduce innovative sustainable materials while giving participants the chance to learn and hone art techniques. Choose your own adventure with the following options:
“Seacuterie”Wooden Cutting Boards with Abby Ruston of Ruston Creations
Fish Skin Leather Book Making with Jessica Werner
Linocut + Block Printing with Sarah Sullivan
Create and be inspired! Stay for ocean-centric snacks and social hour 7:30-9pm
This event invites guests to reflect on conservation, sustainability, and the deep connections we share with our watery world. Whether you're a lover of art, nature, or both, this will be a transformative journey into the heart of the ocean.
Registration + Welcome 5PM. Workshops 5:30 - 7 PM. Stay for ocean-centric snacks and social 7 - 9 PM.
✨ Linocut with Sarah! ✨
We’re so excited to have Sarah Sullivan leading a Linocut Printmaking Workshop at this special Blue Foods Forum event! A talented visual artist and food justice advocate, Sarah draws inspiration from Oregon’s natural beauty and her work with local farmers as Executive Director of Gorge Grown Food Network.
In her workshop, you’ll learn to carve, ink, and print your own unique designs using linoleum blocks. No experience necessary—just bring an image for inspiration and leave with your own carved block, a beautiful print, and a starter kit to keep creating.
Follow: @sullivanseedstudios
🌊 Celebrate Imperfections with Abby! 🌊
At the Winter Waters Blue Food Forum Ocean Art Xperience Portland-based woodworker Abby Ruston will guide you in creating your very own live-edge “SEA” cuterie board using sustainably sourced Oregon Black Walnut.
Abby’s work is inspired by the beauty of nature and the Japanese principles of Kintsugi and Wabi Sabi, embracing imperfections as symbols of individuality and resilience. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll transform a raw piece of walnut into a ready-to-use masterpiece—no experience required. All tools, supplies, and finishing oil provided. Bring your finished Seacuterie board home with you after the Xperience.
Follow: @abby_ruston
🐟 Fish Skin Leather Books with Jess 🐟
Join Jessica Werner for an immersive book-making workshop that blends creativity with sustainability, offering a fresh perspective on eco-friendly design. In this hands-on session, you’ll use leather made from discarded fish skins, perfect for crafting one-of-a-kind book covers. Jessica will guide you through each step of the process, including mastering bookbinding techniques such as stitching, folding, and assembling your personalized journal. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, this workshop promises a rewarding experience that merges artistry with environmental consciousness, leaving you with a unique keepsake and valuable new skills.
Come for one event or all the Blue Foods Forum events in Portland!
Tuesday, 2/18: Seafare Symposium, Seaweed + Oyster Social
Wednesday, 2/19: Ocean Art! Xperience
Thursday, 2/20: Seafaring Speakeasy
Our Portland lodging partner, KEX Portland, is offering a Winter Waters discount all of February for those coming from out of town for Winter Waters events. Use code ILOVESEAWEED for 20% off room nights.
Huge thanks to our sponsors and venue partners: Oregon Coast Visitors Association, Travel Oregon, Oregon Coastal Mariculture Collaborative, The Builders Initiative, Ecotrust, Art Design Xchange, and Union Pine for making these event possible!
About Us
Winter Waters is an Oregon-born initiative dedicated to promoting seaweed as a superfood culinary ingredient and enhancing local Oregon coast food systems. Our mission is to bridge the gap between consumers and sustainable seafood sources through education and shared meals.
Each February, Winter Waters collaborates with chefs and tastemakers to celebrate local seafood! The state of Oregon boasts some of the most sustainable fisheries in the world, yet much of the seafood produced is exported, and a significant portion of consumed seafood is imported (about 90%!). There is a disconnect between the people and the process and we’d like to help bridge this gap through education and delicious culinary experiences.
Winter Waters Co-Founders: Alanna Kieffer, Kristen Penner, and Rachelle Hacmac