This Goodly Vessel
​The History & Success of Cerimon House

One of the largest projects launched by Upon These Boards was the community gathering space named Cerimon House - a sanctuary for the arts & humanities - with a rotating schedule of performance, concerts, gallery shows, life celebrations, activism, and collective meditation. Based in Portland, Oregon, this endeavor was founded by Randall Stuart in 2009, and presented literary salons, symposia, and theatrical events during its first four years, while readying for a home of its own. In Shakespeare's play Pericles of Tyre, the healer Cerimon's residence is a place of refuge and restoration for the citizens of Ephesus. 

In 2013, the "brick & board" part of the vessel-building was realized by a dedicated circle of colleagues, strategists, designers, builders, artists, and colleagues. Housed within a former neighborhood gathering hall in the historic Alberta Arts District, the building was saved from the wrecking ball to be restored, reimagined, and reopened in 2015. The sanctuary positively bubbled with civic activity, art, sciences, education, nuptials & memorials. Cerimon House (the organization) closed its doors in 2020 in the midst of the worldwide pandemic. The noble edifice itself still stands, and houses Alberta House with its own roster of similar community-minded endeavors.

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Slide Show 1:
The Community Gathered

​Slide Show 2: 
Artistic Programming

OUR ABIDING GRATITUDE
Deepest thanks to the donors, investors & attendees.
It was your belief in reaching the destination
that made for a truly splendid decade,
sailing upon this goodly vessel.

 ❧  Merilee J. Bales  ❧  Maurice Kanbar Philanthropic Fund 
 ❧  2009 Brainstorming Troupe 2009  & Advisory Board 2010-2013
 ❧  Andrew Noble & Tomm Pickles   ❧  Joanne Fantozzi 
  ❧  F.A.O. Schwarz Family Foundation   ❧  The O.O. + L.E. Orrick Trust
 ❧  Deb France & Oh Planning + Design   ❧  BnK Construction 
❧  Kevin Yell   ❧ Gemma Whelan  ❧   Gretchen Rumbaugh  
❧ Vicki Green  ❧  Paul J. Susi & Paul Loomis   
  ❧  Board of Directors 2014-2019    ❧  Will Patton   ❧  HUB Collective Design
Ronnie Lacroute    ❧  The Guilbaults & The Goodmans
 ❧  Gregg & Jennifer LeBlanc   ❧  Andy McCone   ❧  Robin Chilstrom 
 ❧  Diana Boos   ❧  Sharon Nielsen  ❧  Kelly Zakis   
❧  Lily Burnett   ❧  Danielle Chaves   ❧  Katy Stephan
   ❧  Joey Copsey   ❧  Jo Pierce   ❧ Jodi Lorimer & Michael Sweeney
 ❧  Kenny & Edith Johnson   ❧  Stephanie & Laura Mulligan
 ❧  Pomegranate Communications Inc.    ❧  The Tee & Charles Addams Foundation

With an Ahha! to the 'daring-do' of beloved oregon educator Merilee J. Bales,
and an Ahoy! to the amazing volunteer crew who swabbed, painted, hammered & toiled.