​The History and 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 [2009 thru 2020] - with a rotating schedule of performance, concerts, gallery shows, life celebrations, activism, and collective meditation. The name was related Shakespeare's seafaring play Pericles of Tyre, in which the healer Cerimon's residence is a place of refuge and restoration for the citizens of Ephesus. ​
Based in Portland, Oregon, this endeavor was founded & directed by Randall Stuart presenting literary salons, symposia, and theatrical events throughout the metropolitan area during its first four years, while readying for a home of its own. In the fifth year the vessel was found, and the "brick & board" part of the building was realized by a dedicated circle of colleagues, strategists, architects, 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 by the team, and it was then restored, reimagined, and opened 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 - however, the noble edifice still stands, and serves the local community in a series of ways.

Slide Show 1:
The Community Gathered

​Slide Show 2: 
Artistic Programming

OUR ABIDING GRATITUDE
Deepest thanks to the donors, investors, and attendees: ​
It was your belief that we could actually reach the destination
that made for a splendid decade, sailing upon this goodly vessel.
The splendid sanctuary was a gift and a treasure.

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