‘Rose City RagBag’ art opening featuring Rai Villanueva

Rai Villanueva in action

Aerosol artist Rai Villanueva has been getting increasing attention these days with pieces blowing up all 5 of Portland’s “quadrants,” most recently as part of the 10 day Manor of Art festival. But this weekend the energetic newcomer will be taking over the E Room (3701 SE Division) at 8pm with Rose City RagBag, a celebration of her solo work. Featuring live painting, raffles and various forms of performance the night is much more than an opening.

DJs Girlfriends and L-Train will keep the sound right for whichever activity of currently taking stage which includes the contemporary and queer steps of Nonsense Dance Company, the diverse sounds of Rafial Vigilantics and Julie Martin, and live painting by Sugar Rai herself.

The spastic, dance-like movements Rai employs make the creation of her large wooden pieces as artistic and entertaining as the finished product. If capoeira was Brazil’s dancing answer to martial art, Rai’s ninja spray painting moves are her own answer to contemporary queer Portland visual art. And at the stroke of midnight you have the chance to win one of these masterpieces. Even if you aren’t the lucky winner pieces will also be for sale.

Hosted by Victor Mendez and the added incentive of 5 for $5 drinks your this is a Friday party that stimulates all the right creative spots in the brain.