Read the Feature Article about Cerimon House:

http://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/blog/2010/03/12/if-you-are-a-dreamer-come-in-cerimon-house/

The Cerimon Chronicle

Read the thread.  Imagine our future.  Ride the mighty waves.

Locating the Port - Spring of 2009:

(The perfume of promise hung in the air down at the harbor.)

Hope springs eternal, and it was in the blossomy Spring that our particular hopes sprang. Our founder had long held the dream of finding an inspiring structure (an unused schoolhouse, or church, or warehouse) to start a Sanctuary for the Humanities. Such a place would act as a platform for the Arts and a hall within which the Community might be enlivened; such an edifice would be a beacon for assemblages, "sacred theatre" events, lectures of note, and ceremonies both traditional and new.  It would provide a hearth for peaceful souls to gather and share their Art and perhaps knit a few yarns.  A group of friends, artisans & healers assembled, and this conversation glowed like embers, ignited into a powerful plan, and flickered as a beautiful blue flame might. On May 16th, the official work began, the project was dubbed Cerimon House - and this boat began to float.  In Hac Spe Vivo!

Spotting the Pier - Summer of 2009:

(In the warm nights at the dock, dreams swirled in the minds of the poets.)

It was in the productive and sunny Summer that the pier was constructed.  A Board of Directors was seated, Advisory & Resource Council members shared their wealth of knowledge, the programming was authored and articulated, the first generous grant was received from the Kanbar Charitable Trust...and Portland, Oregon was identified as the initial location for our work. The website (designed by McCone & Stuart) was launched at the beginning of July, making a dramatic and positive splash. In an effort to insure that the public could donate and receive a tax deduction, Cerimon House was glad to welcome Fractured Atlas as our Fiscal Sponsor, with the anticipation that the project will have 501c3 non profit status of its own in a near future. The Crew tossed their lines into the oceans where many fascinating fish nibbled back.

Choosing the Berth - Autumn of 2009:

(Speckled leaves fluttered through the bracing and expectant air.)

Plans simmered like a hearty soup...delicious ideas abounding. Our Board of Directors worked to put all of the necessary structures into place. Another start-up grant was proffered, this time from the FAO Family Trust.  We began our "vision raising" events: the first an evening of song on Fall Equinox & World Peace Day, the second an evening of Theatre featuring student actors, and a dedicated crew of composer, designers and colleagues. We toured buildings to find our perfect threshold, and sensed that we were close.  We looked to the skies to sense a fair wind, and were delighted to feel the surge of interest in our particular model of a Sanctuary for the Humanities which serves the community, artists and everyone's hopes for a civilized society.

Shaping the Hull - Winter of 2010:

(Quenching rains filled the pails, and the ocean churned with ideas.)

Each crew person to their task. The architects and builders of such a practical poem arrive at the berth and helped us to draw the maps and plans. The serious considerations of the endeavor took focus and seemed achievable. We embraced the interest of many, and sought a "chance meeting" with the shy (and as-yet-unmet) Mr. Phil or Ms. Phyllis Anthropist, for we are certain that such a forward thinker exists and would like to aid us with their trust and munificence in acquiring this House. Pens wiggled, fingers tapped on keyboards, tongues wagged, minds raced. We engaged the services of a building project manager, business plan writer and architect. Spring is near and we require comprehensive funding. We long to catch that particular wind in our sails.

Securing the Mast - Spring of 2010:

(A brisk air tickled the eyes, and the heart beat faster.)