Shine a Light is more than our year-end campaign — it’s what Past Lives does every day.

In a year when so much feels out of our hands, creativity gives people something they can hold onto. A skill. A craft. A spark of confidence, or a new beginning. A community that supports them.

Here at Past Lives, we see it every day: Someone picks up a tool for the first time (or the first time in a long time) and remembers they’re capable of making something real. Someone takes a class and finds a new way to express themselves. Someone starts a small business because they're done waiting for permission to build the life they want.

While big corporations and global supply chains feel farther away than ever, local makers are bringing things back home. Back to Portland. Back to community. Back to the simple, grounding act of making something with your own hands.

When you give to Past Lives, you’re helping shine a light on all of that — on creativity, possibility, and the people who keep our local arts ecosystem alive. You’re helping your neighbors learn skills, build confidence, start businesses, and feel connected again.

That’s what our Shine a Light campaign supports.

Every donation helps us keep the doors open, keep the tools running, offer more affordable classes, and continue being a gathering place for makers, dreamers, and anyone trying to build something meaningful in uncertain times.

Because when one person discovers their creative spark, the whole community gets a little brighter.

Will you help us reach our $10k fundraising goal by 12/31/25? Your tax-deductible donation will:

Every dollar you give helps keep creativity alive and accessible in Portland. Your support makes it possible for more people to learn new skills, use well-maintained tools, take classes they can afford, and be part of a community that lifts each other up. Thank you for helping Past Lives grow, thrive, and shine even brighter.

Shine a Light Year-End Campaign

Help us keep Past Lives shining as a hub for everyone who wants to learn, make, and belong.