The Magic 25 - 1982, IFCC ribbon cutting ceremony

There was a lot of excitement and anticipation around the ribbon cutting. This was a huge and unlikely project- UPAR ( Urban Parks and Recreation) was in the tradition of giving to playground and recreation centers. This Federal Program had never funded an arts facility before. It was through Commissioner Charles Jordan's leadership and vision that the grant was received. He advocated for us on a National level to make it all happen.

--shared by Michelle Harper, Portland Parks and Recreation, Citywide Collaborative Services Manager and IFCC Board Member, ex-officio.

"I remember that opening the IFCC meant having a local showcase for visual and performing arts, both for professional and under represented artists. I was fortunate to have served on the IFCC board at two very different times in its history. During my first tenure, I was asked to fill a seat vacated by Edith Wilson, another Portland Public Schools Administrator."

—Trish Bradley, attendee at the 1982 ribbon cutting ceremony, IFCC Board Member, 1982 and again 2001–2004.

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