What are your names?

Vicki Wilson** and John Larsen.

Do you two work independently or as part of a studio or business?

We are independent artists. Vicki has a Sculpture and Ceramics studio practice as well. John works

as a Web Designer and makes art and music.

What is the name of your business?

It's just us.

Why did you decide to take on this project?

I'm still not sure � Because we like being too busy to have normal lives.

How did this project come about?

Greg Raisman was a student in a hand-building ceramics class taught in my home studio. He asked

for a suggestion of an interactive art piece for the event and it came to mind immediately. Once the

idea was there, the next question was if we could also design and build it.

What made you pick Putt Putt as an interactive art installation?

John and I have been talking about different iterations of this kind of project for years, ever since we

were involved with Urban Golf and the Holocene Putt Putt events.

What is the connection to Portland?

It seemed like as we brain-stormed the holes a theme started to emerge. It seemed like an

appropriate theme and something that folks would enjoy.

How long have you lived in Portland?

John was raised in Tigard from infancy (and) I came to the Pacific NW 22 years ago.

What drew you to Portland?

I came from VCU in Richmond VA to study Art at Pacific NW College of Art, which is also where John

attended school.

What makes you stay in Portland?

Not sure. It's a funny place. It's a creative place. There is good food, coffee and beer. Gardens grow

well here.

What is your professional background?

Vicki was an adjunct professor of Art (Drawing/Design and Sculpture) at area colleges for the past 11

or so years. Not teaching college at this time, exploring other ways of living as an artist (public and

private commissions and studio work). John was the Art Director for Michael Curry Design for 7 of

his 10 years with them. Now he is the go to web guy for Drive Marketing Group. He makes music in

the spare bedroom studio and works on public art commissions with Vicki as a team.

Where can we find more of your work?

The Oregon Zoo, Oregon City Main Street, The City of St Helens, OR and the Lake Oswego Gallery Without Walls Program. We also started the Foster Powell Community Garden and are responsible for an intersection repair painting in Lents and for a community mural in Foster Powell. To see more of our work, check out our websites: www.vickilynnwilson.net and www.johnlarsen.net.

Find Parkways Putt Putt at Sunday Parkways Outer NE at East Holladay Park on August 20, 2017!

 ** Thank you Vicki Wilson for this wonderful interview!