Within a couple of years she expanded her business moving downtown to SW Oak Street. I visited frequently since the Plazm studio was kitty-corner in the second floor of the Myler Building in those days. I could see Reading Frenzy from my window. I have fond memories of Umbra Penumbra, Galleri 8, Michael Russo coming to work every day with his thermos lunchbox (he paid month-to-month rent in that building for like thirty years)… Portland was a different place then in many ways. I have often thought that Plazm magazine would not have survived if we had started in NYC of a larger city where we couldn’t afford the rent.

On the side of Portland city vehicles it says “The City that Works.” In many ways, it does and has for a long time. These days, the spotlight is shining bright here. If you would’ve told me twenty years ago if Portland would be looked to as a cultural beacon in the global landscape, I would’ve asked what you were smoking. Portland is big in Japan. We are written about seemingly every other week in the New York Times. The city where young people go to retire. The spotlight is here. But it will pass. The important thing is, as Kristy Edmunds said to me a year ago—not to be distracted by success. We need to stay true to what makes Portland a city that works. For everyone. That means affordable rent. Housing, of course. But also affordable workspaces for artists and makers and creators of all types.

As a small businesswoman, as a supporter of all types of voices through shelf space and gallery shows in her store, to publishing works, to helping found the Independent Publishing Resource Center in the mid-90s, to being the single mother of a physically disabled child, as an advocate for fair housing policies, Chloe has shown her true colors over and over. She has given so much to this community. She is a shining example of Portland being a city that works. And she is committed to making sure it is a city that works for everyone. I can think of no better person to sit on the Portland City Council. Vote Chloe.

Helpful links:
Official Chloe for Portland website get your lawn signs, buttons, stickers, and more. Or stop in at Reading Frenzy
Plazm magazine interview with Chloe, circa 1998
Rent Crisis – Joe Socco + Chloe Eudaly ‘zines