‘Handsome Squidward’ artist to speak at TEDxPortland
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland-based artist Mike Bennett, who rose to popularity with his brand of wooden cartoon cutouts, such as "Handsome Squidward" during the pandemic, has agreed to speak at the 13th annual TEDxPortland.
“I’m ridiculously honored to have this opportunity, and I truly hope some of you can make it for the big event at Keller Auditorium,” Bennett shared on social media. “... I wouldn’t be here without you all.”
TEDxPortland will be held at the Keller Auditorium on April 26. The theme of this year’s TEDxPortland is “continuum.”
“Time. It is the silent artist painting the canvas of our lives — a continuum of memories past and what lies ahead,” the TEDxPortland website reads. “Our most precious and finite resource, time is free, yet priceless. It can be spent but not saved. Once used, it can never be returned. Together, we will lift up ordinary people with extraordinary ideas to create an indelible moment in time. In Year 13, let’s forge meaningful contributions through human potential, bold creativity, and unrelenting progress. Portland is what we make it — let’s challenge one another to be all in, for all time.”
The event will feature 13 speakers and four performers, broken up into two sessions that will last from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets include an event book, morning coffee and tea, and an ice cream “happy hour” in Keller Park.