Happy Halloween 2017!

Last Saturday Andrea Matthews and I went in search of costumed people to sketch. We got a little more than we asked for when we happened upon the Crystal Ballroom Halloween Erotic Ball. I guess it has been happening in Portland for over 15 years. Who knew, although the line of people waiting to get their inner freak on outside of the Crystal ballroom is an iconic Portland’s sight. We ended up sketching for three hours mostly from the Ringlers pub quickly capturing a colorful character or a group swimming up to he window like some bizarre tropical fish. We also did some sketching from the sidewalk looking at people in line to enter.

"I am transgender, trans-species, trans-everything and I will pose with you for a drink...."

A line of costumed people waiting to get in

The glorious hostess of the Ball–Sasha Scarlett

A cop, a fallen angel, and a unicorn were some of the most common costumes. The bar tender Craig has seen it all over the years

People coming out for a smoke and a breath of fresh air

Some people have had enough erotica by midnight

"This is the best kept secret in Portland!" This group was very enthusiastic. They told us they have been coming and sitting at this table for many years taking photos and meeting the attendees of the ball.