Christine Rose

On November 21, 2025, Portland joins more than 600 creative resistance events nationwide as part of Fall of Freedom—a sweeping, two-day mobilization of artists, writers, performers, and community spaces rising in defiance of growing authoritarian threats across the country.

At Past Lives Makerspace, their monthly Open Mic Night is transforming into a special Fall of Freedom: Creative Resistance Edition, running 7–9 PM and open to all. The evening will feature spoken word, music, storytelling, readings, performance art, and acts of witness—each exploring themes of resistance, identity, memory, and the fierce insistence on staying human in a time of escalating political crisis.

And this month marks something extraordinary…

Debuting “Liberty Wept” — A New Icon of Resistance

Local artist, author, and activist Christine Rose will unveil her 6’3” reclaimed-steel sculpture “Liberty Wept”—a reimagined Statue of Liberty forged from scrap metal, welded by hand, and already making waves in the local press.

Earlier this week, the Portland Tribune highlighted the sculpture as a potent symbol of the moment we’re living in—a nation’s grief embodied in bowed steel and raw expression. Describing the work, the Tribune wrote:

“This piece reflects the deep collective grief and urgency many Americans feel in the face of rising authoritarianism and attacks on democratic freedoms.”

Built over the past several weeks at Past Lives, “Liberty Wept” marks Christine’s most ambitious metalwork to date. The figure stands with her head bowed—not in defeat, but in mourning—carrying the emotional weight of a country confronting voter suppression, book bans, propaganda, and the criminalization of dissent.

It’s a sculpture that doesn’t just “comment”—it grieves, and it warns.

Follow Christine on Instagram to see a timelapse process video of Liberty’s creation.

A Nationwide Wave of Creative Defiance

Fall of Freedom describes its mission in stark, urgent terms:

“Our Democracy is under attack. Threats to free expression are rising. Dissent is being criminalized.”
“Art matters. Artists are a threat to American fascism.”

Across the country, creators are responding. From galleries and museums, to theaters, public libraries, comedy clubs, cafés, and community studios, Americans are reclaiming art as a civic force.

Some events highlight banned books.
Others invite collective singing or political costuming.
Some gather in silence; others take the streets.
All of them insist on visibility, community, and courage.

And this Friday, Portland adds its voice.

Join Us — Add Your Voice to the Resistance

Fall of Freedom: Creative Resistance Open Mic Night
📅 Friday, November 21
⏰ 7–9 PM
📍 Past Lives Makerspace — 2808 SE 9th Ave, Portland, OR

Whether you want to perform, witness, speak, or simply stand in solidarity, you are welcome.

Come experience the debut of “Liberty Wept”, connect with Portland’s creative community, and join a nationwide movement declaring that expression is not a privilege—it’s a right worth defending.

In this moment, art is not just art.
It’s testimony.
It’s resistance.
It’s freedom refusing to fall without a fight.