The SANDY BODECKER PROJECT, INC. (“SBP”) was established in 2021 by Sandy Bodecker’s survived partner and artist, Tanya Cerda, as a tribute to Sandy Bodecker, Nike’s legendary VP of Special Projects, who passed away in October 2018. Sandy lived by the personal ethos: Respect the Past. Embrace the Future.
Sandy began his career at Nike in the early 1980s as a wear tester. Over the course of 35 years, he went on to establish Nike’s leadership in global football, launch Nike SB, and lead Breaking2—the quest to run a sub-2:00 marathon. He also served as Nike’s first VP of Global Design.
Deeply rooted in sport, with a background in kinesiology, Sandy’s advocacy for creative movement spanned skateboarding, soccer, running, skiing, and fly fishing. His curiosity was insatiable. He was continually exploring music and art. Musicians, skaters, and designers of all ages saw Sandy as a mentor.
Sandy described himself first and foremost as a “problem solver.” That spirit continues to inspire and inform our mission: to amplify the voices, ideas, and creativity of a new generation of problem solvers.
Sandy believed that creativity was the ultimate problem-solving tool. SBP honors that conviction by connecting emerging artists, musicians, skaters, and designers with the mentors, spaces, and experiences they need to grow.
Through immersive workshops, live events, and hands-on studio time, our programs bring professional artists, musicians, writers, and educators together to lead immersive learning experiences for people of all ages. We create the conditions where new voices and bold ideas can thrive.
Join us for one or all of our three-hour figure drawing sessions led by artist Yujin Oh every Sunday, March through May, 2026 (no classes on Easter or Mother’s Day). Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you’ll receive as much or as little guidance as you need. 18+ only or
with guardian permission. All materials, including easels, provided.
Note: we only have standing easels so please wear comfortable shoes.
Spend an afternoon getting your hands colorful with artist Zab Shavrick in this hands on hapazome workshop. You’ll explore natural pigments, color, texture, and dye additives, and leave with one-of-a-kind pieces you made yourself. You’ll take home a hand stamped floral bandana, a hand painted tote bag, and a foundation in natural pigment printing.
Zab Shavrick is a Portland-based designer, illustrator, and artist. They currently work at the Risograph print studio, Outlet PDX, love to paint on a sunny day, and the color green.
Note: this workshop is limited to 12 spots
This hands-on workshop teaches musicians the unwritten rules of collaborative music-making: how to listen deeply, respect the groove, take a great solo, read the bandstand, and lift the whole room rather than dominate it. Through guided instruction by musician and producer Tony Ozier of the Doo Doo Funk All Stars, participants walk away with the confidence and awareness to show up and play well with others. Plus, students will be invited to take the stage at Portland’s next Dookie Jam (details to follow).
Open to adult musicians of all levels.
Our past programs have served as incubators for the next generation of problem solvers. Each event honored Sandy's belief that creativity thrives in community which built the foundation for emerging artists to find the space, tools and mentorship to build lasting impact.
Halfling Records is a trailblazing non-profit record label, among the first of its kind, dedicated to amplifying the voices, ideas, and creativity of a new generation of problem solvers. Emerging musicians gain access to affordable recording studio time, workspace, and equipment, removing barriers so talent can take center stage. From the studio sessions to the stage, discover the artists currently shaping Halfling Records' roster.
Redd is a multi-disciplinary artist who plays on stage and makes the whole room sit up straight like they just heard their government name. A sonic architect with a ritual dress, Reed blends futuristic soul, synth-pop, lo-fi bedroom production that's wet to the brim in nostalgia, and rhymes raw enough to peel paint. They're what happens when a Portishead sample meets a street poet.
Listen to: Baby Jam
Roan Clearwater is an Oregonian studying music at Bennington College in Vermont ('28). His focus is on jazz piano, though he has experience performing in funk, soul, indie, pop, R&B, and Balkan traditions. He used his time with the Bodecker Foundation to experiment with less familiar musical methodologies - classical composing and electronic production. He now incorporates electronic composition into his work at Bennington, recently presenting a long-form interactive dance installation.
Listen to: Untitled
Sandy's career with Nike was defined by vision, innovation, and challenging the limits of possibility. That spirit lives on in the Nike ZoomX Bruin, an homage to his belief that skateboarding belongs across the spectrum of sport and that its elite athletes would one day compete on the Olympic stage.
In 2021, that drive coalesced in a ZoomX Bruin that features a sublimated graphic that pulls from the iconic "Blue Sky Dreamer" painting by Mark Smith of Sandy that hangs in The Bodecker Foundation space in Portland, Oregon.
