Designed by local artist Ricky Gaspar, this special scarf is only available with ticket purchases for May 28, the club's AAPI Night vs. Colorado Rapids.
The Portland Timbers will celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Night on May 28 when they host the Colorado Rapids at Providence Park. Along with anthem performances from Chinese, queer Pop R&B Portland based artist Rachel Wong, a prematch performance outside Gate F by Portland Taiko, a prematch Haka from Teva Oriata Polynesian Dance Troupe and a halftime Tinikling performance from the Filipino American Friendship Club of Oregon, fans will have the opportunity to purchase a special edition scarf designed by local artist Ricky Gaspar.
Designed to incorporate many of the native patterns of Astronesia as well as Polynesian nature elements, the AAPI scarf has two elaborate designs that brings recognition to the great heritage of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
Green Side
Along one side the scarf is a bold presentation of the word, "CHEEEHOOOOOO!" The loud exhortation is an expression of excitement and passion that originated from the island of Samoa and is prominent across the green side of the scarf. The phrase has gained popularity in recent years, most notably done by AAPI icons Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jason Momoa in popular culture.
A mix of patterns orginating throughout Austronesia covers the canvas of the green side around the text. From left to right, the patterns weave in and out starting with imagery from Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, Tahiti, Guam and the Philippines. The intricate designs allow for the "CHEEEHOOO" expression to be loud and bold in the foreground.
Gold Side
The gold side of the scarf was designed for and dedicated to the “Rose City Til' I Die” mantra. Gaspar has infused the RCTID acronym and the Timbers logo with several Polynesian nature elements. They represent the ocean, mountains, sun rays, birds and the connection they all have to one another. The gold side is finished with a mix of Pasifika patterns in a contemporary style that ties everything together.
The scarf is available in limited amounts through a pre-order ticket package or exclusively at PTFC Authentics locations on matchday at Providence Park
Asian-American Pacific Islander Night | May 28
See Portland face Colorado and get a special AAPI-themed, limited edition scarf!
About Ricky Gaspar
Local Vancouver, Wash. graphic designer Ricky Gaspar, owner of Local Boy Tatau Shop in downtown Vancouver put together the design for the scarf.
The multiethnic father and French Bulldog owner has devoted over 18 years of his life to his three passions; Austronesian tattooing, being a cultural practitioner, and graphic design. It was his love for tattoos as a child, however, that sent him down a lifelong journey to discover more about his family and how tattoos and his people's ancestry are connected and have survived through multiple colonization attempts throughout the Pacific.
At the end of the day, Ricky's goal is to not only grow his business, but to share and strengthen unity through diversity. Designing the AAPI Scarf takes him a step in the right direction.
"I took the energy and passion for this sport, this city and this team and tried to tie that to the same passion and energy that the AAPI community and peoples of the pacific are known for as well," he said.
Gaspar's Local Boy Tatau shop is fitted with a full size art gallery to give opportunities to other artists and a space to share unique and creative events and art shows. He also hosts the Great River Arts Festival (GRAF) where artists of all walks of life can connect and push their art on a large scale.
Timbers will host the Colorado Rapids at Providence Park on Wednesday, May 28 on AAPI Night. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm PT.
