- Lives in the Portland Metro Area by way of backwoods Arkansas.
- Has travelled the world as a fabricator/welder in the military.
- His work has influenced countries and governments.
- Studied at Aberdeen Proving Ground for welding.
- Studied at Bates Tech College for sciences.
- Loves Great Danes, skull history, Jesse James, and Drag Racing.
- He has 27 pieces of art scattered all over the US.
- He has 7 pieces in the Middle East.
- If it’s metal, he’s done it.
Columbia River Creative Initiatives is currently on hiatus and may resume in the future, this website serves as an archive of the project.
Chris “Torch” Elliott
About the Program

Columbia River Creative Initiatives is a series of artist run programs and classes held at the Columbia River Correctional Institution, a minimum security prison in Northeast Portland, Oregon.
Columbia River Creative Initiatives
c/o PSU Art & Social Practice
PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207
Columbia River Creative Initiatives
c/o PSU Art & Social Practice
PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207