The Portland Biennial this year has upped it's game. It's curated by Prudence Roberts, one of the region's most experienced and learned. She has strong museum experience and was selected to consult on one of the world's great international private collections.
Roberts has curated 24 artists and artist collaborations for the 2012 Portland Biennial of Contemporary Art. The event extends over five venues, each with their own openings; this is the first. Artists here are Future Death Toll, Chris Knight, Cynthia Lahti, Ben Rosenberg, Jack Ryan, Marie Sivak and Dustin Zemel; opening this afternoon at the Marylhurst Art Gym. The full schedule, with artist links, are at disjecta.org/2012. There is also a gallery talk here, March 15, noon. At the Marylhurst Art Gym at the Marylhurst University www.marylhurst.edu/theartgym/ Map 3PM-5 Free
The Research Club, a meetup of artists and creatives, is back with its signature brunch and talks. Today it's comedian and MC for the big upcoming Research Club event, Leo Daedalus; Vivian Hua, traveler-artist and writer; Sara Mirk, journalist, activist and Oregon history comic maker; and Ezra Spier, who will discuss his in-person research on coffee growing, worldwide, and how it gets here, to your cup. Guaranteed interesting! Bring some vegetarian or vegan-friendly food, a plate, cup and utensils, and yourself. Listen to engaging speakers. Network. A project of Research Club at the Collective Agency 322 NW Sixth Ave (between Everett and Flanders), Suite 200. See their website, collectiveagency.co for details on how to get into the building. Noon-3 Free
