Ampersand is primarily a bookstore, ephemera, second, and finally, original artworks. They do a fine job at all. April is Portland Photo Month and Ampersand launches it with probably the most visually interesting show of the Portland litter.
Saul Leiter was a NY photographer who made his living as a fashion photographer. He made excellent and respected fine art photography, particularly color street photography which was recognized by the art world later in his life. He passed away in 2013. His vast oeuvre is being cataloged at his East Village apartment of 60 years by the estate. Now new works are becoming known.
Leiter made rough outsider-style colorist paintings. Some of that work is collected by the Hundertwasser Museum, outsider outpost.
Ampersand had an opportunity to visit Leiter's apartment packed with a lifetime of art-making. This is the result, a previously private body of work numbering hundreds.
On occasion of the publication of a new book, Ampersand brings some Leiter original Painted Nudes. Leiter painted over his prints in his painting style with gouache and other pigments in bright rough strokes, leaving some photograph visible. Most are relatively small works in today's era of massive digital prints.
This is a bold move by the gallery. At Ampersand Vintage Printed Material www.ampersandvintage.com 2916 NE Alberta, Ste B. Map 6PM-8 Free
Tending Home is a show by Emily Wobb, Jesse Siegel, Tovah Rudawski, Dave Hannon, Buzzy Napoli, Lauren Bennett, and Michelle Latourette Wood. There is an artist talk April 17 too. Opening at Surplus Space www.SurplusSpace.info 3726 NE 7th 6PM-9 Free
Caldera opens its studios to see the work of artists in residence Diana Arterian, Kyle Browne, Stephanie Del Rosso, Mandy Greer, Horatio Law, and Folawale. Details: www.calderaarts.org/caldera/arts-in-residence/current-roster/ At Camp Caldera www.calderaarts.org, 31500 Blue Lake Drive, Sisters, OR 1PM-3 Free
