What do nuclear weapons mean to you? They were a thing for Hiroshima & Nagasaki, then the fear of them, then not so much a thing, maybe they will be a thing again with North Korea and Iran?
For Portland filmmaker Matt McCormick they are a thing.
In the 1960s, American military bombers flew straight toward Russia 24x7 armed with nuclear weapons to attack. They turned around just before the Russian border, every day. The film Dr Strangelove is a fictionalized version.
The filmmaker's grandfather was one of those pilots.
His grandfather's plane, carrying nuclear bombs crashed in Maryland. The crash was caused by the tail of the plane breaking off, a known design flaw. He survived, walking out a snowstorm at night. The bombs did not go off.
Matt McCormick is previewing his feature film Buzz One Four about the crash and the Cold War program tonight. It's a rough cut. And he is interested in audience feedback.
At the Hollywood Theater www.hollywoodtheatre.org 4122 NE Sandy Boulevard.7PM $10
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Friday, March 18, 2016
March 15 - April 3 International Butoh in Little Portland
Butoh is a contemporary dance performance movement from Japan. Water in the Desert brings some top butoh artists from Japan, Germany, Mexico and the US for three weeks of classes and public performances. The classes are sold out.
The founders of butoh were men. They were in a deep experiment with themselves, their bodies and a new performance form based on nature. They could not comprehend in the early days what explorations women would make.
Natsu Nakajima became the first woman butoh collaborator with the founders at age 19. She formed her own company, Muteki-sha, at age 26. She is an early pioneer incorporating intellectually disabled individuals into performances and continues to work at age 73.
Koichi Tamano was an early principal dancer with the founder beginning about age 19. He met his wife Hiroko in the founder's butoh dance studio when she was 18. They came to the United States in the 1970's to form their own troupe Harrupin-ha and teach in Berkeley. They also operated the wild sushi restaurant, Country Station, in the Mission, pre-gentrification. He often uses an about 10 foot diameter clear plastic sphere, performing inside it, like a giant egg. He continues to work at age 70.
Diego Piñón is a new generation butoh performer who combines psychodrama, Mexican shamanism, inspiration by the landscape of Mexico and butoh.
Yumiko Yoshioka was an early member of the female butoh group Ariadone. She now operates from the international performance center Schloss Bröllin in Germany. Each year, they gather a small number of butoh performers to collaborate.
There are a series of public talks which you can register for on the Water in the Desert Website. They are free.
Wednesday, March 16th 7pm The slowing of Time in Butoh Aesthetics
Wednesday, March 23rd 7pm Rewilding the Body
Wednesday, March 30th 7pm Unpacking Our Domestication and Domination
Sunday, April 3rd 7pm The Future of Feminine through Embodiment
There are also a series of performances with the guest artists joined by Portland and Seattle dancers. They are at 8PM and tickets are available on the Water in the Desert Website. Admission is $12-18 for each.
Saturday, March 19th Natsu Nakajima will be joined by Meshi Chavez, Teresa Venderkin, Tracy Broyles and Kay MacMillan
Friday, March 25 Koichi & Hiroko Tamano will be joined by Stephanie Lanckton, Pepper Pepper and Wobbly.
Thursday, March 31 Diego Piñón will be joined by Mizu Deiserto, Douglas Allen, Christopher Mankowski and Dreaming Body.
Saturday, April 2 Yumiko Yoshioka will be joined by Mizu Deiserto, Stephanie Lanckton, Sheri Brown, Helen Thorsen and Mary Cutera.
Butoh performances www.witd.org/witd-on-stage/ at Headwaters Theater 55 NE Farragut St. #9. The theater is in the back of the building by the active railroad tracks facing Winchell Street. Map various dates see above
The founders of butoh were men. They were in a deep experiment with themselves, their bodies and a new performance form based on nature. They could not comprehend in the early days what explorations women would make.
Natsu Nakajima became the first woman butoh collaborator with the founders at age 19. She formed her own company, Muteki-sha, at age 26. She is an early pioneer incorporating intellectually disabled individuals into performances and continues to work at age 73.
Koichi Tamano was an early principal dancer with the founder beginning about age 19. He met his wife Hiroko in the founder's butoh dance studio when she was 18. They came to the United States in the 1970's to form their own troupe Harrupin-ha and teach in Berkeley. They also operated the wild sushi restaurant, Country Station, in the Mission, pre-gentrification. He often uses an about 10 foot diameter clear plastic sphere, performing inside it, like a giant egg. He continues to work at age 70.
Diego Piñón is a new generation butoh performer who combines psychodrama, Mexican shamanism, inspiration by the landscape of Mexico and butoh.
Yumiko Yoshioka was an early member of the female butoh group Ariadone. She now operates from the international performance center Schloss Bröllin in Germany. Each year, they gather a small number of butoh performers to collaborate.
There are a series of public talks which you can register for on the Water in the Desert Website. They are free.
Wednesday, March 16th 7pm The slowing of Time in Butoh Aesthetics
Wednesday, March 23rd 7pm Rewilding the Body
Wednesday, March 30th 7pm Unpacking Our Domestication and Domination
Sunday, April 3rd 7pm The Future of Feminine through Embodiment
There are also a series of performances with the guest artists joined by Portland and Seattle dancers. They are at 8PM and tickets are available on the Water in the Desert Website. Admission is $12-18 for each.
Saturday, March 19th Natsu Nakajima will be joined by Meshi Chavez, Teresa Venderkin, Tracy Broyles and Kay MacMillan
Friday, March 25 Koichi & Hiroko Tamano will be joined by Stephanie Lanckton, Pepper Pepper and Wobbly.
Thursday, March 31 Diego Piñón will be joined by Mizu Deiserto, Douglas Allen, Christopher Mankowski and Dreaming Body.
Saturday, April 2 Yumiko Yoshioka will be joined by Mizu Deiserto, Stephanie Lanckton, Sheri Brown, Helen Thorsen and Mary Cutera.
Butoh performances www.witd.org/witd-on-stage/ at Headwaters Theater 55 NE Farragut St. #9. The theater is in the back of the building by the active railroad tracks facing Winchell Street. Map various dates see above
Sunday, March 13, 2016
March 15 Sad Night Live
Winter is sad time in Portland. Let's celebrate it! Especially since we are on the upswing in solar hours. That is Sad Night Live.
Musicians Michael Hurley, Shelley Short and Dragging an Ox Through Water will sing their sad songs and writers Patrick DeWitt and Jon Raymond read sad stories.
At the Portland Museum of Modern Art inside Mississippi Records www.portlandmuseumofmodernart.com 5202 N Albina Map 8PM-10 Free
Musicians Michael Hurley, Shelley Short and Dragging an Ox Through Water will sing their sad songs and writers Patrick DeWitt and Jon Raymond read sad stories.
At the Portland Museum of Modern Art inside Mississippi Records www.portlandmuseumofmodernart.com 5202 N Albina Map 8PM-10 Free
Saturday, March 12, 2016
March 13 Capture or Not
Dance, like all performance, is ephemeral. It is difficult to record for vibrant experience later. It is a challenge for videomakers. It has an unusually large dynamic range in lighting, cameras are challenged to capture it. Color management is challenging. A multi camera setup is ideal. Synching across takes requires using the score as the timeline. There is a school of thought that a single long shot of the whole stage is the only way to record dance. That approach tends to be boring.
Today is an afternoon of dance videos from the 2015 Outlet Dance Project and a discussion with local videomakers Karl Lind, Wobbly Dance, SubRosa Dance Collective and more.
Discussion 3PM-4, Videos 4:30PM-6.
At Performance Works Northwest www.performanceworksnw.org 3PM-6 Free
Pure Surface, a collaborative performance between a mover, a filmmaker and a writer is back with Claire Barrera - movement, Kelly Rauer - video and A.M. O'Malley - text. Pure Surface www.puresurface.info at Valentines valentinespdx.com 232 SW Ankeny. Doors 6PM, performance 7 sharp Free
Today is an afternoon of dance videos from the 2015 Outlet Dance Project and a discussion with local videomakers Karl Lind, Wobbly Dance, SubRosa Dance Collective and more.
Discussion 3PM-4, Videos 4:30PM-6.
At Performance Works Northwest www.performanceworksnw.org 3PM-6 Free
Pure Surface, a collaborative performance between a mover, a filmmaker and a writer is back with Claire Barrera - movement, Kelly Rauer - video and A.M. O'Malley - text. Pure Surface www.puresurface.info at Valentines valentinespdx.com 232 SW Ankeny. Doors 6PM, performance 7 sharp Free
Friday, March 11, 2016
March 12 Foster Dive Music That Counts
Some would say that SE Foster Road between 50th and about 74th gets no respect. But it has been quietly sprouting creative businesses for several years.
Portland has art walks First Thursday in NW, First Friday Eastside, Second Thursday N Mississippi, Last Thursday NE Alberta. Foster joins with Second Saturdays.
They are a little disorganized on getting the information out, we are guessing it is between noon and 8. More at http://fosterpowellpdx.com/2016/03/07/foster-gets-art-walk-2-0-will-commence-saturday/ Free
Volt Divers is a monthly show of analog synth performances.
Electronic music goes back in time - see www.120years.net. Robert Moog was an early pioneer in modular analog synthesizers, beginning in 1963. Analog synthesizers use modules such as tone generators, filters, compressors, gates, modulators, samplers and sequencers. The modules are connected in the musician's choice of patch cords. They often have a keyboard and a myriad of knobs.
Each musician essentially builds their own instrument by connecting the modules with patch cord wires and setting the knobs. The instrument can be changed, and is, within and between performances.
The Volt Divers evening consists of 6-10 short performances, accompanied by live visual projections. Performers this month are: Ross Fish, Dump Shock, Rise of Necropolis, Strange Haze, Dr Strangeknob, LoFI Freq, Dweomer, Grease Envelope and E*t My Shit. The event starts on time and sells out free. Volt Divers at Lovecraft Bar 421 SE Grand 7PM-10 Free
Disjecta has always had a musical vector. Portland is very early in the vector of social practice art.
The social practice artists at Portland State University: Emma Colburn, Roz Crews, Amanda Leigh Evans, Emily Fitzgerald, Harrell Fletcher, Lauren Moran, Anke Schuettler, Renee Sills and Kimberly Sutherland have curated Kenton neighborhood musicians for a project opening this evening.
Musical collaborators include Zahra Ahmed, De La Salle North Catholic High School Choir, Dorian Neira and Daniel “D.J. Max” Lasuncet, Austin Green, Robin Gordon and the Celebration Tabernacle Ministry of Music, Kenton Brass, Kenton Church Choir, Shirley A. Meador, The Obo Addy Legacy Project, Peninsula School in collaboration with Caldera, Heather Perkins, André Roberson, Lisa Schonberg, Norman Sylvester and The World Famous Kenton Club.
There are musical events throughout the month.
At Disjecta, in the shadow of Paul Bunyan www.disjecta.org 8371 N. Interstate Map 6PM-10 Free
Emily Counts shows her sculptures tonight. Her work uses materials richly, in a step just beyond minimalism. The gallery website has a much more eloquent exposition. At Carl & Sloan Contemporary www.carlsloan.com in the Disjecta building. 8371 N Interstate Ave #1 Map 6PM-10 Free
Portland has art walks First Thursday in NW, First Friday Eastside, Second Thursday N Mississippi, Last Thursday NE Alberta. Foster joins with Second Saturdays.
They are a little disorganized on getting the information out, we are guessing it is between noon and 8. More at http://fosterpowellpdx.com/2016/03/07/foster-gets-art-walk-2-0-will-commence-saturday/ Free
Volt Divers is a monthly show of analog synth performances.
Electronic music goes back in time - see www.120years.net. Robert Moog was an early pioneer in modular analog synthesizers, beginning in 1963. Analog synthesizers use modules such as tone generators, filters, compressors, gates, modulators, samplers and sequencers. The modules are connected in the musician's choice of patch cords. They often have a keyboard and a myriad of knobs.
Each musician essentially builds their own instrument by connecting the modules with patch cord wires and setting the knobs. The instrument can be changed, and is, within and between performances.
The Volt Divers evening consists of 6-10 short performances, accompanied by live visual projections. Performers this month are: Ross Fish, Dump Shock, Rise of Necropolis, Strange Haze, Dr Strangeknob, LoFI Freq, Dweomer, Grease Envelope and E*t My Shit. The event starts on time and sells out free. Volt Divers at Lovecraft Bar 421 SE Grand 7PM-10 Free
Disjecta has always had a musical vector. Portland is very early in the vector of social practice art.
The social practice artists at Portland State University: Emma Colburn, Roz Crews, Amanda Leigh Evans, Emily Fitzgerald, Harrell Fletcher, Lauren Moran, Anke Schuettler, Renee Sills and Kimberly Sutherland have curated Kenton neighborhood musicians for a project opening this evening.
Musical collaborators include Zahra Ahmed, De La Salle North Catholic High School Choir, Dorian Neira and Daniel “D.J. Max” Lasuncet, Austin Green, Robin Gordon and the Celebration Tabernacle Ministry of Music, Kenton Brass, Kenton Church Choir, Shirley A. Meador, The Obo Addy Legacy Project, Peninsula School in collaboration with Caldera, Heather Perkins, André Roberson, Lisa Schonberg, Norman Sylvester and The World Famous Kenton Club.
There are musical events throughout the month.
At Disjecta, in the shadow of Paul Bunyan www.disjecta.org 8371 N. Interstate Map 6PM-10 Free
Emily Counts shows her sculptures tonight. Her work uses materials richly, in a step just beyond minimalism. The gallery website has a much more eloquent exposition. At Carl & Sloan Contemporary www.carlsloan.com in the Disjecta building. 8371 N Interstate Ave #1 Map 6PM-10 Free
March 11 Make Fourteen Published Objectives
Portland has a healthy maker movement. It is not all dedicated to art. Tonight a new maker space opens, Hedron Technology. You can find all about them at www.hedron.technology. Opening at Manifestation 2020 SE Bush 7PM-10 Free
Jon Raymond drops a new book of collected portland art writings tonight. Covering 1997 to 2016, The Community, will be presented in a reception tonight. At Publication Studio www.publicationstudio.biz 717 SW Ankeny Map 7:30PM-9 Free
Fourteen30 has a show by Julia Haft-Candell, Kristan Kennedy and Evan La Londe. At the first of two members in Portland of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, Fourteen30 Gallery www.fourteen30.com 1501 SW Market Street Map 6PM-8 Free
HQ Objective is sprung from PNCA. Tonight current PNCA student Joseph McGehee has a performance or other as part of a class project, Hot Pants. At Fortune Gallery & Press, formerly HQHQ Objective, www.hqobjective.org 2235 W Burnside 6PM-9 Free
As previously mentioned To pick up what we set down, the installation by Maggie Heath, has a performance tonight at 8. At Composition Gallery www.facebook.com/compositiongallery 625 N.W. Everett St., #102 (mid-block on NW6th) 7PM-9 Free
Jon Raymond drops a new book of collected portland art writings tonight. Covering 1997 to 2016, The Community, will be presented in a reception tonight. At Publication Studio www.publicationstudio.biz 717 SW Ankeny Map 7:30PM-9 Free
Fourteen30 has a show by Julia Haft-Candell, Kristan Kennedy and Evan La Londe. At the first of two members in Portland of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, Fourteen30 Gallery www.fourteen30.com 1501 SW Market Street Map 6PM-8 Free
HQ Objective is sprung from PNCA. Tonight current PNCA student Joseph McGehee has a performance or other as part of a class project, Hot Pants. At Fortune Gallery & Press, formerly HQHQ Objective, www.hqobjective.org 2235 W Burnside 6PM-9 Free
As previously mentioned To pick up what we set down, the installation by Maggie Heath, has a performance tonight at 8. At Composition Gallery www.facebook.com/compositiongallery 625 N.W. Everett St., #102 (mid-block on NW6th) 7PM-9 Free
Sunday, March 06, 2016
March 7 Spring Buds
Spring Buds is a timely painting show by Lora Baize, Annie McLaughlin and Claire Redman. We like the curatorial spirit at Nationale. At Nationale www.nationale.us 3360 SE Division Map 3PM-6 Free
Friday, March 04, 2016
March 5 Edit Ritual Identity
The PDX Art and Feminism Wikipedia Edit Party is a fun thing you can do today. Wikipedia is crowd sourced, and the crowd can be you! A lot of yous will be sitting down all day, or drop in and out as you like, to work on improving Wikipedia articles on art, artists and feminism. You can find out all the things at www.facebook.com/events/1107483612616621/. At Yu Contemporary Art www.yucontemporary.org 900 SE 10th 10AM-5PM Free
Lucien Shapiro is an Oakland artist. He constructs costumes and ritual objects from consumer waste. Then he performs with them live and on video as his own personal voodoo.
Many cultures today incorporate masks, ritual objects and ceremony. Many more lost cultures assuredly did too.
There is a much more detailed description of the work on the artist's website.
At Hellion Gallery www.helliongallery.com through the lobby of the arched brick entry, up the stairs and to the back. Very upper floor Japan-style. 19 NW 5th second floor. Map 6PM-9
Menorah Horwitz is an artist resident at Rainmaker. Miss U.S. of Heya is her graphic novel about a future beauty pageant with only one rule, be fabulous! Reception and performance. www.facebook.com/events/1653410058257136/ 6PM-9
Lucien Shapiro is an Oakland artist. He constructs costumes and ritual objects from consumer waste. Then he performs with them live and on video as his own personal voodoo.
Many cultures today incorporate masks, ritual objects and ceremony. Many more lost cultures assuredly did too.
There is a much more detailed description of the work on the artist's website.
At Hellion Gallery www.helliongallery.com through the lobby of the arched brick entry, up the stairs and to the back. Very upper floor Japan-style. 19 NW 5th second floor. Map 6PM-9
Menorah Horwitz is an artist resident at Rainmaker. Miss U.S. of Heya is her graphic novel about a future beauty pageant with only one rule, be fabulous! Reception and performance. www.facebook.com/events/1653410058257136/ 6PM-9
March 4 Eastside Art Openings
Per Schumann and Zefrey Throwell present Innenraum, installation, video and social practice. At Worksound www.worksoundpdx.com 820 SE Alder Map 6PM-9 Free
Newspace Photo has a show by its members. At Newspace Photo www.newspacephoto.org 1632 SE 10th Map 6PM-9 Free
David Bray has Amateur Occult Club, flat naive style schematic figures. At Stephanie Chefas Projects www.stephaniechefas.com 305 SE 3rd Ave #202 - the City Sign Building, formerly a low cost artist space Map. 6PM-9 Free
Forest for the Trees is a ceramics show by Ted Vogel and Jeff Irwin inspired by patterns in nature. At Eutectic Gallery www.eutecticgallery.com 1930 NE Oregon 6PM-9 Free
Newspace Photo has a show by its members. At Newspace Photo www.newspacephoto.org 1632 SE 10th Map 6PM-9 Free
David Bray has Amateur Occult Club, flat naive style schematic figures. At Stephanie Chefas Projects www.stephaniechefas.com 305 SE 3rd Ave #202 - the City Sign Building, formerly a low cost artist space Map. 6PM-9 Free
Forest for the Trees is a ceramics show by Ted Vogel and Jeff Irwin inspired by patterns in nature. At Eutectic Gallery www.eutecticgallery.com 1930 NE Oregon 6PM-9 Free
Thursday, March 03, 2016
March 4-5 La Centenare
Eunice Parsons turns 100 this year. She continues to make collages in her Portland studio. She moved to Portland at age 22, cofounded the 12×16 Gallery and taught at the Museum Art School between 1957 and 1979, before it became PNCA. The show includes her collages and a photographic portrait of her in a cloak covered in her collages. On Saturday, the artist will be present for a reception in the afternoon. Eunice Parsons www.rollupspace.com/exhibition/eunice-parsons-la-centenaire/ at the Roll Up Space www.rollupspace.com, a studio-gallery in a residential garage 1715 SE Spokane. 6PM-9 Friday, 2PM-5 Saturday. Free
March 4 Brain on Energy
Amory Lovins studied the intersection of energy, physics and economics at Harvard and Oxford. He was the first to bring back to earth inflated and costly plans to build hundreds of new power plants. His thesis, resisted mightily by electric utilities in the time, has proved true: energy efficiency is more cost effective than endless growth in generation and mining fossil fuels. Loving speaks today on Disruptive Oil and Electricity Futures. He has successfully disrupted them before, and continues to do so today. Amory Lovins speaks www.reed.edu/events/posts/2015-16/lecture-amory-lovins.html at in the Vollum Lecture Hall at Reed College 3203 Southeast Woodstock Noon Free
March 3 Westside Art Openings
Illustrator printmaker Sarah Horowitz has Lepidoptera, from her study of the University of Oregon collection of moth specimens. Recommended. Painter and printmaker Tom Prochaska has Baulmes, inspired by the Swiss town he lived in for a time at age 10 and to which he returned to visit. Both artists speak about their work Saturday at 11AM At Froelick Gallery www.froelickgallery.com 714 NW Davis early close 8 Free
Variable States: Print Now is a show of 8 printmakers whose process has been updated by technology. At UpFor Gallery www.upforgallery.com 929 NW Flanders early close 6PM-8 Free
Jenene Nagy has Mass - abstract geometric charcoal on paper work. At PDX Contemporary Art www.pdxcontemporaryart.com 925 NW Flanders Map early close 8PM Free
Christine Bourdette has Drawing to Planet Earth, finely detailed drawings that remind of Western geological landscapes. Also showing are bright abstracts from Charlene Liu. At Elizabeth Leach Gallery www.elizabethleach.com 417 NW 9th Map 6PM-9 Free
To pick up what we set down is an installation by Maggie Heath. It opens this evening. On March 11, DieAna Dae performs with the work at 8. Heath is one half of the Bronco Gallery, so worth a look to see her thinking solo. At Composition Gallery www.facebook.com/compositiongallery 625 N.W. Everett St., #102 (mid-block on NW6th) 6PM-9 Free
Paccarik Orue has El Muqui, photographs of the city Cerro de Pasco, Peru. The town is being consumed by an open pit mine as its residents profit from its expansion and are cursed by its lead poisoning. Azimuth: Terrain and Direction: Deciphering the West are photographs by William Binzen. At Blue Sky Gallery www.blueskygallery.org map 122 NW 8th 6PM-9 Free
Nature is a Metaphor is a print show with Raymond Arnold, Jonnel Covault, Nancy Friese, Etsuko Fuzuki, Gary Groves, James Lavadour, Nancy Macko, Ryan Pierce, Rita Robillard, Christy Wyckoff and Koichi Yamamoto. At Augen Gallery www.augengallery.com 716 NW Davis early close 8 Free
Honey Honey is a show of surreal illustration art by Amandine Urruty. She is an artist in the Hellion-curated Tall Trees of Paris project to uncover compelling artists. At Hellion Gallery www.helliongallery.com through the lobby of the arched brick entry, up the stairs and to the back. Very upper floor Japan-style. 19 NW 5th second floor. Map 7PM-10 Free
The Museum of Contemporary Craft closes this month. This will be their last Free First Thursday. Some of the current show like the CARPA show will move to PNCA. At the www.museumofcontemporarycraft.org 724 NW Davis 6PM-8
PNCA is recommended to stop in. They have long time cycle shows and pop ups distributed throughout the building. PNCA www.pnca.edu 511 NW Broadway Map 6PM-9 Free
Everett Lofts are recommended as always. It's easier for you to see them all than for me to write suggestions. Some close as early as 9PM. At the Everett Lofts 625 NW Everett. Bounded by NW Everett, Broadway, Flanders and 6th Map closing in Winter is 9ish
Variable States: Print Now is a show of 8 printmakers whose process has been updated by technology. At UpFor Gallery www.upforgallery.com 929 NW Flanders early close 6PM-8 Free
Jenene Nagy has Mass - abstract geometric charcoal on paper work. At PDX Contemporary Art www.pdxcontemporaryart.com 925 NW Flanders Map early close 8PM Free
Christine Bourdette has Drawing to Planet Earth, finely detailed drawings that remind of Western geological landscapes. Also showing are bright abstracts from Charlene Liu. At Elizabeth Leach Gallery www.elizabethleach.com 417 NW 9th Map 6PM-9 Free
To pick up what we set down is an installation by Maggie Heath. It opens this evening. On March 11, DieAna Dae performs with the work at 8. Heath is one half of the Bronco Gallery, so worth a look to see her thinking solo. At Composition Gallery www.facebook.com/compositiongallery 625 N.W. Everett St., #102 (mid-block on NW6th) 6PM-9 Free
Paccarik Orue has El Muqui, photographs of the city Cerro de Pasco, Peru. The town is being consumed by an open pit mine as its residents profit from its expansion and are cursed by its lead poisoning. Azimuth: Terrain and Direction: Deciphering the West are photographs by William Binzen. At Blue Sky Gallery www.blueskygallery.org map 122 NW 8th 6PM-9 Free
Nature is a Metaphor is a print show with Raymond Arnold, Jonnel Covault, Nancy Friese, Etsuko Fuzuki, Gary Groves, James Lavadour, Nancy Macko, Ryan Pierce, Rita Robillard, Christy Wyckoff and Koichi Yamamoto. At Augen Gallery www.augengallery.com 716 NW Davis early close 8 Free
Honey Honey is a show of surreal illustration art by Amandine Urruty. She is an artist in the Hellion-curated Tall Trees of Paris project to uncover compelling artists. At Hellion Gallery www.helliongallery.com through the lobby of the arched brick entry, up the stairs and to the back. Very upper floor Japan-style. 19 NW 5th second floor. Map 7PM-10 Free
The Museum of Contemporary Craft closes this month. This will be their last Free First Thursday. Some of the current show like the CARPA show will move to PNCA. At the www.museumofcontemporarycraft.org 724 NW Davis 6PM-8
PNCA is recommended to stop in. They have long time cycle shows and pop ups distributed throughout the building. PNCA www.pnca.edu 511 NW Broadway Map 6PM-9 Free
Everett Lofts are recommended as always. It's easier for you to see them all than for me to write suggestions. Some close as early as 9PM. At the Everett Lofts 625 NW Everett. Bounded by NW Everett, Broadway, Flanders and 6th Map closing in Winter is 9ish
Wednesday, March 02, 2016
March 2-6 Reed Remains Raw
Reed Arts Week, RAW, runs today through Sunday. It is a student-curated and student-run look at the state of art. You can see the entire schedule at http://www.reed.edu/raw/2016/ Reed Arts Week at Reed College 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd. Free
Thursday, February 25, 2016
February 28 Pure Pure Photo School Video School
Julia Dolan, Portland Art Museum Curator of Photography, gives a talk: Why Should There Not Be Many Schools of Photographic Art? Talk www.portlandartmuseum.org/event/lecture-why-should-there-not-be-many-schools-of-photographic-art/?instance_id=26104 at the Portland Art Museum www.portlandartmuseum.org 1219 SW Park 2PM Free for Museum members; Lecture included with admission fee for non-members
Our friends at Xhurch are hosting a workshop by Max Schneider on Pure Data, software for creating audio and video. The event on Facebook has information on downloading the !free! software for a !free! workshop!! www.facebook.com/events/1702956873275433/. At Xhurch xhurch.net 4550 NE 20th 4PM-7 Free
Pure Surface, a collaborative performance between a mover, a filmmaker and a writer is back from holiday with Rene Sills - dance, Christopher Rose - writer and Sam Pirnak - video. Pure Surface www.puresurface.info at Valentines valentinespdx.com 232 SW Ankeny. Doors 6PM, performance 7 sharp Free
Our friends at Xhurch are hosting a workshop by Max Schneider on Pure Data, software for creating audio and video. The event on Facebook has information on downloading the !free! software for a !free! workshop!! www.facebook.com/events/1702956873275433/. At Xhurch xhurch.net 4550 NE 20th 4PM-7 Free
Pure Surface, a collaborative performance between a mover, a filmmaker and a writer is back from holiday with Rene Sills - dance, Christopher Rose - writer and Sam Pirnak - video. Pure Surface www.puresurface.info at Valentines valentinespdx.com 232 SW Ankeny. Doors 6PM, performance 7 sharp Free
February 27th Winter Caldera
Caldera Arts is a Summer arts immersion for at risk youth. In Winter, guest artists visit for an uninterrupted residency in a beautiful setting. Today is an open house to see the work and meet the artists in the cycle.
This residency has artists Kim Calder, Literary Arts—Poetry; Camas Davis, Culinary Arts and Literary Arts—Nonfiction Writing; Kylie Lockwood, Visual Arts—Sculpture; Christine Olejniczak, Interdisciplinary Arts; Jason Randolph, Performing Arts—Circus and Sculpture; Adriana Rojas Pretel, Performing Arts—Circus and Sculpture; and Brittany Reeber, Visual Arts—Film.
Full artist bios: www.calderaarts.org/caldera/arts-in-residence/current-roster/.
Arrive at 1PM sharp for presentations by the artists, then visit the studios.
Most years, the camp gets snow. You might check the pass and road cameras on Tripcheck.
At Camp Caldera www.calderaarts.org, 31500 Blue Lake Drive, Sisters, OR Map 1PM-3 Free
This residency has artists Kim Calder, Literary Arts—Poetry; Camas Davis, Culinary Arts and Literary Arts—Nonfiction Writing; Kylie Lockwood, Visual Arts—Sculpture; Christine Olejniczak, Interdisciplinary Arts; Jason Randolph, Performing Arts—Circus and Sculpture; Adriana Rojas Pretel, Performing Arts—Circus and Sculpture; and Brittany Reeber, Visual Arts—Film.
Full artist bios: www.calderaarts.org/caldera/arts-in-residence/current-roster/.
Arrive at 1PM sharp for presentations by the artists, then visit the studios.
Most years, the camp gets snow. You might check the pass and road cameras on Tripcheck.
At Camp Caldera www.calderaarts.org, 31500 Blue Lake Drive, Sisters, OR Map 1PM-3 Free
February 26 Creative Jelly Beans
Creative Mornings PDX hosts Jelly Helm this month. Helm worked as executive creative director at the Big Advertising Agency on Brands You Would RecognizeTM. He founded the Big Advertising Agency12 school of ad program. Then he set out on his own with Studio Jelly. www.studiojelly.com. The Timbers campaigns, including photographing fans with axes? He did that. This Creative Morning will not be recorded for rebroadcast. Creative Mornings at the First Congregational Church. www.creativemornings.com/talks/jelly-helm
Creative Mornings Portland at First Congressional Church 1126 SW Park Doors 8:30AM Talk 9 Free - advance tickets required
Creative Mornings Portland at First Congressional Church 1126 SW Park Doors 8:30AM Talk 9 Free - advance tickets required
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
February 23 Forensic Lutherie
Portland has one of the finest makers of guitars in the world. Jeffrey Elliot speaks tonight about his guitar restoration projects for museums. He had to research the original materials in the guitar and replace them with materials available today. Fascinating! Jeffrey Elliot of Elliot Guitars www.elliottguitars.com www.curiosityclub.handeyesupply.com/new-events/2016/2/23/jeffrey-r-elliott-luthier presentation of the Curiosity Club, you can tune into the free live webcast, see the video archive on the Hand Eye Supply website, or visit the talk and demonstration in person at Hand Eye Supply www.handeyesupply.com/pages/curiosity-club 427 NW Broadway 6PM Free
February 23 Quiet Fun
Long form reading builds strong minds in a myriad of ways. But it is being supplanted by short form reading and video. Once that gets built into culture by a generation of early childhood development, the societal implications will be profound.
About 200,000-100,000 years ago our ancestors experienced a mutation in the FOX2 gene. It is believed that evolutionary breakthrough allowed our ancestors more complex vocal expression and control of facial expression, a large part of nonverbal communication. We have not yet decoded the genetic basis of the accompanying advancing neocortex, giving humans the capability to integrate the senses, planning and abstract thinking.
Art and ritual objects are found about 100,000-50,000 years ago. So it is likely that language as we know it would have been well established by that time.
We have an archaeological record of written language beginning about 10,000 years ago in the fertile crescent.
A good friend started to write a book interweaving the entire history of all of our branches of language and the variation in dyslexia between languages. Unfortunately she was unable to complete the project as she developed dementia. It breaks my heart to never be able to read that book.
For eons our brains were oriented to passing knowledge by oral storytelling. The clay tablets, ink on strips of bamboo, writing on leather, papyrus and eventually paper has been with us for at least 4000 years. But they did not play a significant role in the everyday language of a life lived beyond governments, scholars and monks. Many great works, such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Epic of Gilgamesh, Mahabharata, the Songlines of Australia come to us from oral tradition.
Where literature has been copied by hand, it evolves, albeit at a slower pace than the evolution of an oral narrative, which may change in each telling.
Only a few artifacts of the great historical libraries in China, India, the Eastern Mediterranien and the Fertile Crescent remain. Written Western literature was carried through the Middle ages in Europe by monasteries. Those isolated monastic libraries of hand copied books began to give way to the first universities and their libraries about 1000 years ago.
Wood block and even movable type printing emerged in Asia. For the West, it was Guttenberg who brought movable type and mechanized printing about 575 years ago. For several hundred years more, books were for the wealthy and the great libraries which emerged. Few people could read; oral narrative predominated.
Now we live in an era of infinite reproduction. In long form books, we have access to vast libraries, bookstores and electronic books.
But we have a way to go even in the United States to achieve our potential in literacy, especially for complex material. Key are the principles of Ready to Read: being read to daily as small children, learning the alphabet and parental vocabulary. We have libraries at the ready to help with that. (Where is Ready for Math?, Ready for Science?)
Today, now, we have ample social reinforcement for experiencing reading in 140 character chunks, political sound bites low in information content, along with Buzzfeed-worthy short writing which passes for journalism.
The building blocks for literacy are our entire human history of brain development, language, writing, printing, books and libraries. What it builds in an individual is best maintained in good working order by long form reading. See 1, 2.
Where is the social reinforcement for long form reading? Where is its pleasure?
It is right here in Portland!
Silent reading has been the raison d'etre of libraries since the beginning. A quick search shows silent reading parties in bars in Seattle as early as 2010.
In Portland, there is one now at the Beech Street Parlor, monthly.
It is tonight.
Bring a paper book, or an electronic book reader. Experience a drink or a snack. Bring a friend. Leave behind the chit chat for an hour or two. And immerse yourself in a book.
Lighting provided, free!
Silent Reading Party www.silentreadingpartypdx.com at www.beechstreetparlor.com 412 NE Beech 6PM-8 Free
About 200,000-100,000 years ago our ancestors experienced a mutation in the FOX2 gene. It is believed that evolutionary breakthrough allowed our ancestors more complex vocal expression and control of facial expression, a large part of nonverbal communication. We have not yet decoded the genetic basis of the accompanying advancing neocortex, giving humans the capability to integrate the senses, planning and abstract thinking.
Art and ritual objects are found about 100,000-50,000 years ago. So it is likely that language as we know it would have been well established by that time.
We have an archaeological record of written language beginning about 10,000 years ago in the fertile crescent.
A good friend started to write a book interweaving the entire history of all of our branches of language and the variation in dyslexia between languages. Unfortunately she was unable to complete the project as she developed dementia. It breaks my heart to never be able to read that book.
For eons our brains were oriented to passing knowledge by oral storytelling. The clay tablets, ink on strips of bamboo, writing on leather, papyrus and eventually paper has been with us for at least 4000 years. But they did not play a significant role in the everyday language of a life lived beyond governments, scholars and monks. Many great works, such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Epic of Gilgamesh, Mahabharata, the Songlines of Australia come to us from oral tradition.
Where literature has been copied by hand, it evolves, albeit at a slower pace than the evolution of an oral narrative, which may change in each telling.
Only a few artifacts of the great historical libraries in China, India, the Eastern Mediterranien and the Fertile Crescent remain. Written Western literature was carried through the Middle ages in Europe by monasteries. Those isolated monastic libraries of hand copied books began to give way to the first universities and their libraries about 1000 years ago.
Wood block and even movable type printing emerged in Asia. For the West, it was Guttenberg who brought movable type and mechanized printing about 575 years ago. For several hundred years more, books were for the wealthy and the great libraries which emerged. Few people could read; oral narrative predominated.
Now we live in an era of infinite reproduction. In long form books, we have access to vast libraries, bookstores and electronic books.
But we have a way to go even in the United States to achieve our potential in literacy, especially for complex material. Key are the principles of Ready to Read: being read to daily as small children, learning the alphabet and parental vocabulary. We have libraries at the ready to help with that. (Where is Ready for Math?, Ready for Science?)
Today, now, we have ample social reinforcement for experiencing reading in 140 character chunks, political sound bites low in information content, along with Buzzfeed-worthy short writing which passes for journalism.
The building blocks for literacy are our entire human history of brain development, language, writing, printing, books and libraries. What it builds in an individual is best maintained in good working order by long form reading. See 1, 2.
Where is the social reinforcement for long form reading? Where is its pleasure?
It is right here in Portland!
Silent reading has been the raison d'etre of libraries since the beginning. A quick search shows silent reading parties in bars in Seattle as early as 2010.
In Portland, there is one now at the Beech Street Parlor, monthly.
It is tonight.
Bring a paper book, or an electronic book reader. Experience a drink or a snack. Bring a friend. Leave behind the chit chat for an hour or two. And immerse yourself in a book.
Lighting provided, free!
Silent Reading Party www.silentreadingpartypdx.com at www.beechstreetparlor.com 412 NE Beech 6PM-8 Free
Saturday, February 20, 2016
February 22 GTKYT Is Back!
Eric Isaacson, Erica Thomas and Michael Bunsen present their favorite finds on YouTube. At Getting to Know You(Tube) www.gettingtoknowyoutube.com at the Hollywood Theater www.hollywoodtheatre.org 4122 NE Sandy Boulevard. 7:30PM $5
February 21 Pure Data Sanctuary
Sanctuary Sunday celebrates its 3 year anniversary with Opaline, Soul Ipsum, Glas + Schneider and HOM vs Anthony Bisset. At Xhurch xhurch.net 4550 NE 20th. Music 7PM-10 $5
February 20 Build, Don't Buy Love
Kayla Mattes has Live Buy Build opening this evening. Mattes masters contemporary textiles well. She has combined it with wallpaper she has designed, a floor pattern of varied materials and prints from a Risograph - an archaic Japanese copy machine which has attracted a cult following among artists. To update textiles is a challenge in Portland's craft-centric world with generations of craft instructors plowing deep aesthetic furrows. At FISK Gallery www.itsfisk.com 3636B N. Mississippi 8PM Free
Mark Woolley has collaborations between Sid Deluca (Astoria) & Stirling Gorsuch (Bend) and paintings by Portlanders Gustaf Mortier & Samuel Eisen-Meyers None of it is my style, but Woolley openings are always fun.
At the Mark Woolley Gallery www.markwoolley.com a gallery on the 3rd floor of the Pioneer Place Mall, with the People's art of Portland opening at the same time. If the mall appears closed, enter the film theater building adjacent, travel through the tunnel to the Place mall, and take the elevator to the 3rd floor, sometimes the bridge on the 3rd floor is open too. 700 SW Fifth 5PM-9 Free
The Portland Love Show began in 2006 www.launchpadgallery.org/on-love.
It has always been a show of primarily self-taught artists. The People's Art of Portland has carried on the annual tradition for the last five years.
Tonight the tenth annual love show is a show by about 50 artists working on small panels. The show has dual themes: Portland and Love.
At the People's Art of Portland www.peoplesartofportland.com on the 3rd floor of the Pioneer Place Mall. If the mall appears closed, enter the film theater building adjacent, travel through the tunnel to the Place mall, and take the elevator to the 3rd floor, sometimes the bridge on the 3rd floor is open too. 700 SW 5th 5PM-9 Free
Mark Woolley has collaborations between Sid Deluca (Astoria) & Stirling Gorsuch (Bend) and paintings by Portlanders Gustaf Mortier & Samuel Eisen-Meyers None of it is my style, but Woolley openings are always fun.
At the Mark Woolley Gallery www.markwoolley.com a gallery on the 3rd floor of the Pioneer Place Mall, with the People's art of Portland opening at the same time. If the mall appears closed, enter the film theater building adjacent, travel through the tunnel to the Place mall, and take the elevator to the 3rd floor, sometimes the bridge on the 3rd floor is open too. 700 SW Fifth 5PM-9 Free
The Portland Love Show began in 2006 www.launchpadgallery.org/on-love.
It has always been a show of primarily self-taught artists. The People's Art of Portland has carried on the annual tradition for the last five years.
Tonight the tenth annual love show is a show by about 50 artists working on small panels. The show has dual themes: Portland and Love.
At the People's Art of Portland www.peoplesartofportland.com on the 3rd floor of the Pioneer Place Mall. If the mall appears closed, enter the film theater building adjacent, travel through the tunnel to the Place mall, and take the elevator to the 3rd floor, sometimes the bridge on the 3rd floor is open too. 700 SW 5th 5PM-9 Free
Friday, February 12, 2016
February 12 Elemental
NY artist, gallerist and NYU professor Jonathan Berger has taken over Adams and Ollman with an ambitious installation. It is a minimal and elegant construct of painstakingly shaped and pigmented materials with an organic feel. They are modeled from tin, putty, charcoal and chalk; the artist's "elemental materials."
At Adams and Ollman Gallery, the second of two members of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, www.adamsandollman.com 209 SW 9th 6PM-9 Free
At Adams and Ollman Gallery, the second of two members of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, www.adamsandollman.com 209 SW 9th 6PM-9 Free
Thursday, February 11, 2016
February 11 Parallelogram
Happy gravity wave day! Parallelograms is a group show of interactive web work by Alfons Knogl, Kayla Mattes, Gideon Barnett, Ben Alper, Joy Drury Cox, Rob Hult, Sheida Soleimani, Barry Stone, Eileen Isagon Skyers, Aeron Bergman, Alejandra, Salinas, Fabian Hesse, Brion Nuda Rosch, Chris Maggio, Sophia Le Fraga, Gabriela Salazar, Courtney Stephens and David Court. The S1 site has a longer description. At S1, formerly Multiplex, www.s1portland.com 4148 NE Hancock Map 6PM-9 Free
Tuesday, February 09, 2016
February 9 Riot Grrrls International
Masha Alyokhina and Ksenia Zhivago, formerly of the collective Pussy Riot, sit for an interview tonight in Portland. If you are interested in performance, art and risk taking in the women-identifed world, this will be a fierce event.
The Pussy Riot collective, made of many women, made political and social criticism performances in the Russian Republic which landed several members in prison, including Masha Alyokhina.
Since, Masha Alyokhina and Ksenia Zhivago have set out, taking the Pussy Riot brand as their own, on the lecture circuit including Portland. You can find many videos of their presentations online.
This event is probably the best thing you can do with your time tonight in Portland, OR, US. Masha Alyokhina and Ksenia Zhivago www.crystalballroompdx.com/events/148452-A-Conversation-with-Pussy-Riot- at the Crystal Ballroom. 1332 W Burnside. Doors 7PM, talk 8. $45
The Pussy Riot collective, made of many women, made political and social criticism performances in the Russian Republic which landed several members in prison, including Masha Alyokhina.
Since, Masha Alyokhina and Ksenia Zhivago have set out, taking the Pussy Riot brand as their own, on the lecture circuit including Portland. You can find many videos of their presentations online.
This event is probably the best thing you can do with your time tonight in Portland, OR, US. Masha Alyokhina and Ksenia Zhivago www.crystalballroompdx.com/events/148452-A-Conversation-with-Pussy-Riot- at the Crystal Ballroom. 1332 W Burnside. Doors 7PM, talk 8. $45
Sunday, February 07, 2016
February 7 Tinderbox
Gary Wiseman has a show Tinderbox opening this afternoon. It was inspired by his work with Bark, and curated by Ka'ila Farrell-Smith. Rainmaker is the in-city residency program of Signal Fire, which was birthed by Bark. Talk 5PM. At Rainmaker Artist Residency www.rainmakerartistresidency.org 2337 NW York St, # 201 4PM-7 Free
Saturday, February 06, 2016
February 6 Connect Study Dolphin Folk
The Portland Art Museum is hosting a talk by the architect of the new Japanese Garden pavilions. Unfortunately tickets sold out very quickly. Kengo Kuma speaks on Tsunagu, his Architecture of Relationships. The show of architectural drawings, models and materials at the AIA would make a good complement to the talk; the Portland Art Museum often posts videos of their talks on their YouTube channel. At the Portland Art Museum Whitsell Auditorium 1219 SW Park 2PM Sold Out
Jaik Faulk, Justyn Hegreberg, Fredrik Averin, Elizabeth Allen-Cannon, Ty Ennis, Elizabeth Malaska, Oriana Lewton-Leopold and Ním Wunnan have work inspired by the idea of artist studies. Nationale has engaged in consistently excellent curation for some time. If you are not acquainted please do. At Nationale www.nationale.us 3360 SE Division Map 3PM-6 Free
The Tenses, Corum, Dolphin Midwives, Arrington de Dionyso play music tonight. The Facebook event has a good description: https://www.facebook.com/events/643293882478759/ At Xhurch xhurch.net 4550 NE 20th. Map 7PM-10:30 $3-5 donation appreciated
Mamie Deschillie and Sally M Mulda have their first show together. They are each self taught artists. Mamie Deschillie is Navaho and grew up on the Navaho Nation land. Sally M Mulda is an aboriginal Australian of the Luritja Yankuntjatjara who grew up in Alice Springs. Both first peoples. DJ Hisham Mayet (Sublime Frequencies) provides music for the opening.
Mamie Deschillie began her art work in her 60s and worked until she passed at age 90. Sally M Mulda also came to art as a mature adult.
The PMOMA web site has a great description.
PMOMA is a small gallery in the basement of a vinyl music store which flies under the radar. But they consistently show stellar work in the folk art and self-taught artist realms. Their openings are lively and conversational, or you can stop by anytime the vinyl music store is open. Highly recommended.
At the Portland Museum of Modern Art inside Mississippi Records www.portlandmuseumofmodernart.com 5202 N Albina Map 8PM-10 Free
Jaik Faulk, Justyn Hegreberg, Fredrik Averin, Elizabeth Allen-Cannon, Ty Ennis, Elizabeth Malaska, Oriana Lewton-Leopold and Ním Wunnan have work inspired by the idea of artist studies. Nationale has engaged in consistently excellent curation for some time. If you are not acquainted please do. At Nationale www.nationale.us 3360 SE Division Map 3PM-6 Free
The Tenses, Corum, Dolphin Midwives, Arrington de Dionyso play music tonight. The Facebook event has a good description: https://www.facebook.com/events/643293882478759/ At Xhurch xhurch.net 4550 NE 20th. Map 7PM-10:30 $3-5 donation appreciated
Mamie Deschillie and Sally M Mulda have their first show together. They are each self taught artists. Mamie Deschillie is Navaho and grew up on the Navaho Nation land. Sally M Mulda is an aboriginal Australian of the Luritja Yankuntjatjara who grew up in Alice Springs. Both first peoples. DJ Hisham Mayet (Sublime Frequencies) provides music for the opening.
Mamie Deschillie began her art work in her 60s and worked until she passed at age 90. Sally M Mulda also came to art as a mature adult.
The PMOMA web site has a great description.
PMOMA is a small gallery in the basement of a vinyl music store which flies under the radar. But they consistently show stellar work in the folk art and self-taught artist realms. Their openings are lively and conversational, or you can stop by anytime the vinyl music store is open. Highly recommended.
At the Portland Museum of Modern Art inside Mississippi Records www.portlandmuseumofmodernart.com 5202 N Albina Map 8PM-10 Free
Friday, February 05, 2016
February 5 - March 5 Cascade Festival of African Films
The Cascade Festival of African Films is a favorite event. Each year on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for a month they show films from all over Africa.
This year they have films from Algeria, Cote d'Ivore, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan and Uganda.
Every single one of the films is free!
Most are shown on the PCC Cascade Campus on N Killingsworth. The opening night and Friday February 19 films are at the Hollywood Theater, also free.
The PCC Library maintains a copy of all the films shown over 26 years for in-library viewing.
The 26th annual Cascade Festival of African Films www.africanfilmfestival.org at Moriarty Arts and Humanities Building, Room 104, Portland Community College Cascade Campus, 705 N Killingsworth; and the Hollywood Theater, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Check the schedule for times. Free
This year they have films from Algeria, Cote d'Ivore, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan and Uganda.
Every single one of the films is free!
Most are shown on the PCC Cascade Campus on N Killingsworth. The opening night and Friday February 19 films are at the Hollywood Theater, also free.
The PCC Library maintains a copy of all the films shown over 26 years for in-library viewing.
The 26th annual Cascade Festival of African Films www.africanfilmfestival.org at Moriarty Arts and Humanities Building, Room 104, Portland Community College Cascade Campus, 705 N Killingsworth; and the Hollywood Theater, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Check the schedule for times. Free
February 5 Eastside Art Openings+
Your best bet tonight is probably the Winter Light Festival. Eastside spaces are fluxing, and crowds sparse.
A new space from Fall is Stephanie Chefas Projects. The show, Straight Outta Portland, includes artists Ryan Bubnis, Stephanie Buer, Zach Erickson, Blaine Fontana, Adam Friedman, Peter Gronquist, Yellena James, Susannah Kelly, Brin Levinson, Jen Lobo, Mako Miyamoto, Jeremy Nichols, Jeff P., Neil M. Perry, David Rice, Souther Salazar and Ayumi Takahasi. It's an unusual mix of artists, with Peoples Art of Portland artists showing with artists that would show at Hellion and spaces that are art school-oriented. The curator is also active in the pop surrealism projects, curating in major West Coast cities. At Stephanie Chefas Projects www.stephaniechefas.com 305 SE 3rd Ave #202 - the City Sign Building, formerly a low cost artist space Map. 6PM-9 Free
We generally don't cover book arts. It is not our expertise, and contemporary aesthetics are rare. But tonight we are vary curious about Ink + Metal + Paper at 23 Sandy.
The C.C. Stern Type Foundry has curated this international show of letterpress work from C. Christopher Stern, Jules Remedios Faye, Jim Rimmer, Brian Bagdonas, Inge Bruggeman, John Christopher, Jennifer Farrell, Julia Ferrari, Rebecca Gilbert, Patrick Goossens, Joseph Green, John Grice, Barbara Henry, Richard Hopkins, Darrell Hyder, Myrna Keliher, Emily Larned, Norman McKnight, Sarah Nicholls, Pat and John Randle, Amy Redmond, Mark Sarigianis, Ivan Snyder, Jessica Spring, Barbara Tetenbaum, Sandy Tilcock and Jenny Wilkson.
At 23 Sandy www.23sandy.com 623 NE 23 at Sandy 5PM-8
One Grand has an artist residency. Max Rippon works in the gallery this month. His style of sampled old sign painting styles works with the One Grand aesthetic. At One Grand Gallery www.onegrandgallery.com 1000 E Burnside 6PM-10 Free
Forest for the Trees is a show by Ted Vogel and Jeff Irwin inspired by nature. At Eutectic Gallery www.eutecticgallery.com 1930 NE Oregon 6PM-9 Free
Alea Bone has Mexican folk art influenced wall pieces made from scrap metal. At Redux www.reduxpdx.com 811 E Burnside 6PM-9:30 Free
Black Box has a group show of black and white photography. At Black Box Gallery www.blackboxgallery.com 811 E Burnside, Suite 212 upstairs Early close 5PM-8 Free
A new space from Fall is Stephanie Chefas Projects. The show, Straight Outta Portland, includes artists Ryan Bubnis, Stephanie Buer, Zach Erickson, Blaine Fontana, Adam Friedman, Peter Gronquist, Yellena James, Susannah Kelly, Brin Levinson, Jen Lobo, Mako Miyamoto, Jeremy Nichols, Jeff P., Neil M. Perry, David Rice, Souther Salazar and Ayumi Takahasi. It's an unusual mix of artists, with Peoples Art of Portland artists showing with artists that would show at Hellion and spaces that are art school-oriented. The curator is also active in the pop surrealism projects, curating in major West Coast cities. At Stephanie Chefas Projects www.stephaniechefas.com 305 SE 3rd Ave #202 - the City Sign Building, formerly a low cost artist space Map. 6PM-9 Free
We generally don't cover book arts. It is not our expertise, and contemporary aesthetics are rare. But tonight we are vary curious about Ink + Metal + Paper at 23 Sandy.
The C.C. Stern Type Foundry has curated this international show of letterpress work from C. Christopher Stern, Jules Remedios Faye, Jim Rimmer, Brian Bagdonas, Inge Bruggeman, John Christopher, Jennifer Farrell, Julia Ferrari, Rebecca Gilbert, Patrick Goossens, Joseph Green, John Grice, Barbara Henry, Richard Hopkins, Darrell Hyder, Myrna Keliher, Emily Larned, Norman McKnight, Sarah Nicholls, Pat and John Randle, Amy Redmond, Mark Sarigianis, Ivan Snyder, Jessica Spring, Barbara Tetenbaum, Sandy Tilcock and Jenny Wilkson.
At 23 Sandy www.23sandy.com 623 NE 23 at Sandy 5PM-8
One Grand has an artist residency. Max Rippon works in the gallery this month. His style of sampled old sign painting styles works with the One Grand aesthetic. At One Grand Gallery www.onegrandgallery.com 1000 E Burnside 6PM-10 Free
Forest for the Trees is a show by Ted Vogel and Jeff Irwin inspired by nature. At Eutectic Gallery www.eutecticgallery.com 1930 NE Oregon 6PM-9 Free
Alea Bone has Mexican folk art influenced wall pieces made from scrap metal. At Redux www.reduxpdx.com 811 E Burnside 6PM-9:30 Free
Black Box has a group show of black and white photography. At Black Box Gallery www.blackboxgallery.com 811 E Burnside, Suite 212 upstairs Early close 5PM-8 Free
Thursday, February 04, 2016
February 4 Westside Art Openings
The Museum of Contemporary Craft is closing permanently. This may be the last opportunity to visit them for free on a First Thursday. Good friends have been involved with The Museum of Contemporary Craft and done stellar work. But there has also been faulty planning, communication and strategy. I prey that the collection finds a home where it can be properly cared for and contextualized. The Museum of Contemporary Craft shop will be permanently closed, but future contemporary craft shows may or may not fall under the PNCA exhibition program.
This last month has a show by the Craft Advanced Research Projects Agency CARPA / CARPA. Their project runs parallel to Switzerland's EToy and is a parody of ARPA/DARPA, a USA Department of Defense agency with essentially unlimited resources to pursue new technologies which the military could use. ARPA/DARPA created the early space program and they created the Internet. They are great to follow if you are curious.
Rowland Ricketts also has a show Work Time involving fabric dyeing.
At the Museum of Contemporary Craft www.museumofcontemporarycraft.org 724 NW Davis Early close 6PM-8 Free First Thursday
Three Russo artists Dana Lynn Louis, Samantha Wall and Akio Takamori are selectees for the Portland Art Museum Contemporary Northwest Art Awards. They have a show this month. At Laura Russo Gallery www.laurarusso.com 805 NW 21st early close 5PM-8
Blue Sky is always worth a visit. In the Nine gallery, Bill Will, always the wry commentator, has The Rapture (Simulator). It fills the room with his trademark kinetic art carrying a social or political critique. At the Nine Gallery inside Sky Gallery www.blueskygallery.org map 122 NW 8th 6PM-9 Free
Thomas Kinkade was an American phenomenon. He created an arts empire outside the art school, gallery, investment bank collector, museum great cultural chain of being. Yes, he had a big ego. Yes, some of his most avid fans were evangelical. And yes, Upfor has a group show inspired by Kinkade. It's loosely inspired. But hey, fun is fun! At UpFor Gallery www.upforgallery.com 929 NW Flanders early close 6PM-8 Free
Seated With is a show of paintings by Micah Hearn, Portland. The video space has artist Daniel Heffernan from New York. At theWhite Box Gallery at the University of Oregon White Stag Building, whitebox.uoregon.edu 70 NW Couch 5PM-7 Free
Not purely art, but the Good Mod furniture store is doing room installations with an artistic bent. This month, Casey Keasler of Casework does it. At The Good Mod 1313 W Burnside, 4th floor. 6PM-9 Free
Other outlets cover architecture better than we. In eras, PICA and PNCA were or hinted at being a collaborative space for creatives across communities. Not it may be soon the Portland Japanese Garden. They are building several new pavilions in the former parking area right outside the existing garden ticket entrance. Kengo Kuma is the architect for that expansion of the Portland Japanese Garden. There is an architectural model, materials and drawing show about the project. It is at the Portland AIA office 403 NW 11th 5:30PM-8 Free
Everett Lofts are recommended as always. It's easier for you to see them all than for me to write suggestions. At the Everett Lofts 625 NW Everett. Bounded by NW Everett, Broadway, Flanders and 6th Map closing ranges from 9PM to a little later in Winter
PNCA is recommended to stop in. They have long time cycle shows and pop ups distributed throughout the building. PNCA www.pnca.edu 511 NW Broadway Map 6PM-9 Free
This last month has a show by the Craft Advanced Research Projects Agency CARPA / CARPA. Their project runs parallel to Switzerland's EToy and is a parody of ARPA/DARPA, a USA Department of Defense agency with essentially unlimited resources to pursue new technologies which the military could use. ARPA/DARPA created the early space program and they created the Internet. They are great to follow if you are curious.
Rowland Ricketts also has a show Work Time involving fabric dyeing.
At the Museum of Contemporary Craft www.museumofcontemporarycraft.org 724 NW Davis Early close 6PM-8 Free First Thursday
Three Russo artists Dana Lynn Louis, Samantha Wall and Akio Takamori are selectees for the Portland Art Museum Contemporary Northwest Art Awards. They have a show this month. At Laura Russo Gallery www.laurarusso.com 805 NW 21st early close 5PM-8
Blue Sky is always worth a visit. In the Nine gallery, Bill Will, always the wry commentator, has The Rapture (Simulator). It fills the room with his trademark kinetic art carrying a social or political critique. At the Nine Gallery inside Sky Gallery www.blueskygallery.org map 122 NW 8th 6PM-9 Free
Thomas Kinkade was an American phenomenon. He created an arts empire outside the art school, gallery, investment bank collector, museum great cultural chain of being. Yes, he had a big ego. Yes, some of his most avid fans were evangelical. And yes, Upfor has a group show inspired by Kinkade. It's loosely inspired. But hey, fun is fun! At UpFor Gallery www.upforgallery.com 929 NW Flanders early close 6PM-8 Free
Seated With is a show of paintings by Micah Hearn, Portland. The video space has artist Daniel Heffernan from New York. At theWhite Box Gallery at the University of Oregon White Stag Building, whitebox.uoregon.edu 70 NW Couch 5PM-7 Free
Not purely art, but the Good Mod furniture store is doing room installations with an artistic bent. This month, Casey Keasler of Casework does it. At The Good Mod 1313 W Burnside, 4th floor. 6PM-9 Free
Other outlets cover architecture better than we. In eras, PICA and PNCA were or hinted at being a collaborative space for creatives across communities. Not it may be soon the Portland Japanese Garden. They are building several new pavilions in the former parking area right outside the existing garden ticket entrance. Kengo Kuma is the architect for that expansion of the Portland Japanese Garden. There is an architectural model, materials and drawing show about the project. It is at the Portland AIA office 403 NW 11th 5:30PM-8 Free
Everett Lofts are recommended as always. It's easier for you to see them all than for me to write suggestions. At the Everett Lofts 625 NW Everett. Bounded by NW Everett, Broadway, Flanders and 6th Map closing ranges from 9PM to a little later in Winter
PNCA is recommended to stop in. They have long time cycle shows and pop ups distributed throughout the building. PNCA www.pnca.edu 511 NW Broadway Map 6PM-9 Free
Wednesday, February 03, 2016
February 3-6 Let There Be Light Festival
The Winter Light Festival is an installation of light art by over 20 artists, participatory illuminated events, talks and affiliated events scattered throughout the city. It is a new event for Portland, running tonight through Saturday at OMSI, in the surrounding East Bank area and in the affiliated locations.
It may have had its roots in the Light Bar event each February in a Northeast Portland yard. It also corresponded with Portland Minibike Winter. To combat Winter darkness, people gathered there evenings for art-themed events and conversation. Each year it was in a new temporary experimental structure, built for the event, heated by a wood stove and illuminated brightly. One year show collapsed the structure when it was unoccupied. It was fun while it lasted!
The organizers and advisors of the Winter Light Festival are artists, professional lighting designers and veterans of art festivals with night time light art installations.
The event itself is free. OMSI will host food and drink for sale if you would like to get inside to warm up.
Some items will be visible from the West Willamette shore.
Winter Light Festival www.pdxwlf.com at OMSI and the industrial area nearby. 5PM-10 Free
It may have had its roots in the Light Bar event each February in a Northeast Portland yard. It also corresponded with Portland Minibike Winter. To combat Winter darkness, people gathered there evenings for art-themed events and conversation. Each year it was in a new temporary experimental structure, built for the event, heated by a wood stove and illuminated brightly. One year show collapsed the structure when it was unoccupied. It was fun while it lasted!
The organizers and advisors of the Winter Light Festival are artists, professional lighting designers and veterans of art festivals with night time light art installations.
The event itself is free. OMSI will host food and drink for sale if you would like to get inside to warm up.
Some items will be visible from the West Willamette shore.
Winter Light Festival www.pdxwlf.com at OMSI and the industrial area nearby. 5PM-10 Free
February 3 Seconds Remaining
(we sleep) In The Seconds Between by Micah Schmelzer is a new show of interactive video by a recent PNCA grad in the Littman Gallery. Nicole Baker has Into the Trees in the White Gallery.
Also note that the Littman and White Gallery needs your support now. Portland State University is considering taking the Littman Gallery Space for another use. Portland State University has a thriving art program, particularly its world-leading social practice art program. That needs to be front and center in the Smith student union on that floor where it is. The competing uses can be easily accommodated in a variety of rooms in that same area. If PSU believes it cannot spare instructional spaces or meeting rooms on that floor for their new use, they can make room for those meeting rooms in the grand athletic center building they are constructing. If you are concerned, speak to the Littman and White staff this evening, and follow their FB page
At the PSU Littman Gallery in Smith Union. www.pdx.edu/littmanandwhite PSU Smith Hall, Room 250, 1825 SW Broadway 6PM-8
Also note that the Littman and White Gallery needs your support now. Portland State University is considering taking the Littman Gallery Space for another use. Portland State University has a thriving art program, particularly its world-leading social practice art program. That needs to be front and center in the Smith student union on that floor where it is. The competing uses can be easily accommodated in a variety of rooms in that same area. If PSU believes it cannot spare instructional spaces or meeting rooms on that floor for their new use, they can make room for those meeting rooms in the grand athletic center building they are constructing. If you are concerned, speak to the Littman and White staff this evening, and follow their FB page
At the PSU Littman Gallery in Smith Union. www.pdx.edu/littmanandwhite PSU Smith Hall, Room 250, 1825 SW Broadway 6PM-8
Sunday, January 31, 2016
February 1 Oei!
OEI is an interdisciplinary art journal, an art/poetry publisher, and an exhibition space in Stockholm. They had a show at Inca space in Seattle Friday and now are visiting Portland for a talk tonight. What they are up to may not cross over in translation, but it sounds interesting. See the http://publicationstudio.tumblr.com/ for a description. At Publication Studio www.publicationstudio.biz 717 SW Ankeny Map 6:30PM Free
Friday, January 29, 2016
January 30 Print Passage Caldera Bunyan
Portland Fine Print Fair is an opportunity to see prints from Western, the rest of the US and even Irish galleries. It is today and Sunday. Full details http://portlandartmuseum.org/collections/printfair2016/. At the Portland Art Museum www.pam.org 1219 SW Park. Saturday 10AM-6, Sunday 11AM-5 Free
Passages Bookshop is not art, but they have many unusual art books. As you can imagine, moving them is an ordeal. They have moved to a new location and have an open house today to celebrate. Normally they are by appointment. At Passages Book Shop www.passagesbookshop.com, 1223 NE Martin Luther King Blvd. Noon-5 Free
Caldera Arts is a Summer arts immersion for at risk youth. In Winter, guest artists visit for an uninterrupted residency in a beautiful setting. Today is an open house to see the work and meet the artists in the cycle. This residency has artists Alela Diane, musician (Portland); Anne Greenwood-Rioseco, mixed media artist (Portland); Chaney Kwak, fiction and travel writer (San Francisco); Sara Mumolo, poet (Oakland); Ryan Pierce, painter (Portland); Marjorie Vecchio, photographer (Reno); and Emily Meg Weinstein, writer (Berkeley). Full artist bios: www.calderaarts.org/caldera/arts-in-residence/current-roster/.
Arrive at 1PM sharp for presentations by the artists, then visit the studios.
Most years, the camp gets snow. You might check the pass and road cameras on Tripcheck.
At Camp Caldera www.calderaarts.org, 31500 Blue Lake Drive, Sisters, OR Map 1PM-3 Free
Front Paper is a broadsheet about performsnce and contemporary dance, written by performers and dancers. Their fifth edition drops tonight with a small party. If you are a dancer there is a workshop 3PM-5 using ideas to compose movement. At Flock www.flockpdx.com at Disjecta, in the shadow of Paul Bunyan www.disjecta.org 8371 N. Interstate Map Workshop 3PM-5, Release party 5:30PM-8 Free
The modest and considered Carl & Sloan Gallery has painters David Corbett & Amie LeGette. Their biographical info is on the website. At Carl & Sloan Contemporary www.carlsloan.com in the Disjecta building. 8371 N Interstate Ave #1 Map 6PM-10 Free
A Mortal Song is a show including performance by Tori Wrånes and Caley Feeney. Hey, alpenhorns have been done! At Disjecta, in the shadow of Paul Bunyan www.disjecta.org 8371 N. Interstate Map 6PM-10 Free
Passages Bookshop is not art, but they have many unusual art books. As you can imagine, moving them is an ordeal. They have moved to a new location and have an open house today to celebrate. Normally they are by appointment. At Passages Book Shop www.passagesbookshop.com, 1223 NE Martin Luther King Blvd. Noon-5 Free
Caldera Arts is a Summer arts immersion for at risk youth. In Winter, guest artists visit for an uninterrupted residency in a beautiful setting. Today is an open house to see the work and meet the artists in the cycle. This residency has artists Alela Diane, musician (Portland); Anne Greenwood-Rioseco, mixed media artist (Portland); Chaney Kwak, fiction and travel writer (San Francisco); Sara Mumolo, poet (Oakland); Ryan Pierce, painter (Portland); Marjorie Vecchio, photographer (Reno); and Emily Meg Weinstein, writer (Berkeley). Full artist bios: www.calderaarts.org/caldera/arts-in-residence/current-roster/.
Arrive at 1PM sharp for presentations by the artists, then visit the studios.
Most years, the camp gets snow. You might check the pass and road cameras on Tripcheck.
At Camp Caldera www.calderaarts.org, 31500 Blue Lake Drive, Sisters, OR Map 1PM-3 Free
Front Paper is a broadsheet about performsnce and contemporary dance, written by performers and dancers. Their fifth edition drops tonight with a small party. If you are a dancer there is a workshop 3PM-5 using ideas to compose movement. At Flock www.flockpdx.com at Disjecta, in the shadow of Paul Bunyan www.disjecta.org 8371 N. Interstate Map Workshop 3PM-5, Release party 5:30PM-8 Free
The modest and considered Carl & Sloan Gallery has painters David Corbett & Amie LeGette. Their biographical info is on the website. At Carl & Sloan Contemporary www.carlsloan.com in the Disjecta building. 8371 N Interstate Ave #1 Map 6PM-10 Free
A Mortal Song is a show including performance by Tori Wrånes and Caley Feeney. Hey, alpenhorns have been done! At Disjecta, in the shadow of Paul Bunyan www.disjecta.org 8371 N. Interstate Map 6PM-10 Free
Thursday, January 28, 2016
January 29 Automatic Space Photoflood
Robert Rhee presents Disambiguation, sculptures and photographs. At Melanie Flood Projects 420 SW Washington Suite 301 6PM-9 Free
Sam Ashley from Berlin is the son of and collaborator to the late avant opera composer Robert Ashley.
He presents experimental music along with John Krausbauer from Los Angeles. Also on the bill are Portland experimental sound artists Jeff Witscher and Seth Nehill. The description on Disjecta's site has more information: http://www.disjecta.org/portfolio-items/a-night-of-experimental-music/.
At Disjecta, in the shadow of Paul Bunyan www.disjecta.org 8371 N. Interstate Map 8PM $7-10
Sam Ashley from Berlin is the son of and collaborator to the late avant opera composer Robert Ashley.
He presents experimental music along with John Krausbauer from Los Angeles. Also on the bill are Portland experimental sound artists Jeff Witscher and Seth Nehill. The description on Disjecta's site has more information: http://www.disjecta.org/portfolio-items/a-night-of-experimental-music/.
At Disjecta, in the shadow of Paul Bunyan www.disjecta.org 8371 N. Interstate Map 8PM $7-10
January 28 Cubanismo Pilgrimage
Lewis and Clark College opens Intersecciones Havana / Portland. It is a show by Susana Pilar Delahante Matienzo, Reynier “El Chino” Novo, Elizabet Cerviño, Adriana Arronte, Rafael Villares and Yornel Martínez, six graduates of Instituto Superior de Arte. They have made works inspired by Oregon's history. Four of the artists will be at the opening.
There will be a performance for about 40 minutes, starting at 5PM sharp.
In the Hoffman Gallery on the Lewis and Clark Campus, 0615 S.W. Palatine Hill Road. Map Please park in the Fir Acres lot. Parking Map Enter gate 2 off Palatine, proceed down the hill to the very end to find the Fir Acres Lot "E" on the parking map. Map 5PM-7 Free
Victoria Reynolds has Pilgrimage, colorful geometric paintings on paper. At Ampersand Vintage Printed Material www.ampersandvintage.com 2916 NE Alberta, Ste B. Map 6PM-8 Free
There will be a performance for about 40 minutes, starting at 5PM sharp.
In the Hoffman Gallery on the Lewis and Clark Campus, 0615 S.W. Palatine Hill Road. Map Please park in the Fir Acres lot. Parking Map Enter gate 2 off Palatine, proceed down the hill to the very end to find the Fir Acres Lot "E" on the parking map. Map 5PM-7 Free
Victoria Reynolds has Pilgrimage, colorful geometric paintings on paper. At Ampersand Vintage Printed Material www.ampersandvintage.com 2916 NE Alberta, Ste B. Map 6PM-8 Free
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
January 20 Visioning Revisioning
Visions & Revisions is a show opening tonight by Stephanie Doyle, Trude Parkinson, Jef Gunn, Clinton MacKenzie, Pat Barrett, Claire Browne and Andrea Schwartz-Feit. At Jeffrey Thomas Fine Art www.jeffreythomasfineart.com 2219 NW Raleigh 6PM-8 Free
Friday, January 15, 2016
January 16 Hindu Reincarnation Expo
Fortune, the reincarnation of HQHQ, is adding books and publishing to their gallery projects. They open their new space today with an event of poetry and art by Jabari Jordan-Walker and Marc Matchak. We rarely cover book arts and never poetry, but HQHQ has a good history, so they might be worth keeping an eye on. At Fortune www.hqobjective.org 2235 W Burnside. Noon-6 Free
There is a community of families in the Portland area from the Indian subcontinent. Classical music and dance of the region are taught by small schools and private teachers, passing the tradition along from generation to generation. And many area adults learned those traditions from childhood and enjoy playing and performing for pleasure.
Tonight Surabhi Paranjpe, Hindustani vocalist, performs with with Bhvanesh Mathur on harmonium and Swati Phadke on tabla. Tejasvi Chakravarthy, on Carnatic Flute performs with with Mahesh Mudigonda on mridangam and kanjira.
It is a free concert in a small auditorium in an Intel office building in Hillsboro. You can use this map to locate the "JFCC" https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zR_HnT89ut60.kIJT5z1ryBis&hl=en.
Community Indian Music Concert presented by Kalakendra www.kalakendra.org at the Intel Jones Farm Conference Center in Hillsboro. 7PM Free
Downtown Light and Sound Solution from LA closes their Contact Expo show of interactive video and sound tonight. At 8 one of the creators will perform the system which changes the projections and sound in response to sensors in the space. At Disjecta, in the shadow of Paul Bunyan www.disjecta.org 8371 N. Interstate Map
7 Free
There is a community of families in the Portland area from the Indian subcontinent. Classical music and dance of the region are taught by small schools and private teachers, passing the tradition along from generation to generation. And many area adults learned those traditions from childhood and enjoy playing and performing for pleasure.
Tonight Surabhi Paranjpe, Hindustani vocalist, performs with with Bhvanesh Mathur on harmonium and Swati Phadke on tabla. Tejasvi Chakravarthy, on Carnatic Flute performs with with Mahesh Mudigonda on mridangam and kanjira.
It is a free concert in a small auditorium in an Intel office building in Hillsboro. You can use this map to locate the "JFCC" https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zR_HnT89ut60.kIJT5z1ryBis&hl=en.
Community Indian Music Concert presented by Kalakendra www.kalakendra.org at the Intel Jones Farm Conference Center in Hillsboro. 7PM Free
Downtown Light and Sound Solution from LA closes their Contact Expo show of interactive video and sound tonight. At 8 one of the creators will perform the system which changes the projections and sound in response to sensors in the space. At Disjecta, in the shadow of Paul Bunyan www.disjecta.org 8371 N. Interstate Map
7 Free
Thursday, January 14, 2016
January 15 Illusion Delusion
Mike Bray is an artist and cofounder of Springfield, Oregon's Ditch Projects. It is a big studio and gallery space in an industrial area with a great collection of artists and projects.
He opens his show light grammar/grammar light tonight. The theme is a conceptual appropriation of the technology and artifice in the film industry.
On January 18, Bray will give a talk at PNCA at 6PM https://cal.pnca.edu/e/1525.
At the first of two members in Portland of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, Fourteen30 Gallery www.fourteen30.com 1501 SW Market Street Map 6PM-8 Free
He opens his show light grammar/grammar light tonight. The theme is a conceptual appropriation of the technology and artifice in the film industry.
On January 18, Bray will give a talk at PNCA at 6PM https://cal.pnca.edu/e/1525.
At the first of two members in Portland of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, Fourteen30 Gallery www.fourteen30.com 1501 SW Market Street Map 6PM-8 Free
January 14 Stay Wild and Be Sharp
Stay Wild really has nothing to do with the usual art events we list.
But we like them because they are fun!
Stay Wild is a printed magazine and a website dedicated to the enjoyment by everyday people of the outdoors. They cover things like motorcycle road trip campout by 500 women.
They are interested in the usual diving off cliffs into wild rivers, skating where no one has skated, surfing, bringing a wood fired hot tub on your camping trip, bicycle camping. Really anything outdoors that is super fun.
When they release their printed edition magazine, they have fun event. At a previous launch, you could have a portrait made by Kirlian photography in a geodesic dome. This time, they are offering free axe and hatchet sharpening.
The Stay Wild 2016 Winter Release Party is at Hand Eye Supply www.handeyesupply.com/ 427 NW Broadway 6PM-8 Free
But we like them because they are fun!
Stay Wild is a printed magazine and a website dedicated to the enjoyment by everyday people of the outdoors. They cover things like motorcycle road trip campout by 500 women.
They are interested in the usual diving off cliffs into wild rivers, skating where no one has skated, surfing, bringing a wood fired hot tub on your camping trip, bicycle camping. Really anything outdoors that is super fun.
When they release their printed edition magazine, they have fun event. At a previous launch, you could have a portrait made by Kirlian photography in a geodesic dome. This time, they are offering free axe and hatchet sharpening.
The Stay Wild 2016 Winter Release Party is at Hand Eye Supply www.handeyesupply.com/ 427 NW Broadway 6PM-8 Free
Saturday, January 09, 2016
January 9 Relaxo Bus
Lindsay Kennedy has Relaxo Patio: paintings. It definitely wins the copywriting award for the month.
"Like the caviar dreams of gold chains and naked curvy physiques found in hip hop songs, artist Lindsay Kennedy’s third solo exhibition at Nationale, Relaxo Patio, provides a temporary respite from Portland’s weary winter through the myriad delights of Miami, Florida. Her minimalist compositions offer a contemporary reimagining of painter David Hockney’s scenes of Los Angeles swimming pools from the mid-60s. However, instead of stodgy Beverly Hills diving boards and chaise lounges, she evokes a sultrier, more luxurious lifestyle of cocktails at the Versace mansion, courtside tickets to the Heat, and bronzed beauties on a yacht.
Kennedy achieves this transportive effect through the use of two distinct painting styles. While always drenched in the downy pastels of polyester leisure suits and ocean-side sunsets, her compositions oscillate between more informed and more instinctual approaches. Within the former aesthetic, meticulously applied brushstrokes and layered gradations of color create a hypnotic illusion of depth and texture. Geometric forms float upon the background like dreamscapes, harkening to the emotive sparseness of Agnes Martin. In opposition to this meditative feel, Kennedy’s other works reveal a looser style wherein thick blobs of paint and colorful squiggles capture both the movements of Cuban dance and the spirited curves of tropical foliage. As a whole, Kennedy’s dynamic work deftly reflects the changing rhythms—from languid beach days to feverish club nights—that make Miami a haven for those looking to escape."
At Nationale www.nationale.us 3360 SE Division Map 1PM-3 Free
And from this distance one might never imagine that it is alive is a show by Amy Bernstein, Pat Boas, Calvin Ross Carl, Jack Featherly, Ron Graff, Robert Hardgrave, Grant Hottle, Michael Lazarus, Michelle Ross and Amanda Wojick.
Marylhurst is running a bus to and from the event - see their website for details.
At the Marylhurst University www.marylhurst.edu/theartgym/ Map 4PM-6 Free
"Like the caviar dreams of gold chains and naked curvy physiques found in hip hop songs, artist Lindsay Kennedy’s third solo exhibition at Nationale, Relaxo Patio, provides a temporary respite from Portland’s weary winter through the myriad delights of Miami, Florida. Her minimalist compositions offer a contemporary reimagining of painter David Hockney’s scenes of Los Angeles swimming pools from the mid-60s. However, instead of stodgy Beverly Hills diving boards and chaise lounges, she evokes a sultrier, more luxurious lifestyle of cocktails at the Versace mansion, courtside tickets to the Heat, and bronzed beauties on a yacht.
Kennedy achieves this transportive effect through the use of two distinct painting styles. While always drenched in the downy pastels of polyester leisure suits and ocean-side sunsets, her compositions oscillate between more informed and more instinctual approaches. Within the former aesthetic, meticulously applied brushstrokes and layered gradations of color create a hypnotic illusion of depth and texture. Geometric forms float upon the background like dreamscapes, harkening to the emotive sparseness of Agnes Martin. In opposition to this meditative feel, Kennedy’s other works reveal a looser style wherein thick blobs of paint and colorful squiggles capture both the movements of Cuban dance and the spirited curves of tropical foliage. As a whole, Kennedy’s dynamic work deftly reflects the changing rhythms—from languid beach days to feverish club nights—that make Miami a haven for those looking to escape."
At Nationale www.nationale.us 3360 SE Division Map 1PM-3 Free
And from this distance one might never imagine that it is alive is a show by Amy Bernstein, Pat Boas, Calvin Ross Carl, Jack Featherly, Ron Graff, Robert Hardgrave, Grant Hottle, Michael Lazarus, Michelle Ross and Amanda Wojick.
Marylhurst is running a bus to and from the event - see their website for details.
At the Marylhurst University www.marylhurst.edu/theartgym/ Map 4PM-6 Free
Friday, January 08, 2016
January 8 Eastside Art Openings+
Portland is still in sleep mode. Nonetheless.
Publication Studio has an event: Laura Foxman's Pencils & A Pen. This is a recommended thing which is not easily described. At Publication Studio www.publicationstudio.biz 717 SW Ankeny Map 6PM-8 Free
Marlon Mullen, painter, has a show tonight. At Adams and Ollman Gallery, the second of two members of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, www.adamsandollman.com 209 SW 9th early close 6PM-8 Free
Water Warriors is a show of photographs capturing opposition to fossil fuel drilling. At Newspace Photo www.newspacephoto.org 1632 SE 10th Map 6PM-9 Free
Publication Studio has an event: Laura Foxman's Pencils & A Pen. This is a recommended thing which is not easily described. At Publication Studio www.publicationstudio.biz 717 SW Ankeny Map 6PM-8 Free
Marlon Mullen, painter, has a show tonight. At Adams and Ollman Gallery, the second of two members of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, www.adamsandollman.com 209 SW 9th early close 6PM-8 Free
Water Warriors is a show of photographs capturing opposition to fossil fuel drilling. At Newspace Photo www.newspacephoto.org 1632 SE 10th Map 6PM-9 Free
Thursday, January 07, 2016
January 7 Westside Art Openings+
Ryan Pierce makes artwork inspired by environmental issues and is cofounder of the Signal Fire residencies. This show explores parallels between native mythology in Mexico as a discovery and exploration process, colonial expansion as the same, and the unknown climate futures as a continuation of both. Wendy Given has photographs and sculpture which examine how we, in modern culture experience nature-based, mythology. At Autzen Gallery, Neuberger Hall, room 204, Portland State University 724 SW Harrison St 4PM-7 Free
I, You, Me is a poppy show by Ayumi Takahashi. She has lived in China, Japan and attended top art schools in LA & London. She lives in Portland now. Another impressive show by Duplex. At Duplex Collective www.duplexcollective.com 219 NW Couch 6PM-9 Free
24 Hour Empire is a recreation and update of a 1964 project by Jonas Mekus and Andy Warhol. Portland artist Josh Michaels made his own 24 hour shot of the Empire State building, then processed, recontextualized and remixed it into a variety of artworks. Recommended. Saturday 1/9 1PM to Sunday 1/10 1PM the gallery will be open 24 hours; Saturday 1/16 6PM-8 is the closing event. At UpFor Gallery www.upforgallery.com 929 NW Flanders early close 6PM-8 Free
Kendra Larson makes landscape drawings, often in charcoal and many with tinges of the mystical. She also presents an artist talk Saturday January 23 noon at the gallery. At Augen Gallery www.augengallery.com 716 NW Davis early close 8 Free
Longtime Portland painter Lewis Clevenger has a show at Russo. It goes along with a retrospective of even longer time gallery artists. At Laura Russo Gallery www.laurarusso.com 805 NW 21st early close 5PM-8 Free
Longtime Portland Photographer Jim Lommasson is at Blue Sky Gallery www.blueskygallery.org map 122 NW 8th 6PM-9 Free
Recent PNCA graduate Lauren Gonsalves shows illustration style work. At Hellion Gallery www.helliongallery.com through the lobby of the arched brick entry, up the stairs and to the back. Very upper floor Japan-style. 19 NW 5th second floor. Map 7PM-10 Free
Everett Lofts are recommended as always. It's easier for you to see them all than for me to write suggestions. At the Everett Lofts 625 NW Everett. Bounded by NW Everett, Broadway, Flanders and 6th Map closing ranges from 9PM to a little later in Winter
PNCA is recommended to stop in. They have long time cycle shows and pop ups distributed throughout the building. PNCA www.pnca.edu 511 NW Broadway Map 6PM-9 Free
Their Museum of Contemporary Craft is open until 8 and Free on First Thursdays
Both have the Alien She show ending this week.
And plus: Pecha Kucha is a night of short design talks which originated in Japan. The Portland chapter lapsed but is back. Tonight it is Kyra Bussanich, Founder & Pastry Chef, Kyra’s Bakeshop; Daniel Duford, Visiting Associate Professor of Art, Reed College; Carly Ellis, Designer, Nike Design Lab; Dan Frantz, Strength Coach, Big Sweet Health; Kristen Gallagher, Founder, Edify Education Design; Jelani Memory, Founder, Circle Media, Inc.; Mo Nishiyama, Technical Writer, OHSU; Skyler Pace, Entrepreneur, Recent Graduate; Amy M. Truitt, PhD Candidate, PSU; Tiff Wood, Founder, New World Rowing Club and Peter Zandee, US Sales Manager, Tony’s Chocolonely. At Holocene 1001 SE Morrison doors 6PM, talks 6:30-8 Eventbrite tickets linked to the Holocene web site. Free
I, You, Me is a poppy show by Ayumi Takahashi. She has lived in China, Japan and attended top art schools in LA & London. She lives in Portland now. Another impressive show by Duplex. At Duplex Collective www.duplexcollective.com 219 NW Couch 6PM-9 Free
24 Hour Empire is a recreation and update of a 1964 project by Jonas Mekus and Andy Warhol. Portland artist Josh Michaels made his own 24 hour shot of the Empire State building, then processed, recontextualized and remixed it into a variety of artworks. Recommended. Saturday 1/9 1PM to Sunday 1/10 1PM the gallery will be open 24 hours; Saturday 1/16 6PM-8 is the closing event. At UpFor Gallery www.upforgallery.com 929 NW Flanders early close 6PM-8 Free
Kendra Larson makes landscape drawings, often in charcoal and many with tinges of the mystical. She also presents an artist talk Saturday January 23 noon at the gallery. At Augen Gallery www.augengallery.com 716 NW Davis early close 8 Free
Longtime Portland painter Lewis Clevenger has a show at Russo. It goes along with a retrospective of even longer time gallery artists. At Laura Russo Gallery www.laurarusso.com 805 NW 21st early close 5PM-8 Free
Longtime Portland Photographer Jim Lommasson is at Blue Sky Gallery www.blueskygallery.org map 122 NW 8th 6PM-9 Free
Recent PNCA graduate Lauren Gonsalves shows illustration style work. At Hellion Gallery www.helliongallery.com through the lobby of the arched brick entry, up the stairs and to the back. Very upper floor Japan-style. 19 NW 5th second floor. Map 7PM-10 Free
Everett Lofts are recommended as always. It's easier for you to see them all than for me to write suggestions. At the Everett Lofts 625 NW Everett. Bounded by NW Everett, Broadway, Flanders and 6th Map closing ranges from 9PM to a little later in Winter
PNCA is recommended to stop in. They have long time cycle shows and pop ups distributed throughout the building. PNCA www.pnca.edu 511 NW Broadway Map 6PM-9 Free
Their Museum of Contemporary Craft is open until 8 and Free on First Thursdays
Both have the Alien She show ending this week.
And plus: Pecha Kucha is a night of short design talks which originated in Japan. The Portland chapter lapsed but is back. Tonight it is Kyra Bussanich, Founder & Pastry Chef, Kyra’s Bakeshop; Daniel Duford, Visiting Associate Professor of Art, Reed College; Carly Ellis, Designer, Nike Design Lab; Dan Frantz, Strength Coach, Big Sweet Health; Kristen Gallagher, Founder, Edify Education Design; Jelani Memory, Founder, Circle Media, Inc.; Mo Nishiyama, Technical Writer, OHSU; Skyler Pace, Entrepreneur, Recent Graduate; Amy M. Truitt, PhD Candidate, PSU; Tiff Wood, Founder, New World Rowing Club and Peter Zandee, US Sales Manager, Tony’s Chocolonely. At Holocene 1001 SE Morrison doors 6PM, talks 6:30-8 Eventbrite tickets linked to the Holocene web site. Free
Saturday, December 19, 2015
December 20-25 NTVTY VI
The Xhurch is an Alberta former church and now current artist live, work, show, gallery and dream portal.
It fits in with its protagonist's larger documentation of former churches, repurposed: www.xhurches.org. And it vibes with contemporary spiritual and mysticism remixing in art and culture.
This Xhurch's churchly origins have been remembered yearly for the last five years with artist-realized nativity scenes. This is the sixth year.
Each year is different. Their Alien Nativity Scene, NTVTY II, was stellar and could be repeated in today's heated political climate. Jesus, of course, was an alien, and so were his parents.
NTVTY III was a mirrored birth canal time tunnel star portal accompanied by music from MSHR.
NTVTY VI incorporates virtual reality experiences which began with NTVTY V, a live nativity scene a'la NTVTY I, video installation, fashion-forward costumes and, of course, experimental music every evening.
Musicians are Sunday, Ant'lrd; Monday, Entity; Tuesday, Sean Pierce; Wednesday, Justice Miracle; Thursday, Mike Erwin; with Friday's band to be announced. The musicians play at 7PM-8ish as a live accompaniment to the nativity. Strongly recommended.
NTVTY VI at Xhurch xhurch.net 4550 NE 20th. Map 7PM-9 Donations appreciated
It fits in with its protagonist's larger documentation of former churches, repurposed: www.xhurches.org. And it vibes with contemporary spiritual and mysticism remixing in art and culture.
This Xhurch's churchly origins have been remembered yearly for the last five years with artist-realized nativity scenes. This is the sixth year.
Each year is different. Their Alien Nativity Scene, NTVTY II, was stellar and could be repeated in today's heated political climate. Jesus, of course, was an alien, and so were his parents.
NTVTY III was a mirrored birth canal time tunnel star portal accompanied by music from MSHR.
NTVTY VI incorporates virtual reality experiences which began with NTVTY V, a live nativity scene a'la NTVTY I, video installation, fashion-forward costumes and, of course, experimental music every evening.
Musicians are Sunday, Ant'lrd; Monday, Entity; Tuesday, Sean Pierce; Wednesday, Justice Miracle; Thursday, Mike Erwin; with Friday's band to be announced. The musicians play at 7PM-8ish as a live accompaniment to the nativity. Strongly recommended.
NTVTY VI at Xhurch xhurch.net 4550 NE 20th. Map 7PM-9 Donations appreciated
December 19 Refreshing Art Viewing
The Jamison Thomas 1985 retrospective closes this evening. Much of the art for sale benefits the William Jamison scholarships at PNCA. So bid early and often. At Jeffrey Thomas Fine Art www.jeffreythomasfineart.com 2219 NW Raleigh 4PM-6 Free
Upfor, Adams and Ollman and Melanie Flood galleries have a progressive viewing party this afternoon of their current shows.
At UpFor Gallery www.upforgallery.com 929 NW Flanders early close 3PM-5 Free
At Adams and Ollman Gallery, the second of two members of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, www.adamsandollman.com 209 SW 9th early close 3PM-5 Free
At Melanie Flood Projects 420 SW Washington Suite 301 3PM-5 Free
Upfor, Adams and Ollman and Melanie Flood galleries have a progressive viewing party this afternoon of their current shows.
At UpFor Gallery www.upforgallery.com 929 NW Flanders early close 3PM-5 Free
At Adams and Ollman Gallery, the second of two members of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, www.adamsandollman.com 209 SW 9th early close 3PM-5 Free
At Melanie Flood Projects 420 SW Washington Suite 301 3PM-5 Free
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
December 17 Chroma Key Supply
Art is sleeping the next few weeks to be with family. But there are a few items.
S! unveils their 2016 programming with a holiday party. There will be green screen video karaoke and hopefully dancing. At S1, formerly Multiplex, www.s1portland.com 4148 NE Hancock Map 8PM-10-11? Free
Not art, but Hand Eye Supply has their holiday confab. At Hand Eye Supply www.handeyesupply.com/ 427 NW Broadway 6PM-9 Free
S! unveils their 2016 programming with a holiday party. There will be green screen video karaoke and hopefully dancing. At S1, formerly Multiplex, www.s1portland.com 4148 NE Hancock Map 8PM-10-11? Free
Not art, but Hand Eye Supply has their holiday confab. At Hand Eye Supply www.handeyesupply.com/ 427 NW Broadway 6PM-9 Free
Sunday, December 13, 2015
December 13 Dark Book
The Publication Fair is a small sale by small bookmakers and art book shops. They include Ampersand Gallery & Fine Books, About a Bicycle (AAB), Anthology Booksellers, Big Big Wednesday, Book Arts Editions, Bridge Lab by MediaSurf Communications, Container Corps, Couch Press, Division Leap, Floating World Comics, Future Tense Books, Gobshite Quarterly / Reprobate Books, Know Your City, Mini Chapbook Press, Monograph Bookwerks, Mother Foucault’s Bookshop, Nationale, Octopus Books, Passages Bookshop, Perfect Day Publishing, Personal Libraries Library, Poor Claudia, Portland Museum of Modern Art, Publication Studio, Reading Frenzy, Sidebrow, Sincerely Analog Press, Two Plum Press, University of Hell Press and Whitewall of Sound Publications. Portland is a book town, but we don't usually cover it because others do it better. But here is an exception. At the Cleaners at Ace Hotel 1022 SW Stark Noon-6 Free
Our favorite Tuvan throat singer, Soriah, is part of an early show this evening with dark punkers Christ vs. Warhol and Dead Cult. The show is followed by Portland's dark Hive dance party. At the Star Theater, an old burlesque theater once owned by Gus Van Sant, 13 NW 6th. 8PM $8
Our favorite Tuvan throat singer, Soriah, is part of an early show this evening with dark punkers Christ vs. Warhol and Dead Cult. The show is followed by Portland's dark Hive dance party. At the Star Theater, an old burlesque theater once owned by Gus Van Sant, 13 NW 6th. 8PM $8
Thursday, December 10, 2015
December 12 Bronco 500 Architecture Wonderland
The Big 500 is big. Inspired in Portland by the Charm Bracelet show, Meeting People in 2001, it is a show of art entirely on 8 inch plywood panels. Each panel is $40, cash and carry. Most of it is not my style, but the sponsors, The Peoples Art of Portland, are arguably in the top 5 of Portland galleries in annual revenue. The show has over 500 artists, each producing 10 panels. Doors open at exactly 2PM with a horde of competitive buyers. At the People's Art of Portland www.peoplesartofportland.com on the 3rd floor of the Pioneer Place Mall. If the mall appears closed, enter the film theater building adjacent, travel through the tunnel to the Place mall, and take the elevator to the 3rd floor, sometimes the bridge on the 3rd floor is open too. 700 SW 5th. 2PM-10 Admission is a can of food for the food bank
We don't usually cover craft exhibitions, or sales. But we do like Crafty Wonderland which takes over the convention center this weekend. You can look them up, as well as smaller more recently curated Gifted at ADX Saturday, The Makery Pop Up Saturday, and the Portland Bazaar Saturday and Sunday. If you want to see what Portland and even regional, in the case of Crafty Wonderland, which includes Seattle crafters, you are welcome.
Melissa Soltesz has relocated Soltesz Fine Art from Utah to Portland. Her large space is large enough to host the Bronco Gallery inside, paintings by Corrie Slawson & Jennifer duToit-Barrett, and a performance by Lucy Yim with fellow movers Stacey Tran, Lindsay Ruoff, Sidony O'Neal and Kira Alexander Clarke. At Soltesz Fine Art www.solteszfineart.com 1825 NW 23rd Map Opens 5PM, performance 7, early close 8 Free
DLS Solution: Downtown Light and Sound, from LA, is a loose collective doing interior and exterior architectural light and sound installations.
It's a growing field, from the theoretical work of Robert Venturi, Steven Izenour and Denise Scott Brown in Learning From Las Vegas - The Forgotten Symbolism of Architectural Form which evolved into Venturi's Iconography and Electronics upon a Generic Architecture. Architects Elizabeth Diller and Ricardo Scofidio evolved the Times Square aesthetic further (in a more refined way). Later large works are found in the iconic architecture of boom China with examples like Simone Giostra's Greenpix Zero Energy Media facade. The work is framed within the demise of Dara Birnbaum's 1989 Rio Video Wall. The interactive video piece, placed in an Atlanta shopping mall, was eventually commandeered by the mall management to show advertising, and the artist decommissioned the work.
Downtown Light and Sound artists Cayetano Ferrer, Jacqueline Kiyomi Gordon, Nate Hess, Jonathan Mandabach and Ashland Mines have a six week interior installation opening tonight.
At Disjecta, in the shadow of Paul Bunyan www.disjecta.org 8371 N. Interstate Map 6PM-10 Free
Grant Hottle's paintings Throw Me the Idol I Throw You the Whip closes tonight. At Carl & Sloan Contemporary www.carlsloan.com
in the Disjecta building. 8371 N Interstate Ave #1 Map 6PM-10 Free
We don't usually cover craft exhibitions, or sales. But we do like Crafty Wonderland which takes over the convention center this weekend. You can look them up, as well as smaller more recently curated Gifted at ADX Saturday, The Makery Pop Up Saturday, and the Portland Bazaar Saturday and Sunday. If you want to see what Portland and even regional, in the case of Crafty Wonderland, which includes Seattle crafters, you are welcome.
Melissa Soltesz has relocated Soltesz Fine Art from Utah to Portland. Her large space is large enough to host the Bronco Gallery inside, paintings by Corrie Slawson & Jennifer duToit-Barrett, and a performance by Lucy Yim with fellow movers Stacey Tran, Lindsay Ruoff, Sidony O'Neal and Kira Alexander Clarke. At Soltesz Fine Art www.solteszfineart.com 1825 NW 23rd Map Opens 5PM, performance 7, early close 8 Free
DLS Solution: Downtown Light and Sound, from LA, is a loose collective doing interior and exterior architectural light and sound installations.
It's a growing field, from the theoretical work of Robert Venturi, Steven Izenour and Denise Scott Brown in Learning From Las Vegas - The Forgotten Symbolism of Architectural Form which evolved into Venturi's Iconography and Electronics upon a Generic Architecture. Architects Elizabeth Diller and Ricardo Scofidio evolved the Times Square aesthetic further (in a more refined way). Later large works are found in the iconic architecture of boom China with examples like Simone Giostra's Greenpix Zero Energy Media facade. The work is framed within the demise of Dara Birnbaum's 1989 Rio Video Wall. The interactive video piece, placed in an Atlanta shopping mall, was eventually commandeered by the mall management to show advertising, and the artist decommissioned the work.
Downtown Light and Sound artists Cayetano Ferrer, Jacqueline Kiyomi Gordon, Nate Hess, Jonathan Mandabach and Ashland Mines have a six week interior installation opening tonight.
At Disjecta, in the shadow of Paul Bunyan www.disjecta.org 8371 N. Interstate Map 6PM-10 Free
Grant Hottle's paintings Throw Me the Idol I Throw You the Whip closes tonight. At Carl & Sloan Contemporary www.carlsloan.com
in the Disjecta building. 8371 N Interstate Ave #1 Map 6PM-10 Free
December 11 Supersize Lunch for Dinner
Painter, illustrator and installationist Ron Ewert has I Wish Lunch Could Last Forever. He visits from Chicago, continuing the cross fertilization between Portland and Chicago. At S1, formerly Multiplex, www.s1portland.com 4148 NE Hancock Map 6PM-9 Free
Jane Schiffhauer has a show: Take Size of Me Only if I Can Take Size of You. At Worksound www.worksoundpdx.com 820 SE Alder Map 7PM-10 Free
Jane Schiffhauer has a show: Take Size of Me Only if I Can Take Size of You. At Worksound www.worksoundpdx.com 820 SE Alder Map 7PM-10 Free
December 10-12 Tentfall
Composition has a three evening performance, experimental film and installation event: like men in the folds of a fallen tent, ii. Performers and artists include Babette DeLafayette, John Marc Powell, Cameron Fletcher, Marlyn Yvonne and The House Of ia: Jillayne Hunter & kb Thomason. At Composition Gallery www.facebook.com/compositiongallery 625 N.W. Everett St., #102 (mid-block on NW6th) 7PM-9 $5-20
Sunday, December 06, 2015
December 8 Mind the Precipice
The Precipice Fund is a Warhol Foundation-funded small grant program for Portland artists and spaces. The grants are small, up to $5000, and are offered for a year, but not the next year to the same organization. But the groups receiving them have had a great impact on Portland contemporary art.
The grantees for 2013 were 12128 Microresidencies, Amur Initiatives Media and Research, Container Corps, C.O.P.S, The Cosmic Serpent show, Experimental Film Festival Portland 2014, Eights, Issue No. Two, FalseFront, Front newspaper, M.A.S.S., Not Too Distant Futures, Portland Museum of Modern Art, Resident Residency, Random Access Tape / Stream Room Installation, S1, Arresting Power film, Sensingfeelingperceiving, Spreading Rumours, Weird Shift Storefront.
In 2014 they were At the Drive In, BCC: BrownHall, Composition, Environmental Impact Statement, Free Spirit News, I’d Rather Goya Robbed Me of My Sleep than Some Other Son of a Bitch, Habitat, HQHQ Project Space, Moving Out, Muscle Beach, One Flaming Arrow, Physical Education, Portland Pataphysical Society, Prequel, Radical Imagination Gymnasium, Surplus Space, TakerLab, They said don’t bring her home, Worksound International.
Many will be familiar to Portlandorusnow readers.
The new year's recipients will be announced this evening, and each of them will briefly describe their project. After will be a party.
Since all the applicants, their friends and everyone we know will be there, it should be fun!
Precipice Fund awards and party at 415 SW 10th, 3rd floor. 6PM-midnight Free
The grantees for 2013 were 12128 Microresidencies, Amur Initiatives Media and Research, Container Corps, C.O.P.S, The Cosmic Serpent show, Experimental Film Festival Portland 2014, Eights, Issue No. Two, FalseFront, Front newspaper, M.A.S.S., Not Too Distant Futures, Portland Museum of Modern Art, Resident Residency, Random Access Tape / Stream Room Installation, S1, Arresting Power film, Sensingfeelingperceiving, Spreading Rumours, Weird Shift Storefront.
In 2014 they were At the Drive In, BCC: BrownHall, Composition, Environmental Impact Statement, Free Spirit News, I’d Rather Goya Robbed Me of My Sleep than Some Other Son of a Bitch, Habitat, HQHQ Project Space, Moving Out, Muscle Beach, One Flaming Arrow, Physical Education, Portland Pataphysical Society, Prequel, Radical Imagination Gymnasium, Surplus Space, TakerLab, They said don’t bring her home, Worksound International.
Many will be familiar to Portlandorusnow readers.
The new year's recipients will be announced this evening, and each of them will briefly describe their project. After will be a party.
Since all the applicants, their friends and everyone we know will be there, it should be fun!
Precipice Fund awards and party at 415 SW 10th, 3rd floor. 6PM-midnight Free
December 6 The Meaning of Life
JD Banke paints still life arrangements in his own style. His show is called The Meaning of Life is Living. At Nationale www.nationale.us 3360 SE Division Map 3PM-5 Free
Friday, December 04, 2015
December 4 Eastside Art Openings
Dark, rain, cold. Digesting tryptophans, readying for Solstice. But there are things this first Friday. Don't stay in bed!
Newspace continues its Alaska road trip show and has party tonight. At Newspace Photo www.newspacephoto.org 1632 SE 10th Map 6PM-9 Free
Isabela Faun has oil paintings and graphite drawings in show, Zoological Society. At Redux www.reduxpdx.com 811 E Burnside 6PM-9:30 Free
Black Box has Color Photography: A Picture Show. At Black Box Gallery www.blackboxgallery.com 811 E Burnside, Suite 212 upstairs 5PM-8 Free
Megan Ace has staged collages: Between Anarchy and Metamorphosis. Good idea in the conceptual photography realm. Megan Ace www.pushdotstudio.com/site/gallery/2015/12/index.html at Pushdot Studio www.pushdotstudio.com 2505 SE 11th Avenue Suite 104 6PM-9 Free
You never know what Worksound is up to.
Newspace continues its Alaska road trip show and has party tonight. At Newspace Photo www.newspacephoto.org 1632 SE 10th Map 6PM-9 Free
Isabela Faun has oil paintings and graphite drawings in show, Zoological Society. At Redux www.reduxpdx.com 811 E Burnside 6PM-9:30 Free
Black Box has Color Photography: A Picture Show. At Black Box Gallery www.blackboxgallery.com 811 E Burnside, Suite 212 upstairs 5PM-8 Free
Megan Ace has staged collages: Between Anarchy and Metamorphosis. Good idea in the conceptual photography realm. Megan Ace www.pushdotstudio.com/site/gallery/2015/12/index.html at Pushdot Studio www.pushdotstudio.com 2505 SE 11th Avenue Suite 104 6PM-9 Free
You never know what Worksound is up to.
Wednesday, December 02, 2015
December 3, 4, 6, 7 Dr Zhou is In!
Beijing, London and New York artist Yi Zhou is in Portland for a series of events in a variety of locations themed on her Body Memory 身体记忆 project. The Body Memory thesis is that memories are stored not exclusively in the brain, but are also stored in the body. The project makes castings of body parts to as reliquaries and totems for those memories.
First Thursday she has an exhibition and participatory performance. Her works are on display from 6PM-about 10. From 8PM-9:30, she will work with five participants to make plaster castings of a finger. Those five have signed up in advance on her project funding website https://www.rockethub.com/61846. Looking is free, though the space is small.
Friday she gives a talk. At Tea Bar 1615 NE Killingsworth. 6PM Free
Sunday she holds a workshop and clinic involving casting a finger and adding scents in collaboration with OLO Fragrance, one of Portland's more experimental fragrance houses. At Milk Milk Lemonade 1407 SE Belmont 2PM-3:30 $75
Monday she holds a clinic and market with items by fellow Chinese artists. At Jupiter Hotel 800 E. Burnside 5PM-10 $99 for the clinic and casting, Free to browse the market
The clinic events include a personal diagnosis and prescription by Dr. Zhou. All is explained on her https://www.rockethub.com/61846 website.
First Thursday she has an exhibition and participatory performance. Her works are on display from 6PM-about 10. From 8PM-9:30, she will work with five participants to make plaster castings of a finger. Those five have signed up in advance on her project funding website https://www.rockethub.com/61846. Looking is free, though the space is small.
Friday she gives a talk. At Tea Bar 1615 NE Killingsworth. 6PM Free
Sunday she holds a workshop and clinic involving casting a finger and adding scents in collaboration with OLO Fragrance, one of Portland's more experimental fragrance houses. At Milk Milk Lemonade 1407 SE Belmont 2PM-3:30 $75
Monday she holds a clinic and market with items by fellow Chinese artists. At Jupiter Hotel 800 E. Burnside 5PM-10 $99 for the clinic and casting, Free to browse the market
The clinic events include a personal diagnosis and prescription by Dr. Zhou. All is explained on her https://www.rockethub.com/61846 website.
December 3 Westside Art Openings+
If you happen to be in Seattle, which originated the First Thursday art gallery opening tradition adopted by Portland, there is a loft butoh performance.
Erica Howard, Lela Besom, Marina Sossi and Tara Babette join Gerard Erickson, Bryce Evans, Alan Sutherland, Rusty Zepto, Kaoru Okumura, Helen Thorsen and Sheri Brown in a series of group and solo performances tonight.
It is a production of DAIPANbutoh Collective www.daipanbutoh.com in Loft 510 of the Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts, 115 Prefontaine Pl S. Preshow in the lobby 7:15PM progressing to Loft 510 at 7:30. $10-20
Composition presents Body Memory by "Doctor" Yi Zhou, visiting from New York, London and Bejing. See the separate listing for the project and exhibition tonight and events throughout town December 4, 5, 6 and 7. At Composition Gallery www.facebook.com/compositiongallery 625 N.W. Everett St., #102 (mid-block on NW6th) 6PM-10 Free
Within Within is an installation by artists Ellen George and Jerry Mayer. They have worked together for many years and their minimal installations are beautiful. Recommended. At the Nine Gallery inside Blue Sky Gallery map 122 NW 8th 6PM-9 Free
Hellion has Attuned, surreal figure sculptures by Troy Coulterman.
The Hellion website is also tracing the career developments of Hellion artists. Bravo! At Hellion Gallery www.helliongallery.com through the lobby of the arched brick entry, up the stairs and to the back. Very upper floor Japan-style. 19 NW 5th second floor. Map 7PM-10 Free
Color is a group show on that very theme by Anne Appleby, Tina Beebe, Peter Gronquist, Joe Rudko, Storm Tharp and Molly Vidor. PDX has 2 spaces at art Basel Miami with gallery artists. At PDX Contemporary Art www.pdxcontemporaryart.com 925 NW Flanders Map early close 8PM Free
Pedro David has close shots of of his family home and Ken Ragsdale has models of landscapes he has rephotographed, The Hundred-Acre Wood. At Blue Sky Gallery www.blueskygallery.org map 122 NW 8th 6PM-9 Free
Froelich has Native American contemporary artist Joe Feddersen with mono prints. At Froelick Gallery www.froelickgallery.com 714 NW Davis early close 8 Free
First year PNCA visual MFA students Jenna Reineking, Ardis DeFreece, Corrin M Olson, Keegan O’Keefe, Hunter Buck, Melanie Stevens and Chanel Adair have a show Ninety-Three Percent Invisible tonight. At The Lodge Gallery 1532 SW Morrison. 6PM-9 Free
Leach continues last month's show and shows at Pulse in Miami. At Elizabeth Leach Gallery www.elizabethleach.com 417 NW 9th Map 6PM-9 Free
Upfor continues last month's show and shows at Untitled in Miami. At UpFor Gallery www.upforgallery.com 929 NW Flanders early close 6PM-8 Free
Adams and Ollman continues their show and shows with NADA. At Adams and Ollman Gallery, the second of two members of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, www.adamsandollman.com 209 SW 9th early close 6PM-8 Free
Fourteen30 is in Miami at NADA. At the first of two members in Portland of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, Fourteen30 Gallery www.fourteen30.com 1501 SW Market Street Map (they are not open tonight)
Anne Siems, Seattle painter, has Dream Lessons and Gina Wilson also has paintings. At Laura Russo Gallery www.laurarusso.com 805 NW 21st 5PM-8
PNCA and the Museum of Contemporary Craft are recommended to stop in.
They have long time cycle shows and pop ups distributed throughout the building. PNCA www.pnca.edu 511 NW Broadway Map 6PM-9 Free
and
At the Museum of Contemporary Craft www.museumofcontemporarycraft.org 724 NW Davis Early close 6PM-8 Free First Thursday
Everett Lofts are recommended as always. It's easier for you to see them all than for me to write suggestions. Some close as early as 9PM. At the Everett Lofts 625 NW Everett. Bounded by NW Everett, Broadway, Flanders and 6th Map closing ranges from 9PM-10:30ish
Erica Howard, Lela Besom, Marina Sossi and Tara Babette join Gerard Erickson, Bryce Evans, Alan Sutherland, Rusty Zepto, Kaoru Okumura, Helen Thorsen and Sheri Brown in a series of group and solo performances tonight.
It is a production of DAIPANbutoh Collective www.daipanbutoh.com in Loft 510 of the Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts, 115 Prefontaine Pl S. Preshow in the lobby 7:15PM progressing to Loft 510 at 7:30. $10-20
Composition presents Body Memory by "Doctor" Yi Zhou, visiting from New York, London and Bejing. See the separate listing for the project and exhibition tonight and events throughout town December 4, 5, 6 and 7. At Composition Gallery www.facebook.com/compositiongallery 625 N.W. Everett St., #102 (mid-block on NW6th) 6PM-10 Free
Within Within is an installation by artists Ellen George and Jerry Mayer. They have worked together for many years and their minimal installations are beautiful. Recommended. At the Nine Gallery inside Blue Sky Gallery map 122 NW 8th 6PM-9 Free
Hellion has Attuned, surreal figure sculptures by Troy Coulterman.
The Hellion website is also tracing the career developments of Hellion artists. Bravo! At Hellion Gallery www.helliongallery.com through the lobby of the arched brick entry, up the stairs and to the back. Very upper floor Japan-style. 19 NW 5th second floor. Map 7PM-10 Free
Color is a group show on that very theme by Anne Appleby, Tina Beebe, Peter Gronquist, Joe Rudko, Storm Tharp and Molly Vidor. PDX has 2 spaces at art Basel Miami with gallery artists. At PDX Contemporary Art www.pdxcontemporaryart.com 925 NW Flanders Map early close 8PM Free
Pedro David has close shots of of his family home and Ken Ragsdale has models of landscapes he has rephotographed, The Hundred-Acre Wood. At Blue Sky Gallery www.blueskygallery.org map 122 NW 8th 6PM-9 Free
Froelich has Native American contemporary artist Joe Feddersen with mono prints. At Froelick Gallery www.froelickgallery.com 714 NW Davis early close 8 Free
First year PNCA visual MFA students Jenna Reineking, Ardis DeFreece, Corrin M Olson, Keegan O’Keefe, Hunter Buck, Melanie Stevens and Chanel Adair have a show Ninety-Three Percent Invisible tonight. At The Lodge Gallery 1532 SW Morrison. 6PM-9 Free
Leach continues last month's show and shows at Pulse in Miami. At Elizabeth Leach Gallery www.elizabethleach.com 417 NW 9th Map 6PM-9 Free
Upfor continues last month's show and shows at Untitled in Miami. At UpFor Gallery www.upforgallery.com 929 NW Flanders early close 6PM-8 Free
Adams and Ollman continues their show and shows with NADA. At Adams and Ollman Gallery, the second of two members of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, www.adamsandollman.com 209 SW 9th early close 6PM-8 Free
Fourteen30 is in Miami at NADA. At the first of two members in Portland of the New Art Dealers Alliance www.newartdealers.org, Fourteen30 Gallery www.fourteen30.com 1501 SW Market Street Map (they are not open tonight)
Anne Siems, Seattle painter, has Dream Lessons and Gina Wilson also has paintings. At Laura Russo Gallery www.laurarusso.com 805 NW 21st 5PM-8
PNCA and the Museum of Contemporary Craft are recommended to stop in.
They have long time cycle shows and pop ups distributed throughout the building. PNCA www.pnca.edu 511 NW Broadway Map 6PM-9 Free
and
At the Museum of Contemporary Craft www.museumofcontemporarycraft.org 724 NW Davis Early close 6PM-8 Free First Thursday
Everett Lofts are recommended as always. It's easier for you to see them all than for me to write suggestions. Some close as early as 9PM. At the Everett Lofts 625 NW Everett. Bounded by NW Everett, Broadway, Flanders and 6th Map closing ranges from 9PM-10:30ish
December 3-6 Predator Songstress
Predator Songstress is a series of performances which began in 2012 by Haruko Nishimura and composer Joshua Kohl operating as the Degenerate Art Ensemble. Nishimura is a butoh performer known for large scale productions.
Predator Songstress: Dictator is the current chapter playing on the big stage.
It is a fantastical and surreal new myth.
Ximena, played by Nishimura, is captured by the Harvesters, a group of old men, who pass judgement on her. She is accused of exaggerating peoples feelings by singing them; and is sentenced to have her voice removed.
She joins fellow women prisoners who hang birdhouses in the forest while they await the same fate.
Ultimately Ximena triumphs, restoring the voices to all from which they have been stolen.
The performance incorporates video, animation, stories gathered from the audience by Ximena in the lobby before the performance, and an original score. Collaborators include Douglass Ridings, Okanomodé Soulchilde, Benjamin Marx and Paris Hurley. Costumes by Alenka Loesch.
Predator Songstress degenerateartensemble.com/dictator-current by the Degenerate Art Ensemble at On the Boards 100 W Roy Street, Seattle. Thursday-Saturday 8PM, Sunday 5PM $25 (waitlist available)
Predator Songstress: Dictator is the current chapter playing on the big stage.
It is a fantastical and surreal new myth.
Ximena, played by Nishimura, is captured by the Harvesters, a group of old men, who pass judgement on her. She is accused of exaggerating peoples feelings by singing them; and is sentenced to have her voice removed.
She joins fellow women prisoners who hang birdhouses in the forest while they await the same fate.
Ultimately Ximena triumphs, restoring the voices to all from which they have been stolen.
The performance incorporates video, animation, stories gathered from the audience by Ximena in the lobby before the performance, and an original score. Collaborators include Douglass Ridings, Okanomodé Soulchilde, Benjamin Marx and Paris Hurley. Costumes by Alenka Loesch.
Predator Songstress degenerateartensemble.com/dictator-current by the Degenerate Art Ensemble at On the Boards 100 W Roy Street, Seattle. Thursday-Saturday 8PM, Sunday 5PM $25 (waitlist available)
Tuesday, December 01, 2015
December 2 Arresting Made Tube
Julie Perini is an activist artist who works through documentary moviemaking. She was fortunate/unfortunate to be in the right/wrong place at the right/wrong time when the keystone cops attempted to prosecute the Critical Art Ensemble. She has continued her work in Portland with the movie Arresting Power: Resisting Police Violence in Portland Oregon www.arrestingpower.com. She speaks about that movie and her work in a midday talk. At the Portland State University Art Building, Room 200, 2000 SW 5th. Noon Free
Gabi Villaseñor and Helmy Membreño have revived Getting to Know You(Tube). Three artists are invited to curate a short collection of fovorite YouTube videos. After viewing the audience engages them in discussion and may bring their own YouTube selection. This program's artists are Libby Werbel, Britt Howard and Travis Beardsley. The event will be at PICA, different from the usual venue. GTKYT at Portland Institute for Contemporary Art 415 SW 10th, Ste 300. Doors 7PM Videos 7:30 Free
Kelley Roy has a new book, Portland Made: The Makers of Portland's Manufacturing Renaissance. She reads from it this evening at Powell's, then there is an after party at Made Here PDX across the street until 11.
Roy coauthored a great book on the Portland food cart movement, from interviews with owners, to the legalities and ecosystem. That book has been a bible in other cities. Roy also founded the ADX makerspace.
You can find out more about the book on their successful Crowdfunding site https://www.crowdsupply.com/portland-made/book.
Portland Made reading at Powells 1005 W Burnside 7:30 Free, after event at MadeHere PDX 40 NW 10th 9PM-11 Free
Gabi Villaseñor and Helmy Membreño have revived Getting to Know You(Tube). Three artists are invited to curate a short collection of fovorite YouTube videos. After viewing the audience engages them in discussion and may bring their own YouTube selection. This program's artists are Libby Werbel, Britt Howard and Travis Beardsley. The event will be at PICA, different from the usual venue. GTKYT at Portland Institute for Contemporary Art 415 SW 10th, Ste 300. Doors 7PM Videos 7:30 Free
Kelley Roy has a new book, Portland Made: The Makers of Portland's Manufacturing Renaissance. She reads from it this evening at Powell's, then there is an after party at Made Here PDX across the street until 11.
Roy coauthored a great book on the Portland food cart movement, from interviews with owners, to the legalities and ecosystem. That book has been a bible in other cities. Roy also founded the ADX makerspace.
You can find out more about the book on their successful Crowdfunding site https://www.crowdsupply.com/portland-made/book.
Portland Made reading at Powells 1005 W Burnside 7:30 Free, after event at MadeHere PDX 40 NW 10th 9PM-11 Free
December 2-4 Viva Las Vegas!
The long time performer, writer, vocalist and creative force in Portland is the subject of a one act opera excerpted from her book Magic Gardens: The Memoirs of Viva Las Vegas.
The book captures an era when artists and activists collaborated to embrace exotic dancing in Portland's cultural mix. It centers around the protagonist's Christmas visit to Midwest family when she reveals her profession to her minister father.
The opera expression of the story is a collaboration with Portland's contemporary opera project Cult of Orpheus, which descended from Classical Revolution PDX. It is no coincidence that Viva is a classically trained singer and studied opera. It is also promoted by Opera Theater Oregon which supports new opera, and has been the subject of an interview on All Classical FM's Northwest Previews. Oregon Art Watch has an extensive review.
All the details and tickets are at www.vivas-holiday.com. Performance at Star Theater, an old burlesque theater once owned by Gus Van Sant, 13 NW 6th. 9PM $20
The book captures an era when artists and activists collaborated to embrace exotic dancing in Portland's cultural mix. It centers around the protagonist's Christmas visit to Midwest family when she reveals her profession to her minister father.
The opera expression of the story is a collaboration with Portland's contemporary opera project Cult of Orpheus, which descended from Classical Revolution PDX. It is no coincidence that Viva is a classically trained singer and studied opera. It is also promoted by Opera Theater Oregon which supports new opera, and has been the subject of an interview on All Classical FM's Northwest Previews. Oregon Art Watch has an extensive review.
All the details and tickets are at www.vivas-holiday.com. Performance at Star Theater, an old burlesque theater once owned by Gus Van Sant, 13 NW 6th. 9PM $20
December 1 Trauma & Apathy
PSU MFA Studio Lectures Series is now curated by Julie Perini who does social justice-focused movie making. Perini is speaking tomorrow at PSU. Tonight's talk is by Basma Alsharif who focuses the same themes. Her talk is entitled Trauma & Apathy. At Portland State University, Lincoln Hall Room 75, 1620 SW Park Avenue 7PM Free
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)