Katherine Bovee & Philippe Blanc at Fresh Trouble
Portland’s newest contemporary arts presenter, Organism, shows integrity and heart-in-the-right-place by hosting a different kind of fundraising evening. Reacting to a trend in arts organization fundraising that depends on artists to donate their work (when the donations should perhaps be flowing in the opposite direction) , Organism instead is inviting you to “toast” (and get a great meal in the bargain at Screendoor, with chefs formerly of clarklewis and Paley’s) ten artists Organism director Jeff Jahn calls our “cultural ambassadors,” well-traveled artists who are showing around the world and in the process, putting Portland on the map.
It’s a great diverse group Organism has assembled with some of ultra’s favorites including video artist and filmmaker Matt McCormick (it’s not too late to see his show at Elizabeth Leach), Carson Ellis who does melancholy, vaguely narrative work in pen and wash, Brenden Clenaghen, whose reliefs are among our favorite pieces of art one can hang on a wall, and Katherine Bovee & Philippe Blanc, whose computer-age-referencing conceptual work is brilliant. And you definitely want to sit at a table with art-instigator Nat Andreini of Sincerely John Head.
The Organism Toast Gala is April 2 at 7 PM at Screendoor (2337 E Burnside). $75 tickets can be purchased on the Organism website. You are invited to dress for the occasion.
WHAT TO DO NOW?