photo: Sarah Henderson
Met just inside the door by critic and writer Richard Speer (in a sensationally loud vintage shirt) and artist Eugenia Pardue, we began the slow swim through a crowd that included many of Portland’s most interesting artists (Matt McCormick, M.K. Guth, Brendan Clenaghen, Katherine Bovee and Phillipe Blanc) plus PDX cultural movers and makers of all stripes from Jane Beebe of PDX Contemporary Art to Mike Merrill of UrbanHonking, on the way to long tables for a four course meal at Screen Door for Organism’s Toast Gala.
photo: Sarah Henderson
A brilliant concept: raise a glass (or a fork) to some of the Portland artists making waves far beyond Portland. Along the way we ran into people we love like former gallerist Justin Oswald (Gallery 500) talking about nailing down the new home for p:ear, artist and Art Star radio host Eva Lake talking about big plans up her Chanel sleeve. Nat Andreini’s (Sincerely John Head) hair is bigger than we remembered. We sat down at a fab table with Eva, Carson Ellis, Jenn Armbrust of Motel Gallery, and Jeffrey Thomas (who once partnered in the Jamison/Thomas Gallery), a savvy PDX contemporary art and Pearl District pioneer who also happens to be great fun.
photo: Sarah Henderson
So what’s it all about? Organism is fundraising to support its mission as presenter of contemporary visual art in Portland. Is this an extension of Executive Director Jeff Jahn’s earlier curatorial efforts (without the benefit of an organization name) like Fresh Trouble and Best Coast? Yes. And we welcome another importer of interesting contemporary art, especially one smart enough to honor the homegrown talent at a dinner like that of last night.
Next up from Organism? Jahn spoke about their spring exhibition “Model Behavior” a group show featuring Hank Willis Thomas, Yoram Wolberger and others.
All photos Sarah Henderson, www.sirenapictures.com
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