We were just reflecting on the fact that everything has its moment, that momentum waxes and wanes, AND that the best things that happen are thanks to extraordinary expenditures of energy from a few. We know we’re in Portland at a very good time, but we shouldn’t take a bit of it for granted. Carpe diem.
A note today that the Affair at the Jupiter Hotel, Portland’s own and only annual art fair has ended its run. Since 2004, the Affair annually transformed the rooms of the Jupiter to mini-gallery spaces for Portland and visiting contemporary galleries from all over the country.
Stuart Horodner, currently the curator at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center in Atlanta, GA (and former director of PICA’s visual art wing) and Laurel Gitlen, owner/director of Small A Projects in Portland, co-organizers of the Affair, did something important for artists, galleries, collectors in Portland
Horodner said, “We are very proud of what we achieved with the 4 years of Affair. It’s a Seinfeld kind of moment, and like the beloved TV show that ended at the height of its popularity, we feel like we have done what we set out to do, and don’t want to continue in any form of business as usual. ….The diversity of options elsewhere makes this is a good time for us to stop.”
Significantly, there is this: “Both are in discussion with various arts professionals about organizing symposia or unique exhibitions at the Jupiter Hotel in the future. “
WHAT TO DO NOW?