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“Little Crumb Bun” (detail) by Lauren Clay, handcut paper and acyrlic, dimensions variable, 2007.

Count on it. Exhibitions at Tilt Gallery and Project Space (625 NW Everett #106) are hands down among the most interesting, critically acclaimed, and talked about of those at any gallery in Portland. Tilt has made space for installation work that is happening in few other places in Portland, and they do it month after month, exhibiting work both visiting and Portland-based artists.

Count two: two is for Tilt’s two-year anniversary, celebrated with a party January 25 from 7-11 PM at the gallery. And two is for the number of Tilt’s gallery directors/curators: Jenene Nagy and Josh Smith (“Wondertwin powers, Activate!”). Nagy’s APEX installation at the Portland Art Museum opening February 16 is bound to be one of the notable visual art exhibitions of the year. She has been curating good work into the Autzen Gallery at PSU and she also teaches. And Smith makes incredible work somewhere between furniture and fine art (more on his work soon) and is currently at OCAC.

The Friday night celebration doubles as closing reception of ONE NONE DONE, a site-specific project by Portland artist Jesse Hayward.

“Worry” by Rebecca Ripple, styrofoam and acrylic, 2006.

On the eve of the anniversary, Tim DuRoche asked co-directors/co-curators Jenene Nagy and Josh Smith a few questions about what’s next for Tilt:

What do you look forward to in the coming year?
We look forward to working with several new artists. Our highlight for the year is Lauren Clay from Brooklyn. Also bringing in Rebecca Ripple from LA who will participate in PSU’s Monday Night MFA Lecture Series. A Portland artist we’re excited to host is Ben Buswell in his follow-up from the 2006 Oregon Biennial.

With established players like Motel and Portland Art Center vanishing and larger galleries taking fewer big risks do you see Tilt stepping up to fill an emerging/divergent niche?
We specifically opened Tilt two years ago to fill that niche. As a non-commercial space we feel like our agenda is different form both of these venues. Tilt is run with the rigor and professionalism commonly associated with commercial galleries and the risk-taking and innovative programming of a nonprofit. We continue to specialize in emerging and under-recognized artists, both regional and national. Primarily, we exhibit experimental and difficult to show work.

What are some watchwords for Tilt’s curatorial momentum?
Diverse, experimental, challenging, educational, enthusiastic.

What is the nature of the universe, permanence or change?
Permanently changing.

What are three things you’d love people to know about Portland art (and/or artists) that they don’t know?
Mostly that the artists who live and work here are incredibly supportive of one another, making it a really great community. Although opportunities are limited, it feels like the artists are genuinely excited when peers succeed. Also, there’s so much happening here, something for everyone on many different levels: Crafty Wonderland, the Alberta scene, the Pearl, of course, mixed-use venues like Jace Gace and Ogle, and great academic institutions like the Cooley Gallery (at Reed) and the Archer (Clark College in Vancouver).