Studio Art Direct will transform vacant storefronts at the Pearl Design Center into “pop-up” contemporary art galleries
Portland, Oregon – The impromptu exhibition, called Interpretative Landscapes (Oregon’s 150th) is an art event in celebration of Oregon’s 150th birthday. The art show will feature 8 of Oregon’s best landscape painters interpreting the landscape through paint on canvas and mixed media. With help of curator and show organizer, Studio Art Direct, each artist will transform an empty ground-level storefront into their own temporary art gallery.
The storefronts have been empty since the downturn, and for a few days will come alive with beautiful paintings showcasing the natural beauty of Oregon. Artists include Sidonie Caron, Donna Young, Scott Gellatly, Kathleen McIntyre, Mandy Main and Jeni Lee.
The recession has brought out the creativity in curators and artists, yet the pop-up art gallery concept benefits commercial brokers. “We transform a dark, empty space into an art gallery and swing open the
doors for a party. We get to use the space for free. The landlord and surrounding businesses enjoy an evening full of creativity and foot-traffic and the artists make some sales,” says Janelle Fendall Baglien, president of Studio Art Direct.
Baglien says that the economic downturn was the reason behind the “pop-up” show idea. “We have an online art gallery www.studioartdirect.com which features local/regional artists. The site was originally designed as a portfolio for our corporate art clients, but as traditional galleries are shuttering, we are finding an increase in traffic to our website from general public art buyers as well as an increase in established artists submitting their work to the site. So the pop-up gallery concept is a powerful platform for our artists. It gives us a physical space.”
The Pearl Design Center (PDC) is a perfect environment for this pop-up art show. Located right on the edge of the Pearl District, a famous area known for First Thursday art walks which attract thousands, is a block full of design oriented businesses with ample parking. To add to the fun, the PDC businesses including Craft & Design, Quince Flowers & Events, Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery, Architectural Elegance, Studio Olivine, and Northwest Framing Commercial will be open serving complimentary food, beverages, and fun giveaways.
Interpretative Landscapes – Oregon’s 150th
August 6th, First Thursday
5:00pm – 9:00pm
Pearl Design Center
NW Savier St. & NW15th under the Freemont Bridge in the Pearl (1427 N.W. Raleigh Ave)
Presented by Studio Art Direct, Northwest Framing Commercial Division and participating Pearl Design Center businesses.
art in architecture 