Member Activities Last Month

Among the many activities last month I wanted to share a few things that struck me.

First, a shout out to Jessica Stroia and everyone involved in the Justice Center Sidewalk Gallery installation. 

I don’t know if Jessica has organized a show before but this was outside of her normal “make everything go smoothly from behind the scenes” role. She coordinated ably with multiple public organizations, representing us well and meeting a ton of external deadlines. She also got the…pleasure..?? of herding the cats we call PNW Sculptors. The result?

The show is BEAUTIFUL. Seeing the faces of the folks driving by as we installed the 6’ illuminated jellyfish (as just one example) was priceless. 

Margaret Synan-Russell, manager of the space says, “This is one of the most captivating exhibits I have been a part of with the Justice Center. Thank you so much!”

Greg Wilbur, as long-time force in the Portland art scene, emailed to say, “That hanging is the best one I’ve ever seen in that space. Internal lighting. Way to go!”

If there is any way for you to see the show (up the whole month of February), I highly recommend it. I’m so proud of the wide variety of mediums and remarkable artistry we’re sharing with the world. 

Next I’ll mention the gathering Jonas Hartley hosted. It’s not always easy to invite others to your creative space. Then there’s the decision on how much to share of your process, successes, frustrations etc.

The weather was crap. Had to pay for parking. It was in downtown Portland. If a member wanted to come up with an excuse not to come, you could find one. But folks still came – one from Ridgefield, one completely burned out and reluctant to be there (me), and one who hadn’t been to an in-person meeting since before Covid. Over wine, snacks and hot sausages we covered everything from complex ceramic firing dilemmas to the role (or non-role) of AI in art. As usual, my initial reluctance to be in a social situation was soon won over by seeing Jonas share his work (including his struggles and great ideas for the future), and by the rich, generous conversations amongst us all. 

Lastly, I extend thanks to the members and friends who step forward to make all of the PNWS events possible. This time of year especially that includes work on the Home and Garden Show. Bob Deasy and Jenny Poston are managing it together this year, as Bob prepares to step away from leading the event in the future. Being willing to step up and make a new venture happen for our group, then creating processes to support it into the future, then finding folks to learn how it all works – it’s a big deal. It’s NEVER seamless. And as much experience as many of our members have, it seems there are always new things to learn and ways to improve. I greatly appreciate Bob, Jenny, and all of you who put your time and energy into making our events happen.

Until next month,

Leslie Crist