Martin Kagan – sculptor? Force of nature? Definitely both! Martin joined PNWS a few months ago with a passion project: find a way for PNWS to be part of the Gathering of the Guilds.
If you’re not yet familiar, the Gathering is a phenomenal annual event in Portland, known for high-quality art across media, high traffic and public engagement, and a sense of exclusivity. I mean “guilds” right? Sounds posh.
Fast-forward to today: PNWS has officially been invited to the April 25-27, 2025, event at the Oregon Convention Center.
“Yay!” …also “Yikes!”
So much to figure out, so fast. Big questions like:
- What does the opportunity really look like?
- How much does it cost?
- Which PNWS members are willing to commit to taking part?
The PNWS core team, led by Martin, is working on these questions and will present a proposal to the Board of Directors in late July. The proposal will include details on how the event can support our core mission, options for providing sales opportunities for individual artists, how a member-only gallery could be managed, and of course costs.
PNWS Booth at the 2024 Home & Garden Show, for reference
A survey is now live to gather your feedback on this opportunity. Your input is valuable and will help shape future decisions. Please take a moment to share your thoughts!
This event cannot be successful without a high level of member participation – whether that’s helping out in the planning, staffing the booth, promoting the event online, or having individual display space at the event. There’s room for everyone to be involved. Now is the time to learn more, picture your ideal future as an artist and think about how this event can help you on your path. We welcome your comments below!
BACKGROUND
The Gathering of the Guilds has been happening in one form or another since 1989, when the Oregon Potters Association invited the Creative Metal Arts Guild to join them at Montgomery Park, alongside the Weaver’s Guild for a “co-show” of the three organizations.
In recent history, associations involved include:
- Creative Metal Arts Guild
- Guild of Oregon Woodworkers
- Pacific Northwest Glass Guild
- Portland Bead Society
- Oregon Potters Association
- Portland Handweavers Guild
The Oregon Potters Association’s Ceramics Showcase dominates the space, and could serve as a model for PNWS.
Adding PNWS to the show provides an avenue for 3D artists of all kinds to participate – especially those who work across media.
The event is well publicized by each of the participating associations, with an estimated 15,000 attendees over three days. 300+ Pacific Northwest artists were represented this year, most with personal profiles on the Gathering website. Demo schedules by the various Guilds are also publicized on the Gathering site.
Some of our members have participated with personal booths, due to membership in other organizations. Comments from them are particularly welcome as we consider how to make the most of this opportunity.
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