A Sculptors Peer group

  Pacific Northwest Sculptors started informally, when several Portland area artists saw the inherent value of sharing resources. People got together and talked, visited each other’s studios, started a mailing list, formed a 501 C3, with an educational Mission. There have been countless ups and downs for our group since that time, over twenty years ago. One of the stories I’ve heard from previous Board President, George Heath is about a PNWS Board retreat, where the participants talked and talked, trying to decide, What is PNWS? After what seemed like hours of expansive and reductive thinking, back and forth between impassioned artists, the one thing everyone could agree on is “Pacific Northwest Sculptors was a Peer group”. This statement seems almost too obvious, but there’s something powerful in it, which can guide how we create and recreate PNWS. As Peers we see each other, we understand the transformation of crafting and discovering meaning in process. As a group of peers, PNWS Members will inevitably run into another peer that sees them, sees their process, it’s challenges and wonders, like the mind-blowing expansion of thought, when we glimpse the potential for odd materials.
There’s an ethos of mutual respect to Pacific Northwest Sculptors, which makes leadership non-hierarchical. Speak up and the PNWS Board of Directors will hear you. We’re a volunteer operated, non-profit Membership organization of diverse individuals, striving to value cooperation over competition. Within a group like ours, peers can tell you a truth about you or your process, a kind of truth no one else could say. You are encouraged to build a relationships with anyone you’ll meet, especially a PNWS Board Member. Ask us about joining a Board meeting; they’re typically online, fourth Friday at 10 am. Share in structuring relationships, outreach and our educational Mission.

I’m grateful for the lack of personal agenda within the current Broad of Directors. We are face challenges honestly and capably, clarifying and expanding pathways of communication. Some current topics of interest: website editing, social media posts, meeting new PNWS Members and helping them connect with other folks. This is a short list of PNWS goals where volunteer help is needed. Pacific Northwest Sculptors is what we make of it. You, the Membership will provide the content and meaning for your experience with PNWS. The Board of directors facilitates the delivery of that content. Enjoy!

We will soon have a studio tour/potluck hosted by PNWS Member, Masha Zargaran: 1847 East Burnside Portland, OR 97214 August 23rd at 7pm (bring food for the grill). This is the fundamental setting for PNWS, a studio tour evolving into a party, made possible by the generosity and open willingness of participants. https://pnwsculptors.org/august-meetup-23rd-at-7pm/ Thanks in advance Masha Z!

Soon after The potluck/BBQ at Masha’s studio, Russ Ford will be hosting a mask making jam at his house on August 26th. These clay pieces will be fired at Art in the Pearl on the following weekend September 2nd and 3rd. check in with Russ for more details. https://pnwsculptors.org/maskmaking-and-raku-firing/