Last summer a certain local art journalist and I discussed how being at smaller Miami art fairs (like Aqua) would be important for Portland and Seattle galleries. Being the snarky and cynical sort he is (almost a requisite for being any kind of writer) he snorted, "but art fairs are a dime a dozen." But being in Miami last year I countered that Aqua was a hit last year and this year would cash in. Fairs broaden collector bases and short circuit regional collecting ruts and Jen Graves piece in the Stranger explains why.

Artnet has also chimed in with an art fair cattle call.

Hell, PORT cofounder Jenn Armbrust's gallery, Motel, managed to sell a Jesse Rose Vala installation to a European collector (how many local collectors dare buy installation art despite the fact that it is the most dominant and interesting part of the scene?.. I know of only 5). Other Portland artists were picked up by galleries in larger cities etc. If you aren't familiar with big international art fairs it is impossible to write informed articles about what is happening to the Portland art scene. The good news is your editors need to put Miami, London or New York in the budget.

The Graves article is required reading for all Portland art press, yes there will be a quiz.

Hi Jeff,

Always fun to read your page, its a great way for me to keep up with the Portland art scene.

I have one question...

I am curious to know which artists from Portland were picked up by which galleries in larger cities etc. in MIAMI.

hildur.

Not to be overly mysterious but sometimes that is what is best. Some of the artists are still in negotiations so it is best not to say anything specific publicly, yet.