What happens when artists turn a social construct into an exhibition? It mostly depends on the caliber of the artists... In this case it's very high.

Curator Cris Moss took a series of "Dude's Night Out" emails and curated a show around it.
March 12-April 13th at Linfield College.
Opening March 16th: 6:00 PM

The artists: Bruce Conkle, Sean Healy, Jesse Durost, Todd Johnson, David Corbett, Jesse Hayward, Marne Lucas and Paul Middendorf. Conkle has a lot of buzz amongst the other artists for some kind of hypnotic coconut soundsystem, a direct result of his residency in Rio I suspect...and Paul Middendorf is bringing his recent PS1 "Emergency" project. The ever mysterious Todd Johnson, Portland's best/most intelligent deadpan conceptual photographer has reappeared as well. Lucas apparently got in by having, "the biggest pair of balls," no word on how that study was conducted. Yes, it's in McMinnville (a.k.a. wine country) but it sounds like this one is worth the trip.

The Linfield exhibit is free and open to the public. The Linfield Fine Art Gallery is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The gallery will be open during spring break, March 26-30.

To reach the gallery from 99W, turn east on Keck Drive at the McMinnville Market Center in south McMinnville. Turn right at the first street onto Library Court. The art gallery is located in the second building on the left, Building B. Parking is available on the street and in the lot west of Nicholson Library. For a campus map click here, go to Miller Fine Arts Center is number 56. For more information, call 503-883-2804.

Bruce Conkle mentioned to me that there may be a tanning bed involved with his piece. I'm not sure if it ended up in it, since I have yet to visit the exhibition, but I certianly will be making a visit this weekend.

here's a lil tip. The gallery normally isnt open on weekends but it will be open on Saturday the 17th at 1:00 for some special guests... that would be a good time to drop in.

It is probably the best group show Ive seen in years. A quantum leap better than the oregon biennial and other decent efforts. Most of the work is new and though there isnt a cohesive theme everything plays well together. Issues like collecting collections, tropical scenes are coupled with a sophisticated, non-cloying presentation in a nice space. Conkle and Johnson really shine but everything is pretty satisfying.

Drive out, do a wine tasting at Panther Creek. 99W is awful (avoid that route).

Wait! What did you say? A good group show in the Portland area? When does that ever happen? Sorry for the cynicism, but I have grown very tired of group shows lately, for some odd reason. So it is refreshing to here this is such a good one. I was unable to make it there this weekend, but I will certainly be there soon.

And who doesn't love Panther Creek. Consistently good. And I am a wine-o.

We all just assumed the wine-o status.

This group show is actually fresh, everyone shines in their own way and it shows Cris Moss' curatorial chops. Many of the recent Donut Shops seemed forced but since he didn't so much shape the show as give it clarity of presentation it is a worthy showcase.

The other part is there are no clues or obligatory hints that the artists live in the Northwest... it's just really good and presented in an intelligent way.

For example, Johnson does what Adkins often tries to do (wry conceptually based aesthetic brinksmanship with a big dose of process driven presentation art)... except Johnson doesnt seek approval from his audience. No crutches, he just does it... in a very naked way . Conkle's installation is his best thing since Haze gallery's outstanding "The La La Zone expedition" of 2004... it's impossible to photograph in its entirety except maybe with a fisheye lens.