It was a nice opening, that was more sedate than last year but with more serious collectors than partiers. Also, there was better art (not so many silly drawings) and more galleries turning over entire spaces to one artist. Overall more serious this year, though the rain tent is more of a damper than any potential rain (which never materialized).



.
Quality-wise it's the best fair yet (but where are the LA galleries?) and what was with that 80's music? The 80's were definitely a step down from Malkmus and the Jicks live last year. Portland is full of great bands that could have made this much better.

Overall, the fair needs to up its ambitions to fully exploit Portland's West Coast connections, lack of sales tax and thriving local art scene that seems more varied, connected and international than this event. Still it is greatly improved over last year in the part that counts, art.

The Wall Steet Journal just covered some art collecting in Portland galleries too. What will those kids do to rebel later in their teens, collect legos? Maybe they will make a power play to have their parents ousted from the museum board?

Also, the Oregonian tries really really hard to make it seem like there is competition between TBA and the Affair here. Funny. Truth is the vis-art crowd and performance crowd are somewhat different with only some key crossover people (the Pearl District has had 3 times the # of Ferraris as usual this last week and a half, normally they stay up around NW 21st and 23rd streets + the west hills). Also, gotta love it when the O thinks White Columns are suitably labled in a list of "up-and-coming dealers." Note, they are a non-profit and an entrenched part of the New York art world.

How was the art? Did any gallery or artist stand out?

How was the art? Did any gallery or artist stand out?

A lot more standout work this year compared to last... less adolescent cute stuff, a more varied fair. Still too much of the old "awkward drawing" stuff,

My favorite was the Jane Marsching video at Allston Skirt Gallery. Jeffrey Thomas and I were both trying to out promote eachother in her service. It was pretty funny with us waving he cards in the air.

Also, that gallery was making a lot of sales too.

Joe Macca recorded a song or 2 about the portland art scene, it's pretty funny.... but if Brad Adkins, Harrell Fletcher and Kristan Kennedy all want to get toether I'll help them record a song called, "Joe Macca can dish it out but he cant take it."

I liked the Reed puppet show with Gregory Credson. Maybe it isn't great art but its fine art fair entertainment.

Hi Jeff,
Looking forward to coming down tomorrow. Sorry I missed the opening, glad the art report is positive.

-Carolyn