Portion of Stephen Slappe's Static Age BYOTV broadcast @ NAAU Saturday April 19th

Overall, a gloriously absurd exercise... especially the live interview between Mack McFarland and Kate Mondlach taking place within the studio less than 40 feet from the TV's. For more context here's Amy's review of the BYOTV show at NAAU.

Portland's art scene just keeps getting more (and better) alternative spaces, here were a few of the openings from 1st Thursday and First Friday. Needless to say The Everett Station Lofts have really become an interesting enclave once again after their previous heyday in 2003. It also reminds me why it's ridiculous to try to contain all of this activity under one roof (it can't be done)... Portland is better off with 30 interesting spaces rather than 1 large ponderous space that tries to be everything to everyone.

Igloo Gallery @ the Everett Station Lofts, First Thursday April 3rd:


Igloo, though tiny has turned into one one of the most energetic new spaces in Portland. In general the Everett Station lofts make the Pearl ditrict look tame... all you have to do is cross NW Broadway to catch these spaces which are open much later.

Worksound opening First Friday April 4th:

Worksound's Intensions show was a cool rambling affair combining fashion, installation, video, sound art and the awesome improv drumming of Tim DuRoche... (more)

Portland has a very active art scene that continues to expand... blah blah.. you know this already.

I also think last weekend was the first time in recent memory that First Friday/Saturday competed on all fronts with First Thursday. Here were some highlights.


The second iteration of FWD: Dudes Night Out at Gallery Homeland (here's a review of #1) was yet another sprawling group show... it's forgivable since it was a last minute addition when March's orginal show needed a bit more time. These shows are mixers for the artists more than anything else and allow them to debut new ideas and get critical feeback (from one another). They are generally good for taking the pulse of things but solo shows are where the big statements are made...(more)

Solid as ever and always changing, Tom Cramer is a bit of a Portland institution (with all the murals, cars, gallery shows and set designs) and after writing reviews and an essay 2 years ago I felt Tom himself might be the best one to introduce his latest show at his new gallery, Laura Russo.

At this point in Tom's career a museum survey is about all the more he needs, the work is still jaw dropping, still selling like hotcakes to collectors (for more than before) and still evolving. As an artist he's shown no signs of running out of steam and he's an important bridge between the old Portland art scene (Milton Wilson, Clifford Gleason, C.S. Price) and the newest version streaming in from all parts of the globe.

That said, just another review or yet another chat with Tom interview seemed less interesting than this little introduction to what is different and new in his latest work.

It was a nice opening, that was more sedate than last year but with more serious collectors...(more)