SUMMER TIME OPEN GALLERY DAY
AUGUST 2012
We held an open gallery day in mid August. Taking the curatorial theme of “summer”, the colorful, lively show was engaging for kids, as well as ‘serious’ collectors, friends, artists and lots of other folks who simply love to explore new art.
Ice cream, island berries and Sauvie Island iced coffee kept visitors nourished while checking out the grounds and all of the artwork.
HALLIE FORD FELLOWS 2012
JUNE 2012
Attending the 2012 Ford Family Foundation’s Hallie Ford Awards on Thursday evening was a totally enlivening experience. Held at Weiden+Kennedy Headquarters, this is the third year $25,000 unrestricted awards were given to three jury-selected “Oregon visual artists and their exploration, conceptualization, production, exhibition and documentation of new work”.
As an attendee, I experienced an electricity in the air that is hard to describe. The folks that came out to honor the recipients were the leaders and advocates in the arts from Portland and around the state. The attendees and their enthusiasm is indicative of the importance of this award to the state, the artists and to everyone their art touches.
I personally, deeply appreciate that by giving the gift of unrestricted funds, the Foundation also gives the opportunity to these artists to practice full self expression to create the most authentic work possible… How rare it is that an artist can truly set aside objectives, fiscal or otherwise, to focus purely on the act of art-making.
My own curating, art match-making and art/design integration work is rooted in my belief in the value of authentically created work. I search for artists who are working from their spirit, rather than with a commercial intention or more production-oriented approach.
On Thursday, the attention was on three remarkable artists with the intention of honoring and supporting that sense of self and a unique perspective.
Presenter Norman J. Smith, President of the Family Ford Foundation, recognized Michelle Ross, Ellen Lesperance and Akihiko Miyoshi with honors. All three artists are in education, serving on the faculties of the Pacific Northwest College of Art, Reed College and the Oregon College of Art & Craft, respectively. They were selected out of a field of 182 applicants from across Oregon.
More Nature in the Gallery
JUNE 2012
More nature came calling inside the gallery today. Actually, a lot of dragonflies seem to be finding their way to my desk.
This one accepted a ride to the door on my finger.
SAUVIE ISLAND OPENING GALLERY DAY
JUNE 2012
What a beautiful day for a flow of people though the new gallery space.
The sun came out, birds were chirping away and even a lamb escaped the fence for added entertainment.
Thank you for all who came out and shared your interest and appreciation for original art. We appreciate the commpliments and admiration in the for breadth and depth of the collection of works and the new space.
William Park, 25 years of Painting
MAY 2012
Heidi McBride Gallery & Art Consultancy presents
William Park
Celebrating 25 years of painting
A celebration of new and retrospective paintings by William Park opened Friday, the 4th of May. The event was co-hosted by Sitka, who benefited from purchases made that night. The Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, located on the Oregon Coast, fosters creativity, intellectual inquiry, and education and helps others discover more about their core creative selves and their connections to nature.
William Park’s show is open to the public
May 2 — 20th, 2012
12 — 5 PM Wednesday—Sunday
The closing event is from 5 – 9 PM
on Friday, May 20th
2637 NE MLK, Portland
William Park is an inspiration not only because of his undeniable talent as a painter, but because he has the courage to follow his dreams.
“In May 1987, at age 41, I saw myself in a vision at age 70 having never become an artist. I felt the complete despair of having wasted my life, not doing the thing I knew I was meant to do.
I began painting that day.
Twenty-five years later, I feel huge gratitude for receiving and listening to my vision. Something shifted in me that day that made me an active participant in my life.”
– Bill
Wildlife in the Gallery
MAY 2012
Today a humming bird flew in the gallery. He hummed against the window in confusion. So graceful, yet clearly in distress.
The beautiful creature allowed me to gently capture and escort him to the outside, but not before curious Foster took a peak.
I did some research and found that Hummingbirds are among the smallest of birds, most measuring in the 7.5–13 cm (3–5 in) range. They can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 12–80 times per second.
This experience was not the first of its kind. Last month we had a frog sneak in!
I guess even the native animals want to check out the artwork.
CASCADE AIDS PROJECT (CAP) ART AUCTION
APRIL 2012
We participated as both a juror and contributor in the Cascade AIDS Project Annual Art Action. This was our fourth year donating art and CAP’s 24th auction in support of their work fighting HIV/AIDS.
The Featured curator in 2012 was Bonnie Laing-Malcomson, Curator of Northwest Art at the Portland Art Museum. Bonnie exclusively selected the live auction works, while invited jurist Heidi McBride and three other dealers / curators from the Portland area participated as the support selection committee. All together 19 Live Auction pieces, 21 Honorable Mentions, and approximately 215 Silent Auction artworks were chosen.
Heidi McBride Gallery & Art Consultancy and our artists partners donated a total of 9 works to CAP for the event, including “Foolin” by Michael Hensley. His engaging and dynamic mixed media painting was chosen by Ms Laing-Macomson for the live auction and fetched $3,200. The bidding was very exciting!!
I Heart Art Mixer
APRIL 2012
Heidi McBride participated as a curator in the 2012 I Heart Art Mixer Match on Wednesday, April 18th at Design Within Reach in the Pearl.
During the “speed networking” portfolio reviews, we met & gave feedback to a different visual artist every two minutes for two full 45 minute sessions. What a whirlwind!
Day Retreat For Your Mind & Body
APRIL 2012
We had an amazing experience at the Mind & Body Day Retreat.
A little unconventional for an art gallery, nonetheless we were inspired to invite people for a relaxing & enriching day of meditation set in art and nature.
Heather Rocklin, the Resident Teacher at Mahaisiddah Kadampa Buddhist Center who lead the day, was a joy. She shared teachings on working towards peace and mindfulness through clearing and managing our (very) active minds and also led the group in guided meditation.
Lunch in the sun was superb. Thank you to Tina of Tina’s Restaurant, Dundee, OR.
During the last part of the day Jennifer Siegel lead us in the practice of restoring our bodies and opening our hearts through a yin yoga session. Even Foster joined in the practice.
Based on the feedback, it would seem all 20 participants would like to come back every weekend!
Thank you Sauvie Island, for the peaceful setting.
Spring Break Field Trip
MARCH 2012
There is nothing more enriching that exposing kids to original artwork. They are so beautifully in tune with the pieces that inspire them, which intrigue them or peak their curiosity, and even which works turn them off. Still uninhibited by societal expectations and openly self-expressed, we can learn a lot from their honest and thoughtful reactions.
My hope is to create conditions that encourage us adults to have equally unencumbered relations with original art so that we can all discover and surround ourselves with art that enriches our lives. Its such a simple and rewarding thing.
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Following the cultural experience in the gallery, the spring break crew of kids, parents and I traveled across the pasture to meet the baby lambs. I have to say that it was equally exciting to watch the kids engage with nature (ie throw sticks and pet frogs)… Even if it was pouring rain!