Visiting the Art Museum: A Journey Toward Participation: Experiential Journey of the Portland Art Museum
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Portland, OR: A Cultural District
Portland’s cultural district, situated in downtown, encompasses a collection of prominent cultural institutions like the Portland Art Museum, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and others. It also features the historic South Park Blocks, connecting PAM to public spaces adorned with public art. The surrounding blocks are home to a diverse population and unique retailers. Additionally, the district serves as a bustling hub for public transportation, aiding residents and visitors.
Main and Mark Building: A Hybrid Structure
The Portland Art Museum consists of two buildings. The main one, designed by Pietro Belluschi, opened in 1932. The adjacent Mark Building, originally a masonic temple, was acquired in 1994. After a 2005 renovation, it now hosts modern and contemporary galleries, along with the museum library and storage. The two buildings are linked by an underground tunnel, also used for exhibits.
Paradise: An Artistic Practice and Immersive Interface
The Paradise exhibition at the Portland Art Museum featured the artist collective Fallen Fruit, known for using fruit to explore concepts of place and history. Comprising David Allen Burns and Austin Young, Fallen Fruit created an immersive installation using selected pieces from the museum’s permanent collection to delve into Oregon’s paradisiacal landscapes. This installation explored themes of paradise, sublime landscapes, and the greater Northwest region.
The Clay Figure: A Deeper Engagement
The Clay Figure, part of Virgil Ortiz’s Tourniquet Series (2009), is a 15-inch tall statue made of white and red clay slip with black paint, displayed in PAM’s permanent collection. Located in a Native American gallery, the artwork offers visitors a chance to engage deeply, appreciating its details, history, and placement in the museum. Cochiti Pueblo, known for its clay art, influenced Ortiz’s creation of the statue, which he fondly refers to as the “Sassy lady,” inspired by nightclub fashion. This piece aligns with Cochiti artists’ tradition of using clay for social commentary.
Object Stories: A Socially Responsive Program
Object Stories at PAM involves community members in creating rotating exhibits centered around personal objects and storytelling. Participants engage in workshops to develop exhibits and programs based on meaningful items in their lives. This program empowers communities to directly address relevant issues, fostering open dialogue and idea exchange in a welcoming and responsive space at the Portland Art Museum.
Board of Trustees: Inclusive Governance
As of February 2022, PAM’s board of trustees comprises 55 volunteers, including representatives from Nike, local businesses, banks, and foundations. The board reflects a commitment to inclusive governance, with many members being community leaders from various groups in the city, showcasing the museum’s efforts to connect with residents. Additionally, the presence of artists on the board highlights the involvement of creative professionals in shaping the museum’s activities.