This summer I co-curated a show with my friend Keaney Rathbun titled “If I Had Wings: bird as metaphor” at Northwind Gallery in Port Townsend, Washington, my home town. It is a theme we re-visited, having curated a show with the same title some years ago in Portland, Oregon. This time the exhibition space was larger so we invited seven artists to join us in this themed show. Some of them were in our last show but most were new.
I don’t know why but the process of curation is something I really enjoy. I like the design of the exhibition, giving it variety and interest while insuring that the art is all high quality and compelling. I enjoy connecting with the artists, doing studio visits and picking out the work. And the final pleasure is seeing it installed and lit and hearing the comments by the viewing public.
Yes, sometimes it can be exasperating when artists don’t answer their emails, or supply me with requested materials (resume, contracts, etc.). But we make it a policy to only invite artists who are professional and understand the need for follow through. So far it has mostly been a positive experience, which is why I am doing it again.
Next winter I am doing a solo curation of a ceramics show that will be at Waterstone Gallery in Portland, Oregon. I have invited 5 artists who all work with clay but again in a varied and interesting way. Northwind Gallery has asked me if we can move the show to one of their galleries after it finishes in Portland. I guess I am becoming known as a curator, maybe more so than as an artist!
Below is a sampling of some of the artwork that is currently showing at Northwind Gallery in Port Townsend, Washington. Enjoy!
“Star Flickers”, Chris Maynard
“Ways of Belonging” Bethany Rowland
“Remembrance” Marie Hasset
“In This Moment: Beauty” Keaney Rathbun
“Brave Little Soul”, Martha Pfanschmidt