The Portland area wants to be known for its dynamic and creative artist communities, but opportunities for people of color in arts, crafts and other creative pursuits are always lacking in many circles. Despite Portland's progressive vibe, I've heard from many people of color artists the chilling vibe they get when they try to enter mainstream spaces to showcase and sell their art.
I share news about Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts’ upcoming exhibits in the hopes of getting the word out about an opportunity to join a mainstream art show. I support creating our own lanes as creatives of color, but if mainstream institutions want to diversify their offerings, why not take up space? However, I'd caution that there's always a fine balance between commodifying culture and staying true to one's art. At the end of the day, dignity is all we have as people of color trying to survive with the gifts of our heritage.
On that note, it's quite encouraging to see that Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts is spotlighting the work of Francisco Bautista, whose handwoven works have been featured in previous exhibitions. Bautista is a fourth-generation Master Weaver in his family and community. Both he and his wife, Laura were born in Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec village in Oaxaca, Mexico. Bautista uses only hand-spun, hand dyed wool, and weave each of his works on a foot pedal loom. The vibrant colors from Bautista weavings come from their own natural and aniline dyes. Below is a short statement from the artist:
Diverse artists in Portland, take heed of the opportunity to showcase your works at the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts. Each of the upcoming exhibits are unique in their theme and curation style, and together provide a rare opportunity to see these diverse subjects within the same event. Open calls include the following, descriptions by Selena Jones, Artistic Development and Festival Coordinator
The Special Exhibit: Brilliant! Jewelers Making Statements
We’re so looking forward to displaying the art of professional jewelers creating narratives and/or larger statements within their work. We feel there are too few fine art opportunities like this for jewelers, and that our community would greatly benefit from seeing larger conversations within this medium. Apply by February 2, 2020.
Artist’s Vision: Small Worlds
Inspired by the beauty of intimate and often overlooked life moments, our Artist’s Vision Curator is bringing together artists who work with miniatures, depict the microscopic, and/or are interested in exploring ideas of microcosms. Apply by February 16, 2020.
Art in the Park
Located in beautiful George Rogers Park, Art in the Park is a juried, outdoor booth show open to artists who produce original, hand-made fine art and crafts. We welcome makers working in long standing traditions, artists on the cutting edge, and newly emerging artists. Apply by February 23, 2020.
I share news about Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts’ upcoming exhibits in the hopes of getting the word out about an opportunity to join a mainstream art show. I support creating our own lanes as creatives of color, but if mainstream institutions want to diversify their offerings, why not take up space? However, I'd caution that there's always a fine balance between commodifying culture and staying true to one's art. At the end of the day, dignity is all we have as people of color trying to survive with the gifts of our heritage.
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| Master Weaver Francisco Bautista and his family |
On that note, it's quite encouraging to see that Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts is spotlighting the work of Francisco Bautista, whose handwoven works have been featured in previous exhibitions. Bautista is a fourth-generation Master Weaver in his family and community. Both he and his wife, Laura were born in Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec village in Oaxaca, Mexico. Bautista uses only hand-spun, hand dyed wool, and weave each of his works on a foot pedal loom. The vibrant colors from Bautista weavings come from their own natural and aniline dyes. Below is a short statement from the artist:
"Our greatest inspiration comes from the exquisite beauty of Zapotec and Navajo art.
"The intricate geometric patterns of the traditional weaves, rich with symbolism, illustrate our relationship between the natural world, and that which exists beyond ourselves. You will see many of these traditional designs among our works, which we proudly produce with the same time-honored techniques that Master Weavers have used for centuries.
"Yet even when honoring the ancient ways, we must never forget that weaving is more than a museum piece ― it continues to grow with each generation as a living art, combining tradition with new expressions of color, imagery, and symbolism. Among our collection, you will find designs both old and new, all handmade with the same time-honored techniques that have been passed down through my family for generations."
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| Selections from Bautista Fine Hand Wovens |
Diverse artists in Portland, take heed of the opportunity to showcase your works at the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts. Each of the upcoming exhibits are unique in their theme and curation style, and together provide a rare opportunity to see these diverse subjects within the same event. Open calls include the following, descriptions by Selena Jones, Artistic Development and Festival Coordinator
The Special Exhibit: Brilliant! Jewelers Making Statements
We’re so looking forward to displaying the art of professional jewelers creating narratives and/or larger statements within their work. We feel there are too few fine art opportunities like this for jewelers, and that our community would greatly benefit from seeing larger conversations within this medium. Apply by February 2, 2020.
Artist’s Vision: Small Worlds
Inspired by the beauty of intimate and often overlooked life moments, our Artist’s Vision Curator is bringing together artists who work with miniatures, depict the microscopic, and/or are interested in exploring ideas of microcosms. Apply by February 16, 2020.
Art in the Park
Located in beautiful George Rogers Park, Art in the Park is a juried, outdoor booth show open to artists who produce original, hand-made fine art and crafts. We welcome makers working in long standing traditions, artists on the cutting edge, and newly emerging artists. Apply by February 23, 2020.