July 7: A Somewhat Secret Place: Disability and Art @ PRESENTspace | First Thursday, Accessible Art
From press release:
A Somewhat Secret Place: Disability and Art
Thursday, July 7
6 p.m. | FREE | All Ages
PRESENTspace
939 NW Glisan Street
www.presentspace.org
There are very few people who walk through life without some form of oppression. A Somewhat Secret Place: Disability and Art, an art project slated to show in July, illuminates this in a unique and vibrant way. Catherine J.H. Miller, artist and curator, has put together a show at PRESENTspace gallery that will provide a window to this broad terrain of human life.
Using Braille, ASL interpretors and descriptors, this will be the most accessible art show in Portland. The Oregon Women's Caucus of Art is a major supporter of this because it explores the intersection of contemporary art and disability, and proves the art world can be made inclusive. The centerpiece of this project is an art show featuring 28 works of art including paintings, sculpture, literature and performance art created by artists with and without disabilities.
A writer’s workshop, artist talks, literary readings, an ADA celebration event, and activities for young audiences will be included. There will be elements of hipness, humor and cutting edge art.
Ms. Miller, who is legally blind, speaks with a passion and enthusiasm that is infectious. Following the exhibit, she will create a book featuring the artists and works in the exhibition and offer her theories on contemporary arts and disability. Ms. Miller says, “The book and the exhibition are not the product, or art object, of my project. Art is something less tangible and more powerful. The ‘art’ is the conversation that the visitors and readers will have in the gallery space and beyond. It is the interaction between the arts communities, the disability communities, and the wider community around words like ‘disability art’, ‘disability pride art’, and un-named areas of artistic practice.”
Heather Zinger's photography project Endure will be shown, which was inspired by her sister's struggle with MS. The artist tied a a skeleton to herself for one week to make the burden of living with a chronic illness visible. Carmen Papalia will show many pieces, including a video where he navigated an urban space with a 14 foot mobility cane. Yulia Arakelyn will perform a wheelchair dance. Artists Emelia & Jody Ramey, authors of The Autistics' Guide to Dating, will present new essays. National and regional artists will show and read work that is imbued in some way with the the ¬Å“not so secret¬Â sense that we are all fragile and resilient at the same time.
Ms. Miller was born and raised here in Portland and is a 2008 graduate of the Pacific Northwest College of Art. Her work with this show will have lasting and national impact on how art can be presented.
A Somewhat Secret Place: Disability and Art exhibition will take place at PRESENTspace, 939 NW Glisan in the Portland Pearl district from July 7th through July 30th 2011.
The Somewhat Secret Place Calendar of Events:
July 6, 6 pm - A Somewhat Secret Place Post Hanging Party: A Preview for Donors: Invitations to this event will go to all those who have donated $50 or more to the show through Kickstarter or the OWCA. It's a chance to meet the artists and curator and purchase artwork in advance of the public. Tickets are still available if you want to donate - contact asomewhatsecretinfo@gmail.com
July 7, 6 pm – A Somewhat Secret Place First Thursday Public Pre-Opening
Artist Carmen Papalia will give a talk from 6 to 6:30 and then the show will be open for those on the First Thursday walk to have a peek. A free event!
July 9 - A Somewhat Secret Place Grand Opening
Noon - 2 pm - The Grand Opening starts off with a participatory workshop facilitated by Write Around Portland, where participants can find inspiration in the intersection of contemporary art and disability. A free event but limited to 80 people.
6 - 9 pm – Grand Opening Night Reception features one-time, original performing artists and author readings. American Sign Language Interpreters will be there as well as descriptors for the visually impaired. It promises to be the most accessible and hippest art opening in Portland history. A free event with refreshments!
July 14, 6 - 6:30 pm - Artist Talk with Andrea Rosselle, installation artist and sculptor, whose work explores the imposition of the medical object, and experience as a medical body, upon the act of every day living. A free event!
July 21, 5 - 6 pm - Artist Talk with Eric Ferguson: ¬Å“A Wobbly Line: from Improv to Ink and Back Again.¬Â A free event!
July 26, 7 - 9 pm - ADA 21ST BIRTHDAY PARTY! The Americans with Disabilities Act turns 21 and we are throwing a celebration to mark it. There will be a panel discussion on its impact, then the birthday bash with cake and drinks. This is a ticketed event. Invitations are sent to Kickstarter donors, and at the door tickets are $21 for 2. For discount tickets, check out A Somewhat Secret Place Facebook page.
July 30, 12 -2 pm - Artist Talk and storytelling with Joy Corcoran to engage children of all ages to explore the creative lives of people with disabilities. Children must be chaperoned. A free event!
July 30, 6-9 pm A Somewhat Secret Place Closing Party:
A performance by Ellie Charpentier and several author readings will celebrate the conclusion of the exhibition. The after-party will be a great opportunity to mingle with the artists, writers and organizers. A free event with free refreshments
