Local photographer Jonathan Marrs recently installed a series of photographs printed on aluminum at Fire Station 18, 8720 SW 30th Avenue in Portland. A celebration of the project’s completion, with the artist and station crew, will take place on Tuesday, May 21st, from 6:30-8:00pm. The celebration is open to the public.
Jonathan spent time with the FS 18 crew observing their day-to-day activities. His photographs describe the actions and textures that are part of those activities as well as the Station. Four diptychs and two single photographs grace the station’s entryway, the community room, the day room and hallway—all accessible to the public when visiting the station. The diptychs establish a relationship between the disparate events and the overlooked details that describe what Jonathan experienced and saw while spending time with the crews.
Jonathan Marrs is a visual artist based in Portland. He received his BA from Azusa Pacific University and his MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. His research has focused on documentary practices, identity, and subjectivity. His work has been displayed in the US from Portland to Los Angeles, Lancaster, and Montpelier. He is the lead photographer and cinematographer for Atelier Pictures in Portland.
Fire Station 18 serves Marshall Park, Markham, Far Southwest, West Portland Park, Multnomah, Ash Creek, Crestwood and Maplewood Neighborhood Associations. The original Fire Station 18 was built in 1961, and seismically upgraded/remodeled in 2011-2012. On-duty personnel include a company officer, one firefighter paramedic and two firefighters.
This is the final percent for art project funded by the bond measure passed by voters in 2000 that resulted in new and remodeled fire stations that improved services and safety to the community. The Regional Arts & Culture Council managed the project.