RACC Blog

Regional Arts & Culture Council elects new board members

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PORTLAND, ORE – The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) board of directors has elected four new members. They include:

  • Eve Connell is a writer, editor and trainer of professionals in communications. She is the managing editor of University of Hell Press and visiting professor for various MA/MFA/MBA programs in California and Oregon, including OCAC and PNCA.

         

  • Katherine Durham is vice president, Individual Disability Insurance and Corporate Marketing & Communications, for Standard Insurance Company. Durham’s experience includes 20 years as a leader in a variety of positions in both start-up and Fortune 500 companies.

         

  • Frances Portillo of Portillo Consulting, International is an international independent consultant specializing in Cross-Cultural Communication, Social and Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Resolution. She has worked in over 33 countries as a presenter, trainer, facilitator and coach.

         

  • James Smith is a member of the Fort Peck Sioux Tribe of Montana and a descendant of the Warm Springs Tribe of Oregon. He is currently a Financial Analyst for Morrison Child & Family Services, and volunteers as Treasurer for the Concerned Indian Community.

RACC board officers include Mike Golub, board chair; Phillip T. Hillaire, vice chair; Eileen L. Day, treasurer; Steve Rosenbaum, secretary and Jan Robertson, chair emeritus.

Other continuing RACC Board members include Nik Blosser, Verlea G. Briggs, Raymond C. Cheung, CPA, Representative Lew Frederick, Debbie Glaze, Osvaldo ‘Ozzie’ Gonzalez, Angela Hult, Dana Ingram, Susheela Jayapal, Parker Lee, Linda McGeady, Brenda L. Meltebeke, Anita Menon, Mitchell Nieman, Joanna Priestley, Shyla M. Spicer and Anita Yap.

Board and staff profiles are available online at racc.org/about/staff-board.

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The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) provides grants for artists, nonprofit organizations and schools in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties; manages an internationally acclaimed public art program; raises money and awareness for the arts through Work for Art; convenes forums, networking events and other community gatherings; provides workshops and other forms of technical assistance for artists; and oversees a program to integrate arts and culture into the standard curriculum in public schools through The Right Brain Initiative. RACC values a diversity of artistic and cultural experiences and is working to build a community in which everyone can participate in culture, creativity and the arts. For more information visit racc.org.

Aaron Whelton’s “Stacked Toroid” in the Portland Building lobby January 17 – February 10

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PORTLAND, ORE – Architect Aaron Whelton will present his Stacked Toroid project at the Portland Building beginning January 17th. This room-sized installation is part of Whelton’s design research at Portland State University’s School of Architecture and his ongoing investigation of the physical manifestations of digitally designed architecture.

The installation, titled Stacked Toroid, is site-specific and is designed to fill the lobby gallery space from floor to ceiling. This sculptural figure, the toroid, is a shape resembling a torus (like a doughnut) that is formed from lofted elliptical profiles. Visitors to the Portland Building will immediately notice that the shape of the installation seems to shift significantly as they move past it. Walking a closer elliptical orbit around the object reveals a variety of effects generated from a single detail—stacking—as the structural wood lattice intersects the boundary of the toroid’s surface.

Stacked Toroid combines sophisticated digital design technologies with simple methods of construction and assembly to explore the relevance of manual labor in the age of computation. The simple, primitive act of stacking wood, a utilitarian, space-making impulse, is given new expressive potential by forming a complex, computationally generated figure.

A number of logistical challenges had to be worked out to create Stacked Toroid, the primary one being that it is composed of over 650 individual wood members stacked in precise arrangements, but Whelton’s architectural and public art experience have prepared him well. The entire process of installing the work at the Portland Building has been carefully orchestrated to belie the intense, repetitive physical effort required for its making, and the final result presents the polished “easiness” we expect from digital objects.

Meet the Artist Event: Join us for a chance to meet the artist and discuss the installation in person on Wednesday, January 18th from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.  

About the Artist: Aaron Whelton studied architecture at the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Kentucky and is currently Assistant Professor at Portland State University’s School of Architecture. His practice includes work on public art commissions where digital design informs new ways of making place. These include the David Campbell Memorial in Portland and several collaborations with the artist David Franklin including the public art project Drift Inversion opening in Denver later this year.

Viewing Hours & Location: The Portland Building is located at 1120 SW 5th Avenue in downtown Portland and is open 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Stacked Toroid opens Tuesday, January 17, and runs through Friday, February 10.

The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) manages the 13’ x 8’ installation space in the lobby of the Portland Building and presents installation-based art there year round. For more information, including images, proposals, and statements for projects dating back to 1994, go to www.racc.org/installationspace.

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The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) provides grants for artists, nonprofit organizations and schools in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties; manages an internationally acclaimed public art program; raises money and awareness for the arts through Work for Art; convenes forums, networking events and other community gatherings; provides workshops and other forms of technical assistance for artists; and oversees a program to integrate arts and culture into the standard curriculum in public schools through The Right Brain Initiative. RACC values a diversity of artistic and cultural experiences and is working to build a community in which everyone can participate in culture, creativity and the arts. For more information visit racc.org.

Salvador Mayoral IV elected to Emerging Leaders Council

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PORTLAND, ORE – Members of Americans for the Arts, the leading organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America, have elected Salvador Mayoral IV as a member of their advisory council for the Emerging Leaders Council. Mayoral will advise Americans for the Arts’ staff on developing programs and services that will build a deeper connection to the field and the network membership.

In the Emerging Leaders Council, Mayoral will work with fellow arts leaders to assist in developing programs and resources to promote professional development and networking opportunities for emerging arts professionals nationwide.

With over a decade working in the arts and culture sector, Mayoral is committed to championing both the arts and the culturally diverse communities that create them. He currently serves the Portland metropolitan area in his role as the Public Art Program Assistant at the Regional Arts & Culture Council.

“Americans for the Arts strives to cultivate the next generation of arts leaders in America, and I am pleased to welcome Salvador Mayoral IV to our advisory council,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “These leaders are willing to dedicate their time and expertise to work with peers across the country to shape national programs and messages and help craft services for states, communities, and local organizations. I applaud Mr. Mayoral for his valued contribution and commitment that will undoubtedly improve the state of arts in America.”

Potential council members were nominated in mid-September and were voted on by members of Americans for the Arts through November 14, 2016. Mayoral will serve a three-year term, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019.

“I look forward to joining this group of dedicated and passionate arts administrators and continuing the impactful work the council is achieving,” Mayoral commented.

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Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 50 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at AmericansForTheArts.org.

The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) provides grants for artists, nonprofit organizations and schools in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties; manages an internationally acclaimed public art program; raises money and awareness for the arts through Work for Art; convenes forums, networking events and other community gatherings; provides workshops and other forms of technical assistance for artists; and oversees a program to integrate arts and culture into the standard curriculum in public schools through The Right Brain Initiative. RACC values a diversity of artistic and cultural experiences and is working to build a community in which everyone can participate in culture, creativity and the arts. For more information visit racc.org.

Dedication of “River Guardian” by Lillian Pitt

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The new sculpture River Guardian by Lillian Pitt with Mikkel & Saralyn Hilde will be dedicated on Friday, January 27 at 2:00 p.m.

The sculpture is located on the South Waterfront Greenway adjacent to where SW Penoyer Street meets the Greenway. Additional information will be posted on the RACC Facebook page or call Kristin Calhoun at 503.823.5401.

The next Art Spark is Friday, January 27 at Holocene

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RACC’s networking series for artists and arts leaders has been happening and evolving since the spring of 2008. This year, Art Spark will evolve even further as we develop new and interesting events for the arts community to convene and connect beyond the Third Thursday format we have used in the past.

Throughout 2017 we will continue gathering in fun spots throughout Portland, bringing together community partners and holding space for group conversations and other forms of learning. An Art Spark event could be a forum, an open house, a happy hour gathering or a field trip, but whether the form, Art Spark will always endeavor to provide a rich blend of information and inspiration in a social setting.

We also invite community wisdom, so please feel free to tell us how we can help you connect with local artists and arts leaders – and what you would like to see, hear, and learn about in the year ahead. We look forward to seeing you at an Art Spark soon!

Our next Art Spark gathering is January 27th. We hope you will join us!

Art Spark
Friday, January 27, 5:30pm – 8:00pm at Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison.

Happy New Year!

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ELOISE’S BLOG:

Saturday night I think many of us will be cheering the passing of this complex and challenging year. What lies ahead for our country is still a murky mystery, but hopefully there will be meaningful ways for creativity, intelligence, respect for all people, and collaboration to help guide us all.

Last week we shared widely our Annual Report for 2016. If you have not seen it and would like to you can find it here.

Looking into our 2017 crystal ball we see some exciting new activities on top of the ever evolving and growing RACC programs. New elected officials in several jurisdictions promise to influence our direction as well. Our public art staff and volunteers will be commissioning art for the new Multnomah County Courthouse downtown and resiting the considerable collection from the old building into county facilities. Work will progress in earnest on the Portland Building overhaul including new public art, and we will welcome many more murals and new pieces for neighborhood parks.

Grants will continue to fine tune all of its programs focusing on efficiencies, accessibility, technical assistance and the sometimes elusive funding increases. Much of RACC’s advocacy will focus on convincing all newly and returning elected leaders to invest robustly in arts and culture, which we know are part of what makes Portland so desirable to live in, do business in and visit. We need to support our artists and arts organizations to stay true to the Portland vibe – now internationally recognized.

Our connections with the business world are expanding in new and productive ways. Watch for information about “Juice” (formerly known as the Arts Breakfast of Champions) on February 8th at 7:30 am, when business and arts leaders will celebrate creative connections, and artists and organizations will be showcased. Work for Art will continue to build on its highly successful 10 year celebratory increase in workplace contributions and host the 2nd annual Battle of the Bands on May 17th. Start practicing!

The Right Brain Initiative continues to grow throughout the tri-county region. Now serving 68 schools – including 27,500 students and their 1,900 teachers – we look forward to expanding our arts integration work even further when another school year begins next September.

Our Board recently held a retreat and committed to focusing time, resources and expertise in our equity work, helping the region with serious affordability issues for artists, arts organizations and all residents, and advocacy for increased funding from the Arts Tax and other sources.

On behalf of the amazing RACC staff and Board thank you for all you contribute to the rich culture of this place and together let’s design a promising and creative New Year!

“Night Lights” presents 2nd Annual Bring Your Own Beamer event

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Portland Community Media and The Regional Arts and Culture Council invite artists to participate in a one night projection event.

We provide: power source, walls for projection and limited rain coverage.
You provide : A Beamer and content to project through your beamer. A beamer can be any type of projector or light source.

All content must be original and suitable for a public space.

Several shared digital projectors will be available to artists who have content on a USB drive.

Length of airtime will be determined by number of participants and availability of wall space.

BYOBeamer is a community event aimed at bringing together artists of all levels who have interest in using projection as part of their art making process.

If you plan to bring your own equipment, please be prepared for January temperatures and precipitation.
Night Lights 2nd Annual Bring Your Own Beamer event
Thursday, January 5th 2017, 5-8pm
North wall of RACC’s offices at 411 NW Park Ave, Portland, OR

Direct any questions to William Rihel wrihel@racc.org or Sarah Turner sarah@pcmtv.org.

RACC announces 2017 Professional Development Grants

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The RACC Professional Development Grant Program individual artists and arts organizations in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties with activities that improve their business management development skills and/or brings to them to another level artistically. A total of $39,871 was awarded to 29 individuals and 4 organizations. These grants were approved by the RACC Board on December 14, 2016.

* First Time Professional Development Grant Recipient

Except where noted, recipients are from Multnomah County

 

Individuals

*Alvarado, Amaya – Acrobatic training in Beijing – $1,000

*Bay, Amy – Online mentorship/feedback program – $750

Brock, Charissa – Update artist website – $1,500 (Washington)

*Brown, Ezekiel – Work with fundraising consultant – $1,200

*Bundy, Elizabeth – Update artist website – $1,500

*Burns, Hannah – Present work in Minneapolis – $520

*Cook, Jan – Photo Lucida portfolio review – $750

*Corris, Amy – Tradeshow in Utah – $1,200 (Washington)

*Curington, Susan – Study with master teacher in California – $984 (Washington)

*Fuchs, Jodi – Create marketing plan with consultant – $810

*Green, Cheryl – Audio description training in North Carolina – $1,070

*Gregor, Amarette – Craft jewelry tradeshow in Baltimore – $2,000

*Hanson, Erica – Work with artist coach – $600 (Clackamas)

*Horan, Elisabeth – Residency and exhibition in Maine – $912

*Kemp, Courtney – Residency and exhibition in Denver – $780

*Kilbourne, Kate – Internship in Washington DC – $800

*Lux, Ali – Dance workshops in Jamaica – $1,360

*Mefford, Benjamin – Sculpture exchange program in Japan – $1,500 (Clackamas)

*Pagliarulo, Jane – Etching workshop in San Francisco – $1,800

*Prado, Emilly – Residency in Mexico – $1,430

*Roessler, Sophie – Conference and residency in Toronto – $1,165

*Stewart, Aremy – Residency in Italy – $1,605

*Stull Meyers, Ashley – Residency in Canada – $750

*Tolosa, Consuelo – Work with business consultant – $1,000

*Trail, Jennifer – Photo Lucida portfolio review – $750

*Turley, Austin – Residency in Mexico – $1,595

Walker, Curtis – Study with master artist in London – $2,000

*Wrenn, Rio – Residency in France – $1,000

*Yes, Larry – Create artist website – $1,500

 

Organizations

*Oregon Society of Artists – Continue updates to website – $1,540

*Oregon Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts – Create new website – $2,000

*The Obo Addy Legacy Project – Study dance & music in Ghana – $1,500

*Westside Cultural Alliance – Attend AFTA Conference – $1,000 (Washington)