This content was published: May 8, 2006. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
The Art Beat goes on at PCC
Photos and story by James Hill
There is something for everyone at Portland Community College’s 19th annual Art Beat festival.
Art Beat 2006 will spread across all three PCC campuses and the Southeast Center from May 8-12, offering students and the community access to local, regional and national artists, as well as an extensive collection of visual art, dance, music, theater and literary events.
“Each campus will feature a variety of performances, artists’ slide presentations, interactive demonstrations and workshops,” said Charles Washburn, ceramics instructor and PCC Art Beat committee chair. “I hope that Art Beat exposes our students and community members to different ways of seeing, hearing, speaking and moving. It is always entertaining and fun.”
On Monday, May 8, Art Beat will kick off with a reception featuring music and a buffet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center foyer at the Sylvania Campus. Hosted by the Sylvania Traditions, Ritual, and Fun Committee, the Art Beat reception includes music, welcoming remarks from District President Preston Pulliams and student art and music awards.
The featured Art Beat 2006 artist is local painter George Johanson. He will host several presentations of his work around the PCC district to discuss his art in relation to Renaissance and modern art, diptychs, murals, home movies and magic. An internationally recognized painter and printmaker, Johanson has exhibited his work extensively and is represented in many public collections including the Art Institute of Chicago, The National Collection of Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England, and the Portland Art Museum.
“My paintings are about night, light, amusement parks, cats, music, time, people, and cityscapes,” Johanson said. “What keeps me interested is that there is constantly something new to dig up out of myself.”
Also new this year is that Art Beat has extended its reach to include the Southeast Center.
“Everyone at the Southeast Center is excited to be included on the Art Beat calendar of events for the region,” said Sue Riches, Southeast Center chair and administrative assistant for Community Education. “It will be wonderful to have students, staff, and the surrounding community share in meeting the artists that are scheduled to lecture, perform, and demonstrate their talents at the Southeast Center. We like to think of ourselves as life-long learners and this type of event certainly helps each of us learn to appreciate new ideas and expand our experiences without having to travel afar.”
From glass casting to Zimbabwe dance troupes to literary readings from a columnist at The Oregonian, Art Beat 2006 will have something for everybody.
“We’re thrilled by the variety of artists presenting and work-shopping at this year’s Art Beat,” said Kristin Bryant, Sylvania chair and composition and literature instructor. “From glass and metal sculpture to paintings and ceramics, literature and music to film and theater, there are more than 25 great events to choose from. At Sylvania, Monday through Thursday there will be live music at noon, including Reggie Houston on Tuesday. Student creations also will be highlighted throughout the week.”
For a complete schedule, please visit the Art Beat website.
Related Programs:
Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Dance, Literature, Music, Theater, Multimedia
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »