Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Rock Creek art students get their work shown at remodeler’s showroom

Photos and story by Meryl Lipman

Starting June 5, Artisan Renovations of Beaverton – a residential remodeling company – will turn its showroom into a gallery showcasing artwork by  Rock Creek students. Between 15 and 20 student paintings, drawings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces will be shown and sold for prices ranging from $50 to $3,500. The show will run until June 26.

Artisan Renovations founder Howard Radin says his inspiration for the show came from his daughter Jamie, an art student at PCC.

Additionally, he said, “I have always been intrigued by the gallery/workspace idea – art displayed in restaurants, offices – and I thought why not here?”

As a designer and contractor for high end kitchens, Radin serves on the Advisory Board for PCC’s Building Construction Technology program, and he also likes to facilitate “the road from creating a piece of art (or craftsmanship) to having it sold.”

Rock Creek Art Department Chair Mark Andres was also intrigued by the idea of the show. “A space like Artisan is unique in that it allows people to view art in the context of a home,” said Andres. As an example, he explained that the venue gives potential art buyers a realistic scale often absent in galleries. Andres also noted that many remodeling clients have plans to redecorate, “but they may be intimidated by (art) galleries.”

Radin said he hopes this inaugural art show will empower the students to examine the business end of their art by giving them a rare opportunity to show and sell their work. The show begins on Saturday, June 5 with a wine, cheese and artists’ reception from noon to 4 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. The showroom is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.