This content was published: October 29, 2012. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC art instructor to debut new exhibit at Elizabeth Leach Gallery
Photos and story by James Hill
Mark R. Smith, ‘Emphatic Distance,’ 2012, fabric, paint and digital printing on wood panel, 59 x 70.”
Art instructor and Northview Gallery curator Mark Smith, based at the Sylvania Campus, is opening a new show at the Elizabeth Leach Gallery (417 NW 9th). His exhibit, “Vestibules and Portals, Laminates and Veneers, Objects and Constructed Paintings,” opens Nov. 1 and ends Dec. 29 at the gallery. For people wanting a taste of Smith’s new work, he will be hosting a preview reception from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 31 and a First Thursday reception 6-8 p.m., Nov. 1.
In the show, Smith explores found fabric, shapes and photo-based imagery that uses antique books, encyclopedic volumes, travel photos and the ubiquitous braided rugs which have followed the artist through life. From the gallery: “Through labor-intensive combinations of plywood, printed fabric and membranous skins of paint, the artist points to the transformative aspects of both the working process and the inherent representational value of his visual and constructed forms.”
Smith received has had solo exhibitions at the Office of the Governor, PCC, Gallery Hlemmur (Reykjavik, Iceland), and the Art Gym at Marylhurst College. Smith was included in The Oregon Biennial three times, and received the curator’s award in 1995 and 2001. He has also received many public commissions, including projects with Trimet, Providence Hospital, and the Port of Portland. His work is included in a number of public and private collections, including the American Embassy in Accra, Ghana; CityArts Inc. (New York), King County Public Art Collection (Seattle), Lewis and Clark College and Nike.
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 »
The exhibit looks great! We’re lucky to have this art showcase space at PCC!